03-20-2003, 07:53 AM
I've used GPS receivers and GIS on computers professionally for years. Trimble (e.g. GeoExplorer) is the best hardware on the market (sub-meter accuracy), but none of us can justify the cost of a Trimble for personal use and we're not doing GIS on a day-to-day basis, so I looked at Magellan and Garmin.
Although Garmin offers more software product options, Magellan's MapSend Topo USA software beats Garmin's Mapsource Topo USA software (or any other topo software option for the Garmin for that matter) hands down as far as contour lines and other details. I could go on about the differences, but instead, I'd suggest you take both units with the software loaded outside the store, turn them on, and compare. If there isn't much terrain in the area you're in, you may not be able to see many contour intervals on either unit. If that's the case, scroll them both over to Little Mountain just west of Brigham City. How many contour lines do you see describing the mountain on the Garmin? How many contour lines do you see describing the mountain on the Magellan? How about other details? You WILL see the differences. The difference in the field is that where the Garmin will show you a simple slope of a hill, the Magellan will show you the cliffs on it and the washes running down it, with numerous contour lines.
I will also add that the Meridian model is water proof (except for the battery compartment), floats, and has a thick rubber shock ring around it so it can take a fall without breaking into a million pieces.
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Although Garmin offers more software product options, Magellan's MapSend Topo USA software beats Garmin's Mapsource Topo USA software (or any other topo software option for the Garmin for that matter) hands down as far as contour lines and other details. I could go on about the differences, but instead, I'd suggest you take both units with the software loaded outside the store, turn them on, and compare. If there isn't much terrain in the area you're in, you may not be able to see many contour intervals on either unit. If that's the case, scroll them both over to Little Mountain just west of Brigham City. How many contour lines do you see describing the mountain on the Garmin? How many contour lines do you see describing the mountain on the Magellan? How about other details? You WILL see the differences. The difference in the field is that where the Garmin will show you a simple slope of a hill, the Magellan will show you the cliffs on it and the washes running down it, with numerous contour lines.
I will also add that the Meridian model is water proof (except for the battery compartment), floats, and has a thick rubber shock ring around it so it can take a fall without breaking into a million pieces.
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