OZZI EXPLORER MAPPING

[Spongebob]

I have been playing around with a trail verison of Ozzi Explorer mapping software earlier tonight.

Now I need some advice/opinions!!!!!

Is it worth buying (around R500.00 it seems) is there something better in that price class?

Which brand GPS works well with it, or not ?

Regards

[Perry]

Spongebob,

I use oziexplorer here in Oz and it is piele! It works much better with a licence and I get topographical as well as VTC maps.

It works without problems with all GPS - I use a Garmin II+ (that I used trekking through zims in 1999) and a Lowrance Airmap 600C.

Here in Oz, you can purchase calibrated maps for use - much easier than doing it yourself. I am not sure whether you can get RSA pre-calibrated maps - Contact Des Neuman the developer on his site for advice.

I am led to believe that his biggest customer is the US Army - they like his system.

Regards

[Spongebob]

Thanks Perry,

At the price it seems a bargain.

What attracts me to the software at this stage is that you can print a map segment to the scale you want, with all the route planning info and nav detail on it. No folding of expensive maps. I will initially use it without GPS as I am still pretty much cabage patch bound.

Am planning a momentous trek of about two hours for next weekend, using the printed map features.

Fly High

[Tobie de Beer]

Spongebob,

It is a very nice package I use it all the time! however you need the maps - look at www.madmappers.com to download them - I can help you with some aviation maps as well.

I've the airfields in the name seach etc.etc.

My database is just short of 10GB woth of maps and sat. images.

Ozi also smoothly integrate with height data (SRTM, GTOPO30 and other)

It also have a nice add on program where you can join up maps to form a larger map so you don't get stuck at map borders all the time -0 I made one of the 1:1M SA Aeronoutical maps.

Tobie

[Perry]

Spongebob,

The GPS bit is the easiest! Just connect your GPS to the USB port and off you go. Remember to select the make and model in the configuration setting under the file drop down.

I print out strip maps and then laminate them with my laminator at home and place these in my kneeboard as a backup to my electronic mapping.

Yep I have found Oziexplorer to be the best thus far and you can always download upgrades for free as well. Des also has a development section whereby you can trial new fixes etc.

Regards

[Spongebob]

Thanks Tobie and Perry.

The referral to Mad mappers has been most usefull.

I have purchased a set of electronic maps from CD Mapping and Surveys. Their service was very good.

I have now played around with calibrating some of those maps from Mapping and surveys into Ozzi.

I have a question however. I have figured out that most (if not all) the maps I have bought use Mercator conical projection. Ozzi then asks for some more settings including original meridian of the map etc. Wher in the heck do I get this as it is not indicated on, for instance, the RSA(aviation) 1:500 000 map for Gauteng. Can you help?

I have been wondering if you guys that fly with GPS still take a paper map along in case of problemos, that has now been answerd.

P.S. Is there anywhere one can go to learn to proppery use a GPS?


Regards

Spongebob.

[Tobie de Beer]

When I did these maps I spoke to some one that knows about them a bit more. If the centre Miridian is not specified it will be the centre of the map e.a. 28° E for the map mentioned.

In my opinion the best way to learn to use a GPS is to use it as much as possible, starting with using the simple GOTO function - you'll want to learn and then read-up - If you run a caurse you'll forget most of it by the time you walk out the door.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

P.S. Is there anywhere one can go to learn to proppery use a GPS?


Regards

Spongebob.

Depends on type. There are some self study courses on the internet. Else post some of the Q's here and I am sure most will be happy to assist.

Tip.
Press GOTO and follow the line...