Garmin KMZ Support

[pbwhite]

I've been playing around with the Export View for the Garmin KMZ option - but having searched the forums and manual, I still don't understand what 'current view' versus 'maximum detail' does - as when I checked them, and exported both options, they created the same image file in terms of size, etc.

I was hoping that the max detail would extract multiple tiles at the 1024x1024 size - essentially allowing me to make the large maps on the handheld instead of having to manually create the individual tiles.  However, I see from the beta forum that that is something that was discussed for another coding session.

[ScottMorris]

Right -- multi-tile support isn't there yet.  I'm working on documentation for Export View -- hope to have it ready soon.

To understand the "detail" setting, you first should play around with the Options->Preferences->TileSets->Tileset Preference.  That slider controls the point where the software will switch between tilesets.

The "maximum detail" setting in the export dialog simply forces that slider all the way to the left (shrink lower tilesets).  Beyond that point you are really shrinking things to the point where they become unreadable, so it's better to use the next tileset "up."

It may or may not change which tileset is actually displayed.  But if you do a large export, say 4000x3000 or so, over an area you are viewing in 16M topo, you should get 2M or 4M topo using the 'maximum detail' setting.

I've been out riding with my Dakota and multiple (15 or so) custom map files -- pretty darn cool feature if you ask me.  Definitely thinking about the multi-tile support.

[urgar2002]

Because of this great new feature I'm thinking about getting a new GPS. I have not had much reason to date to replace my trusty 60Csx, primarily because the screen performs better than the new touch screen models in direct sunlight. Any opinions on which model, the Dakota or the Colorado would be the better choice for viewing custom maps while using the unit on a bicycle? I know the primary difference between the two is the screen resolution with some saying the lower resolution on the Dakota makes for a better viewing experience in bright sunlight. Are there any differences between the units in drawing speed?

How's your Dakota working on your rides Scott?

[ScottMorris]

BTW, for the context of this thread, multi-tile support is there, as of version 3.95.  It is much more clear as to what map you are getting -- you simply select the map you want and the software tells you how many 1000x1000 tiles it takes to cover the current view.  Hopefully it makes sense.

urgar2002 -- I will have a review of the Dakota sometime soon.  The screen visibility is definitely an issue, but not enough that it's unusable on the handlebars.  I do very long races on the bike and when it really matters (saving time) I don't think I'd use the Dakota.  But for exploratory day rides the custom maps feature is VERY handy, and especially topo maps uploaded from TopoFusion seem to be quite visible on the screen.

Stay tuned for more...