Software Comparison Chart
As of this writing (10/8/03) these are the only programs that I'm aware of that you can:
- Download a free version from the internet
- Import a GPS or GIS data file
- Edit the data overlaid on a map, and
- Upload the data to a GPS receiver.
There are a few other software titles honorably mentioned below that didn't quite meet the comparison criteria. Contact me if you feel there is an error or if you know of another program that should be considered here.
| GPS
Utility Ver. 4.15.4 |
Ozi Explorer Ver. 3.95.3 |
Track Maker Ver. 11.8 |
Topo Fusion Ver. 3.1 |
Expert GPS Ver. 1.3 |
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| D I F F
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GARtrip (.wp) |
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| OziExplorer (.wpt) |
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| TrackMaker (.gtm) |
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| Fugawi (.txt) |
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| Topografix (.loc) |
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| Waypoint+ (.txt) |
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| Maptech (.mxf) |
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| GPXchange (.gpx) |
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| MAPGEN (.dat) |
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| ERSI (.e00) |
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| ERSI (.shp) |
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| Topo! (.tpg) |
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| Lowarance (.usr) |
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| MapSource (.mps) |
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| MapInfo (.mif) |
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GPS Utility |
Ozi Explorer |
GPS Track Maker |
Topo Fusion |
Expert GPS |
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| U M |
BMP | |
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| GIF | |
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| JPG | |
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| TIF | |
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| PNG | |
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| KAP | |
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| PCX | ||||||
GPS Utility |
Ozi Explorer |
GPS Track Maker |
Topo Fusion |
Expert GPS |
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| D M |
BSB | |
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| Maptech | |
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| DRG | |
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| Geogrid | ||||||
| GMF | ||||||
| SoftChart | ||||||
| ECW | |
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| QuoVadis Navigator | |
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| (via Internet) | Terra Server |
Terra Server |
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GPS Utility |
Ozi Explorer |
GPS Track Maker |
Topo Fusion |
Expert GPS |
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| G |
Garmin | |
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| Magellan | |
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| Lowrance | |
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| Furuno | |
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| MLR | |
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| Silva/ Brunton |
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GPS Utility |
Ozi Explorer |
GPS Track Maker |
Topo Fusion |
Expert GPS |
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| M |
Placename Search | |
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| Palm/Pocket Version Offered |
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| Moving Map Support |
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| Cost to Register |
$40 | $75 | $0 | $40 | $59.95 | |
More Detail, Links
GPS Utility
( www.gpsu.co.uk
)
"Utility" is the operative word. GPSU opens many more
GPS data file types than could be listed. Particularly useful is
the facility to import Magellan MapSend POI data files, MapsOnUs
driving directions, and Streets and Trips files, and DXF file format
which is helpful to AutoCAD users. Color 3-D terrain viewer available.
Free version limitations: 100-wpts 5-routes 500-trackpts and other limitations.
OZI Explorer
( www.oziexplorer.com
)
Extensive feature set. Excellent user map calibration tools.
Not shown in chart but worth mentioning: OziExplorer has a 3D option available.
Free version limitations: 2 pt only calibration and other limitations.
GPS Trackmaker
( www.gpstm.com
)
A very capable - free - program. Pro version offered.
Not shown in chart but worth mentioning: Trackmaker interfaces with Mapdekode
software for creating custom Garmin GPS basemaps.
Free version limitations: None.
ExpertGPS
(www.expertgps.com)
Automatic downloading of aerial photos and topo maps from the Internet
(TerraServer) enables the amateur cartographer to accomplish a lot without
having to worry about finding and calibrating maps. Map images include
topos and aerial photos for United States Only. Not shown in chart, but
worth mentioning: ExpertGPS imports Topo! (.tpg) file format.
Free version limitations: Full featured. Two week evaluation time limit.
TopoFusion
(www.topofusion.com)
Downloads topos and aerial maps from Terraserver. Unique features include:
elevation shading, multi-track playback, track averaging, and PhotoFusion
(georeferencing of digital photos based on EXIF headers). Fastest map
display engine available using DirectX.
Free version limitations: Full featured, unlimited time
evaluation.
Some map tiles are obscured with the word DEMO.
Honorable Mention
USAPhotoMaps ( http://jdmcox.com )USAPhotoMaps uses the GPX data format, transfers data to/from Garmin and Magellan receivers, has moving map support, and is free.
Wissenbach Map (http://myweb.cableone.net/cdwissenbach/map.html)
Import GPX data files, edit data overlaid on DRGs, upload to Garmin.
3-D version available.
GPS Visualizer
(www.gpsvisualizer.com)
Allows you to upload GPS eXchange (.gpx) files to view on a variety of
base maps. It's free, but it is currently only an on-line program.
Fugawi
(www.fugawi.com)
Fugawi's strong suite is the ability to import digital maps from a variety
of commercial sources. Regrettably, the downloadable demo does not allow
import/export of data.
Trailgauge (www.trailgauge.co.uk)
Designed specifically for runners and cyclists. Download topo maps aerial
photos, plan route, interface with GPS. 3D Visualization, elevation profiles,
and more.
