I'm new at this and just bought a Garmin eTrex Vista. Seems to work pretty good, but I'm now looking to purchase software to enhance the map capabilities. Does anyone have any experience with the Vista and MapSource MetroGuide USA version 5?

I've been using that combination, the Vista since Dec. 2001, and the Mapsource software since last Christmas. It's been great to have the detailed maps in my GPS- you may get a little turned around every once in a while, but never lost!-JB

Thanks jbzhow. I'll probably go ahead and purchase the software.

I can't speak for the Metroguide maps, but the MapSource Topo maps include excellent road maps for the areas that don't have the natural features that you'd associate with a topo map.

I don't know if the Metroguide maps provide any topo info - forest service roads, trails, contour lines, etc.

You might want to look at both before shelling out $$$

~erik~

I just couldn't wait. I went ahead and ordered the MetroGuide. It should be here in a day or two. I'll let ya know how I like it.

Besides, geocaching.com gets some of the proceeds!

I know the 'just couldn't wait' syndrome can be powerful. After reading the big E's comment here, I looked at the screen shot from the Topo Mapsource page and found it to be possibly superior to the Metroguide. Maybe more useable for geocaching with all of the streams, trails, contours and stuff. I'm still happy with my metro guide for now, or until I get the 'just can't waits' again. -JB

Well, finally got around to checking the screen shots of both the US Topo and the US Metro. Looks like I made a big mistake.

The topo maps have much more detail and roads!

Interesting thing, though. Before I purchased the Metro cd's, I had placed a bid for them on eBay. I didn't win, but now I have a guy that is emailing me offering the following:

quote:

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To member: wttouch
From member: peck666

--------------------


Hi,

I noticed that you were recently outbid in an Auction on Ebay for
Metroguide USA .I can provide you with a genuine fully working copy of this
software if you are at all interested for $38 including shipping. The
version is the very latest V5.0 on 2 disks and has full auto routing on
the PC and Waypoint Management.


For your interest, I also have:

Mapsource Worldmap
European Roads and Recreation
USA Roads & Recreation
Mapsource Metroguide Europe V5.0
Metroguide Great Britain
Metroguide France

These are all available at the same price of $38 including shipping.

This is a totally genuine offer, and I personally guarantee that all
disks will run and install perfectly.

Hope this all may be of interest to you. If you wish to purchase any of
the above, please get in touch.

I can accept payment by Paypal. My user ID is terminator466@hotmail.com

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I know he doesn't list the Topo CD, but for $38 shipped, I'm probably going to email him back to see if he can get it. Does this sound legitimate to you? Have you heard of anyone dealing with this character or another like him before?

quote:

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genuine fully working copy

---

Notice he doesn't say anything about original packaging or licenses. It may be bootleg software. Sure it'll work, but not legally.

Worth looking into at that price, though.

See ya on the hunt!

Well, he responded to my question about the Topo CD. He said he doesn't have it.

I wonder if I can send the Metro CDs back unopened in exchange for the Topo?

OK, finally got the MapSource Topo software. It looks awesome on the PC, but I need a little help. Page 2 of the manual, under the heading of "Installing MapSource (Non-Autorouting)", step #4 says, "'Full Install' copies all files to your hard drive, so the CDs won't be required to run the program." However, when I installed the program, it didn't give my an option for "Full Install" only "Typical".

I'd really like to have all this data on the HD and not have to worry with the CDs. Any ideas?

quote:

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Originally posted by Btouch:
OK, finally got the MapSource Topo software. It looks awesome on the PC, but I need a little help. Page 2 of the manual, under the heading of "Installing MapSource (Non-Autorouting)", step #4 says, "'Full Install' copies all files to your hard drive, so the CDs won't be required to run the program." However, when I installed the program, it didn't give my an option for "Full Install" only "Typical".

I'd really like to have all this data on the HD and not have to worry with the CDs. Any ideas?

---

I found the answer to my question on the GC boards. If anyone else needs the answer it can be found here.

Can anyone tell me if the U.S. Topo 24K National Parks, West is any good? Does it show any land outside park boundrys? I'm trying to deceide if I should bus that or the U.S. Topo West. Any reccomendations will be very helpful.