BajaNomad - wanted-GPS map

wanted-GPS map

willyAirstream - 5-7-2015 at 11:23 AM

Trying to find a gps map to import into Back Country Navigator app.
Cycle maps is ok, but hoping for something with more detail.

PaulW - 5-7-2015 at 12:31 PM

If you had a stand alone GPS you would have lots of map choices. The other platforms are just getting started with the stuff you need/want.
PaulW

Alm - 5-7-2015 at 12:57 PM

You are not going to find any good off-line mapping app for Baja, and neither I know why needing a map in place with so few roads.

Online mapping apps - well, they work only where there is a data connection, which is usually in a big town where you don't need a map. In any event, Googlemaps for Android is good enough for on-line.

willyAirstream - 5-7-2015 at 01:11 PM

Thanks, but I need to clear up a few things

I can use any map for standalones or any gps unit, garmin, lowrance etc.

Gpx, or any xml format, kml, kmz etc. All can be imported to BCN by using poi to convert to xlm, aka gps

BCN does not use a data connection, does not need to be online, just needs to seethe sky for gps satellite reception, same as a stand alone.

I use it to follow a course, a track for off road racing. It works as good as a 1200 dollar Lowrance and a 10 inch screen is easier to see than a Garmin.

Russ - 5-7-2015 at 01:55 PM

I don't quite get what you're saying. But this is what I have and it's OK
http://www.cartografiagps.com/mape32/updates.htm

LaTijereta - 5-7-2015 at 02:42 PM

I have been using BCN (free version) with the "Open Cycle" map, and it has many of the offroad trails west of Loreto as you zoom in... I also have been able to plot trails on Google Earth, then transfer them over to my Samsung tablet for viewing out on the trails.. Just loaded the Gregorio Trail for a future run..

For the SCORE BajaSur 500 we loaded the course off the GPS files on their website.. then pre-ran the course using the tablet to follow and let us know how we were from various "RM" locations and access roads in... The GPS on the tablet was right on track, as long as you stayed zoomed in..
I think if you upgrade to their "Pro" ($10) version app, they offer additional mapping choices..

willyAirstream - 5-7-2015 at 02:46 PM

Thanks Russ, that is exactly what I am looking for, but is it worth 105 dlls?

Currently I can use google map, cycle topo or even a pdf or aerial photo, if it has co ordinates marked, as a background map for tracking. I can use a plain white background also. Usually i follow an existing track i have made, but it is nice to have topo and existing conditions shown too, especially exploring.

To explain what I am doing....I used google earth to trace a race course `track`from a jpg file, then exported a kmz, converted to a gpx and imported to to BCN.. works great. Now I have a track to follow during pre running, and a bunch of ribbons

to follow. I will make a more accurate track from the pre run to use in the race. My existing background map is pretty good, showing most of the P Chivato roads and houses. I was curious as to what else was out there. I contacted your link to see if they can send it in a compatable format.
Thanks

willyAirstream - 5-7-2015 at 02:59 PM

Thanks LaTij..
We are doing the same thing, great

I have BCN pro and so far, open cycle is the best out there. I was hoping calTopo had something, but it is mostly usa. How is your tablet holding up? I have used mine for several trips to the Pacific side, but this will be the first time using it in a race. I built a mount with shocks for it but need to find away to keep the dust out. So far, blue taping the ports and panels is my only solution.
Btw, i am using Ulysse speedo for speedometer and timing and using My Tracks as a back up tracker, recommend both.

willyAirstream - 5-7-2015 at 03:27 PM

I heard back from cartographis gps, in spanish, and they use an .img file format and can`t say if it is compatable, but I may try a trial if available.

Russ - 5-8-2015 at 07:00 AM

cartographis gps does not show a lot of detail around Pt. Chivato but once you have driven a track and down loaded it to your computer (Garmin Base Camp in my case) you could print accurate maps. Like any other program you'll have to learn how to work it. I have a Garmin Nuvi mounted on the roof of my Ranger so it's convenient to look at while on a ride without glare. Once West of Hwy 1 it shows a lot of detail.

willyAirstream - 5-8-2015 at 07:22 AM

Thanks Russ
It looks very similar to OpenCycle maps. Saved me from getting a trial version. I will post a pic later of the same areas for comparison.

MulegeAL - 5-8-2015 at 08:03 AM

Richard,
This is what a bunch of the single track riders are using now. But it's not a freebie.

http://advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25805680&postc...

Good luck out there at night! Since it is a night race, maybe that means your screen visibility will be ok. main issue for me running at night was glare from dusty face shield or goggles and fatigue.

willyAirstream - 5-8-2015 at 12:45 PM

pics below, screenshots rotated to get larger image here

Al, that is the one Russ is using also. The E32
The Garmin and Lowrance are out of my price range. and the Garmin is too small for me to see when driving with my head bouncing around.

Here is what I have learned from 2 days testing. I will give it a full test pre running on Sunday. Not trying to convince anyone to use a tablet, just sharing info.

A gps tablet solution using Back Country Navigation Pro, BCN, seems to be as good as the E32 as far as I can tell from 2 days testing. the E32 does show a bit more detail, zoomed to max.
A tablet also has more functions and other uses, for me.

using these apps...............
Back Country Nav Pro
Open Cycle Maps
RealtimeTracker messages powered by greenalp.com
Ulysse Speedo

Pros
large screen, easy to see when driving, if no glare. easy for co driver to see and use

setting a way pt by just touching the screen

send location and text to friends or to pre determned emergency contacts via SMS or email

built in camera and video cam controlled from BCN or normal way,

can take pics and video at waypoints, easy to co ordinate

i have it, nothing to buy and apps are dirt cheap

records times and speeds, highest, average, total etc

exports a google earth video of track, if wanted, pretty cool

easy export from GE to gps tracking on BCN, got kml import to work, no need to convert to gpx

png and photos can be used below the track, not sure on this, read about it, but not tested. This would be cool for a small selected area, not for racing, just exploring.

import track to GE for detail view, also could track using GE, but it is slow

easy screen shots, store and view on tablet drive

easy cloud storage, ie dropbox, of gpx, km, pics etc of trip to
bounce between tablet and pc

controls and live viewing of pov action cams

gpx and kml from dropbox auto opens in BCN

google earth readily online or from stored images on tablet

entertainment, from stored music and video, plus all the things on the tablet. Everything needed in one unit,

Cons
touch screen hard to use when racing, but really just need to see the track , not menus

glare

hard to dust proof when set up for racing, non racing just stick it a backpack

shock proof mounting not tested. unsure if tablet will with stand racing. Normally, I carry it packed and protected

only 4 hours of battery time, need to carry charger or power pac when used for exploring. Plug into cig lighter recep for long races

using dropbox for uncompressed pics

carlosg - 5-8-2015 at 03:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willyAirstream

Thanks LaTij..
We are doing the same thing, great

I have BCN pro and so far, open cycle is the best out there. I was hoping calTopo had something, but it is mostly usa. How is your tablet holding up? I have used mine for several trips to the Pacific side, but this will be the first time using it in a race. I built a mount with shocks for it but need to find a way to keep the dust out. So far, blue taping the ports and panels is my only solution.
Btw, i am using Ulysse speedo for speedometer and timing and using My Tracks as a back up tracker, recommend both.

You may want to look into these protective cases, I have used the SEIDO for a couple of years to protect my Samsung S4 phone and it really works great, I use my phone as an underwater camera when camping in Baja:

http://www.seidioonline.com/default.asp

http://www.lifeproof.com/en/?path=TopNav-Logo

It keeps the dust and beach sand out as well, I don't know how good it would perform under the stress of such a bumpy ride as in a Baja race.... :?:

willyAirstream - 5-8-2015 at 03:57 PM

Thanks for the links. That is what I need.
I will have to order something.

Being the segunda under the bridge won't have them for the race, fingers crossed that the blue tape works.

Russ - 5-8-2015 at 06:42 PM

I have this I'll trade for 2 qts of oil. :light:

willyAirstream - 5-8-2015 at 07:34 PM

Deal!! That means I now owe you 7 quarts plus 4 years interest in Pacificos :light:

:embarrassed:
Will a 10'' wide x 7.5'' tablet fit in there? I couldn't find that model on the Arkon site.

Russ - 5-8-2015 at 10:16 PM

It spins around so you can lock it in any position so it should work. I think it was made for a seat head rest like this
( http://guide.alibaba.com/shop/car-back-seat-headrest-mount-h... )
but good old Mexican ingenuity should work for a mounting platform.
Forget the oil it's just taking up space here.

willyAirstream - 5-9-2015 at 05:17 AM

It is perfect and will mount to the dash easily and I can make it removable..
Pre running on Sunday, mananà, I will try to stop by.

Russ - 5-9-2015 at 05:35 AM

I may be gone from 10 to noon but I'll leave it on the patio. I hope it's strong enough

Quote: Originally posted by willyAirstream

It is perfect and will mount to the dash easily and I can make it removable..
Pre running on Sunday, mananà, I will try to stop by.

[Edited on 5-9-2015 by Russ]

Russ - 5-9-2015 at 06:46 AM

So now what you need is a drone to follow you're pre-run and post that to show what hazards the night drivers might expect. Although a night run is absolutely crazy in my opinion. Having enough lights to stay on course at speed and then dealing with other drivers, their lights, dust and unseen hazards is really dangerous. I hope all goes well and there are no bad reports. I'll probably watch at least part of it from my garage roof.

Desertbull - 5-9-2015 at 09:43 AM

I have digital background maps for Lowrance and I use E32 for Garmin and it has more detail than anything else out there.

E32 is easy to use ...

The Lowrance mapping files I purchased were $85 dollars and the E32 is $100+ ... their is nothing cheap cheap when it comes to digital background maps of because someone had to do all the work

willyAirstream - 5-10-2015 at 07:28 AM

Russ, A Phantom DJI with a Sony 4k cam is on my wish list

Ou could program it to follow the car or fly a mile ahead, unlimited fun. You might need a third co pilot to operate the drone, hmmm...
Night racing, 24 hour races and driving fast, it is all crazy, but fun, especially in baja.
The Willys was put to the test yesterday over some very narly steep trails on the course, no problems, tons of fun.
Yesterday we marked part of the course and used a Samsung phone to track the route and waypts on gps. Very easy.
Desertbull, the problem is there are not many maps, bg images, available for baja. The E32 maps and the OpenCycle maps are very similar. OC is available for Garmin, ck it out. Based on screenshots from Russ,ADV, Garmin folks and prints from Al . The OC and E32 are similar, if not the same. Both seemed to be based on OpenStreetMaps. E32 has more place labels. Since, OC is open source anyone can update it, so you or anyone could add more data, such as labels. OC is updated every 24 hours. OC was started in 2006. CalTopo has fantastic maps, but it hasnt included baja yet. It is also open source.
BCN while not open source, does encourage user imput. Over 100,000 users.
Low cost does not mean low quality. It is updated weekly.
I have an older Lowrance, 3200 mod. It is rugged, large screen, tiny menu, no keybd. It does tracking well, uses a OSM image bg. It does gps tracking very well.
It needs cables and power, needs to be hard wired to a pc to download tracks and files., for field use. The tablet, for me at least, does so much more.
When I have time I will play with maps of baja that David K recently posted. They are tiled and should work. And submit labels to OC.
Itwont be long before we have detailed maps of all parts of the world.
I am excited about the possibilities using one unit for gps, contolling built in and remote cams, adding notes, and having emergency communication availabe.
Using open source products means they are updated as they are improved, not like Adobe, where updates are every few months and new versions every 14 months, at a cost.