Free Topo Basemaps - 40' contours!

[Krein]

A number of independent  developers are piecing together high resolution DEM data and GIS layers to form their own statewide Mapsource maps.  They are free, though I suggest donating some money for their hard work.

Here's AZ:

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/1/

note: currently the roads in Pima county are off.  I've already contacted the devs to see if they think it's easily fixed

And CO, MT, UT, WY:

http://www.miscjunk.org/mj/mp_main.html

I don't yet have much experience with these in the field, but they look great in Mapsource and on the unit itself.

[ScottMorris]

Note: you don't actually need to own Mapsource to upload and use these maps on your GPS.  The "Trip and Waypoint manager" version of Mapsource will work just fine.

You should have gotten a CD with this software on it with the GPS.

[ScottMorris]

Just wanted to note that they fixed the road issue for Pima county.  There's getting to be quite a collection of free basemaps.

The following states are also available from the miscjunk link above:

Hawaii
Idaho
Mississippi
New Mexico

[Fasterhorses]

I have downloaded and installed several of these topo maps including one for Calif. Is there a way to select them for use in TF? Thanks,

Don Huston

[ScottMorris]

No, TopoFusion can't open or view these files.

[ChrisS]

please disregard this question.  I found the tutorials on the site linked by the OP.

Is it possible to load, view, and use these maps on a Garmin Etrex Vista HCx?  Appreciate any links or tips on the how to (if possible) get them onto a micro SD for my unit.

Was hoping to get some northern AZ topos loaded for an upcoming trip.

Thanks!
Chris

[ScottMorris]

Yes, these maps should work just fine with your Vista HCx.  Dig around a bit on the sites linked above, you will find instructions on how to get them loaded.