Memory-Map is loaded with features to help you enjoy your outdoor trips.
Much of the enjoyment is to be had at home, planning before your trip,
and afterwards, reviewing your experience. That is why Memory-Map provides
much more than just a navigation tool.
The first step is to acquire the
detailed maps you need. Digital topo maps
give you detailed coverage of a very broad area. Most topo maps show hiking
trails, but if the trails you are interested in are not shown, you can
often download the trail as a GPS overlay. Check for a GIS section in
the trail association web site.
Use the software to plan your route, seeing distances,
compass bearings, elevation profile and estimated time. The amount of
elevation gain will determine the difficulty of the hike, and you can
see the gradients in the elevation profile of the route.
Use the 3D World to find the best vistas. Fly
along your route to get a good idea of the terrain you will be in.
Program your route into a hand-held GPS, or take
the digital maps with you on a Pocket PC.
Print maps to take with you. Select the exact
area you need, overlay your route and the grid of your choice. Waterproof
paper can be used to ensure your maps won't disintegrate.
A small, light hand-held or wrist-mounted GPS
is best for hiking. A basic model will do a great job guiding you along
your planned route, and it will tell you how far you have been, how far
you have to go, and when you will get there.
You can plot your position from a basic GPS on
a paper map. If you have your route printed on the map, it is easier to
measure distance from a waypoint than to plot lat/long coordinates or
a grid reference. But manual plotting takes time, and is error-prone.
A Pocket PC running Memory-Map Pocket Navigator
will show your GPS position overlaid on the digital map. Having a powerful
mapping tool in the palm of your hand is a great advantage if you want
to explore away from your planned route. Just tap in a new route on the
map, and you can see the elevation profile, before you commit to an extra
climb.
If your Pocket PC does not have a built-in GPS,
you can add one to the CF or SD card slot. A single integrated unit is
more convenient than having a wireless GPS, when you are out hiking.
How many "gadgets" do you want to carry:
Phone, GPS, Camera, MP3 player.... A single compact Pocket PC can do all
of these, and more!
An Aquapac gives you full use of the Pocket PC,
while protecting it from rain and dust. You want to be able to use it,
especially if the weather closes in.
On longer backpacking trips, you'll need to recharge
your Pocket PC. Non-rechargable lithium batteries carry the most charge
for a given weight. A battery box carrying 4 AAs, or 2 3V lithium camera
batteries, can plug into the Pocket PC to give it a recharge whenever
required.
Of course, you'll take pictures on your trip,
and these can be automatically located on the map. You can also make voice
audio recordings, videos, or any other digital media, and have their locations
appear on the map.