The OP's question was what kind of GPS is best for Baja. This would imply a traditional stand alone GPS like a Garmin or TomTom. Of course, a GPS
must have Mexico maps to work in Baja, and the detail of small dirt tracks might be less than ideal in the basic maps that are provided by the
manufacturer. As noted, the after market E32 map ($105 US, Garmin only) has more detail on back roads. I looked at a screen shot of the E32 map for
the Sierra Juarez there were so many trails it looked like a ball of spaghetti, but the dirt bikers seem to like it.
Or, "GPS" could mean any electronic device with a built in GPS such as a tablet or smart phone. There are many "apps" or software that can be used to
download maps to the device memory, then be used in areas without cell reception. Gaiia, Backountry Navigator, etc etc., much loved by the techie
set. The better ones seem to require a subscription. Google maps is free, and areas can be selected and downloaded for offline use. It is pretty
good for navigating around towns and cities, but not so great for the back country. The roads are shown by a faint white line on a grey background.
If you want to see small dirt tracks, you have to zoom in so far that there is no frame of reference for surrounding main roads, then when you zoom
out the small tracks disappear!
For the youngsters, there is a thing called a "map" that is actually printed on something called "paper" a substance that is made out of trees. With
one of these, and a compass, it is possible to navigate without the assistance of any electronic device! |
