Overland Navigator GPS Topo Software

[cruiserlarry]

At the suggestion of a friend, I checked out and ordered the mapping program from Spatial Minds, Overland Navigator 2.0. (GPS TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING SOFTWARE). The company owner, Craig Miller, has an impresive background in Spatial engineering and mapping technology (check out his bio on their site). He has created a program that has a very simple, easy to use interface, works with touchscreen laptops while wearing gloves, can be set up full screen, continues where it left off if you log off while tracking, interfaces with virtually any GPS (including simple, inexpensive USB puck units), and utilizes USGS maps that seamlessly transfer from one to another.

Spatial Minds offers many different map packs for different areas of the country, up to 1:24,000 resolution, and satellite maps as well. Easy to import gpx files, automatic save for tracked trails, etc. - lots of cool features, and very reasonably priced (IMHO). The customer service cannot be beat, either (I received an e-mail reply in 5 minutes at 8pm !!!).

I'll post up more as I get a chance to use it on the trail, but I'd suggest you check it out on there very well set up web site if you are looking for an easy to use Topo program.

As I talked with Craig, I found out he's a ham, too; and he is going to try and integrate an APRS interface to Overland Navigator as he gets time...doesn't get more functional than that for OAUSA members...

[unwiredadventures]

Thanks for reminding me about this software. I just ordered it and wil give it a try on an upcoming trip.

[sdnative]

I almost ordered it, but since it wont arrive before SummerFest I decided to wait.

Larry, can I check out your setup at SummerFest? I'd like to see it in person before I order it. Looks like a great product.

[gon2srf]

Neat stuff Larry. How smooth is the transition between the USGS topo maps and the satellite imagery?

[cruiserlarry]

I almost ordered it, but since it wont arrive before SummerFest I decided to wait.

Larry, can I check out your setup at SummerFest? I'd like to see it in person before I order it. Looks like a great product.

Well, for a small admission charge... Of course you can check it out By the way, I received it in 2 days...They ship out their stuff fast.

Neat stuff Larry. How smooth is the transition between the USGS topo maps and the satellite imagery?

I didn't order the satellite image pack, because it takes a huge chunk of hard drive to store it
(About 20+g - I didn't have enough room; Eventually, I'll put a larger drive in the laptop). I'd give Craig a call; he's a nice guy and super knowledgeable on mapping in general.

[unwiredadventures]

I almost ordered it, but since it wont arrive before SummerFest I decided to wait.

I ordered it this morning. They emailed the shipping tracking number within 2 hours.

I didn't order the satellite image pack, because it takes a huge chunk of hard drive to store it

I didn't for the same reason.

[cruiserlarry]

I almost ordered it, but since it wont arrive before SummerFest I decided to wait.

I ordered it this morning. They emailed the shipping tracking number within 2 hours.

Their customer service is the fastest I've ever seen (well, maybe second fastest )

[spatialminds]

Thank you all for supporting Overland Navigator. If anyone has any questions at all, please feel free to contact me anytime.

As Larry mentioned above, I'm a HAM, an Expedition Style 4x4 traveler, and a Geospatial Software Architect/Engineer. In my spare time I run http://northwestoverlandsociety.org which is a site that seems to be very similar to this one in it's makeup. We might have to meet up in the Alvord Desert sometime for a joint trip.

There was a question about Satellite Imagery above. The Satellite Imagery is satellite imagery and not aerial photos. If you watch the YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Gz4xXWt1Q) you can see how the imagery appears. It adds additional zoom levels when you zoom out. It doesn't appear behind the the topos when you are at more detailed zoom levels. I use it to:

- Display long routes and to quiet my son's "Are we there yet" questions
- Zoom from one side of the state to another
- Display GPX tracks in areas where I might take a trip, but don't have detailed maps yet. For example, we are considering a trip to the Yukon/NWT and this allowed me to at least have something behind it.
- Allow me to "find myself" if I have the GPS disconnected and I zoom beyond the maps I have installed.
- Entertain myself looking at the cool satellite imagery of Africa and daydreaming of going on a photo Safari.

Craig
support@spatialminds.com

[DaveK]

Craig:

Welcome to OAUSA. It seems we have kindred spirits in the North West.

You have definitely hit on one of our hot spots - navigation. Thanks for your support of this product. We seldom get manufacturers or developers to make offers of help like you have. It is quite refreshing! Thanks!

[BlueFJ]

Hey Craig,
You got one very cool name there!