Mapping Software is Crap...
#21
01-24-2012 | 07:19 PM
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Some great feedback in this thread, more than I've seen in searching other threads on this subject. The replies are greatly appreciated!
Hey man, somebody already made an offer!
Exactly!
Yep, does this all the time. Ties in to the response below I think, higher resolution for route selection.
This is one of the biggest problems I've encountered, thanks for the tip.
To the OP: Your last sentence cracked me up, world's greatest electric navigator salesman. Your frustration comes through loud and clear, I'll give you a nickle.
This doesn't seem very sympathetic, but to say "this is the worst piece of junk ever devised by man, any one want to buy it?" just made me laugh.
This doesn't seem very sympathetic, but to say "this is the worst piece of junk ever devised by man, any one want to buy it?" just made me laugh.
I have the Road Tech/Garmin 550. Its not a hardware issue. Its the software. The software looks and operates like Version 1 from 1998 that was never updated, just my humble educated opinion as a computer programmer in four languages. The software is clunky, not intuitive, and downright difficult to locate and operate many of the functions.
Agreed, you'd think mapping software would be more competitive these days, given how few have any idea where they're going.
I like this! One software anomaly I am really fond of is when you route using MapSource, then go back and expand the view to see more details and find out the software has you exiting off the Interstate for no apparent reason, routes you in a 5.5 mile circle, and routes you back on the Interstate 2 miles back from where you just traveled!
Agreed, you'd think mapping software would be more competitive these days, given how few have any idea where they're going.
I like this! One software anomaly I am really fond of is when you route using MapSource, then go back and expand the view to see more details and find out the software has you exiting off the Interstate for no apparent reason, routes you in a 5.5 mile circle, and routes you back on the Interstate 2 miles back from where you just traveled!
When designing a route you MUST pay attention to what side of a divided hwy you put your Waypoint. The best tip I found on the Zumoforums is to go through your entire route at an increased magnification and pay attention to intersections and where you've put your Vias and Waypoints. Also, reversing a route isn't as simple as Reverse Route, you need to recheck your intersections, Vias and Waypoints. If you're using the Selection Tool you have to pay attention to the same things.
I don't know about the HD Ride Planner, but the Zumo will follow a MapSource route if you use via points instead of waypoints. The difference is that viapoints are created on an intersection, not just any given point along a route. The Zumo apparently sees waypoints as suggestions while viapoints are more definitive, and if you use waypoints to force a specific route the Zumo may very well override your routing plans, as I've found out in practical experience. I'm not sure if this is covered in any documentation or if this is applicable to the HD Ride Planner, but it works for me with MapSource.
#22
02-04-2012 | 07:22 AM
When planning routes I use ITN Converter (free ware) and/or MapSource.
When done, I save the route file in gpx format in this folder on my Garmin device or SD card: Garmin/GPX. From there you can import the route into your Zumo device.
Like other members posted: always zoom in to check if the via point is at the good side of the road!
Tip: Don't put the via points at but a few hundred yards over the intersection (see image below via point #7).
You'll find some of my routes over here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/9318484-post77.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/hdfor...pean-tour.html
If you have any questions on the use of MapSource or ITN Converter just shoot me a PM and I'd be glad to help you.
When done, I save the route file in gpx format in this folder on my Garmin device or SD card: Garmin/GPX. From there you can import the route into your Zumo device.
Like other members posted: always zoom in to check if the via point is at the good side of the road!
Tip: Don't put the via points at but a few hundred yards over the intersection (see image below via point #7).
You'll find some of my routes over here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/9318484-post77.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/hdfor...pean-tour.html
If you have any questions on the use of MapSource or ITN Converter just shoot me a PM and I'd be glad to help you.
Last edited by FXD2003Rider; 02-04-2012 at 09:18 AM.
#23
02-04-2012 | 10:25 AM
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 22
From: Fort Pierce, Florida
Try Motowhere... I have some friends who use this site. You can make a route and then download it in GPX format to load on your Garmin. I really like this site. Give it a try.
http://www.motowhere.com/
http://www.motowhere.com/
#27
02-04-2012 | 08:19 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: Ottawa, Canada, summer, Daytona Beach Florida, winter
#28
02-04-2012 | 08:32 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
I use over 20 web based programs to do my job, and none suck as bad as the HD or Garmin mapping software for the Zumo series GPS.
MapQuest, which absolutely sucks, does not suck as bad as HD and Garmin when it comes to mapping software.
The only thing a GPS on your bike is good for is the same as in your cage, if you have no idea how to get from point A to point B.... it might get you there.
I can't count the hours I've spent trying to create custom routes with both HD and Garmin mapping software, all wasted. These programs are junk, as UN-user friendly and inaccurate as they get.
Forget about planning the route you want to ride, go back to your old days, memorize the route and take a map with you.
If Id known this from the start, I'd never have dumped $550 plus the install on this crap.
Rant over. If anyone is interested in a Zumo 660, fairing mount, and NMIB module....pm me.
MapQuest, which absolutely sucks, does not suck as bad as HD and Garmin when it comes to mapping software.
The only thing a GPS on your bike is good for is the same as in your cage, if you have no idea how to get from point A to point B.... it might get you there.
I can't count the hours I've spent trying to create custom routes with both HD and Garmin mapping software, all wasted. These programs are junk, as UN-user friendly and inaccurate as they get.
Forget about planning the route you want to ride, go back to your old days, memorize the route and take a map with you.
If Id known this from the start, I'd never have dumped $550 plus the install on this crap.
Rant over. If anyone is interested in a Zumo 660, fairing mount, and NMIB module....pm me.
#29
02-05-2012 | 09:51 AM
Novice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
I've taken many a trip using the HD Trip Planner without a hitch..well almost anyway.
Rule 1: When using any mapping software ALWAYS zoom in to check your waypoints. You might be surprised that to see that your intended point somehow snapped off route at an intersection you didn't want. After the 3rd "RECALCULATING" message was displayed I quickly created Rule 2.
Rule 2: Always jot down the basic routes of your trip as a belt and suspenders thing. I use the GPS as extra information and not as gospel, be smarter than the box when it tells you to turn.
Rule 3: When told to turn down a river, railroad track, or canyon think twice.
Rule 1: When using any mapping software ALWAYS zoom in to check your waypoints. You might be surprised that to see that your intended point somehow snapped off route at an intersection you didn't want. After the 3rd "RECALCULATING" message was displayed I quickly created Rule 2.
Rule 2: Always jot down the basic routes of your trip as a belt and suspenders thing. I use the GPS as extra information and not as gospel, be smarter than the box when it tells you to turn.
Rule 3: When told to turn down a river, railroad track, or canyon think twice.
#30
02-05-2012 | 10:20 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
I rode some interesting back road routes before I figured that out....
