GPS for the woods

[fishfactor]

Maybe someone here can give some feedback. For some of the work we do, a GPS is very helpful. Currently, I just use a cheap Garmin hand held but the signal is lacking in the cab.

I've been searching for a affordable unit with the option for a remote antennea that could be put on the roof. It would be a huge plus to have software for my computer where I could input data then download to the GPS. I used a set up like this on a past job. The GPS was provided by the customers surveyor. He couldn't tell me much as he was just a employee, but he said he had heard the software for there unit was $50k. It was way overkill for what I need.

Anyone have a setup they could recommend?

 

[johndeerejohn]

I have a garmin gpsmap 60cxs handheld and it has a place on the back of it for a external antenna and it also came with (it was a package deal:thumbsup map source U.S. topo map software that lets you upload and download from your computer to the gps and vice versa. i'm not sure how accurate you want to get but i used mine for mapping atv trails and it works good for that. I've had mine for a few years now and i'm sure the price has dropped since i bought mine.

 

[nikdfish]

Are you wanting to locate/track your movement within a working plot area?

Some handheld units can accept customized images/maps for display on-screen and on their corresponding PC software. Also, many areas provide access to GIS (geographic information services)data as part of the tax parcel database. Information that includes boundary info, various information layers and aerial photographs. Imagery can typically be downloaded. You can get lat. long. info for corners & landmarks on the image which can be used to scale & locate the image within the GPS unit's coordinate system. Some areas charge for access, many (like my local county) provide free access.

With an image based map, you would then be able to place waypoints, routes, etc. into the unit from the PC, using detail from the overhead imagery for reference. Breadcrumb tracks from the GPS could go back to the PC for documenting activity.

Not sure if that is the sort of thing you'd be wanting, just what comes to mind at first blush...

Nick

 

[whistlepig]

I also have a Garmin 60CSX. I upgraded to it from a Garmin Etrex. I specifically bought the 60CSX for it's reputation to pick up satellite signals under a thick forest canopy. And it's very good for that. It also works very well in my trucks with out an external antennae. The 60CSX has been around a few years. It's a rugged and reliable hand held. I can Google Earth places in the middle of a lake 500 miles away, download them into my 60CSX, and it will take me there. I have done this.

 

[fishfactor]

Thanks guys. Thats exactly what I was looking for. The main use would be to locate corners on the GIS (it's free here) and download to the handheld. I understand that a handheld is not pinpoint accurate like a survey rig, but it's usually close enough to find the rebar/pin with a little searching. When I buy property the first thing I do is locate the corners and define the property lines. We have been on numerous jobs where the landowner had no idea where their property line was.

 

[tonyoz]

I have a Garmin GPS72.Is there an aeral similar to the type used in a car?I don't want an external one cause it will get smashed

 

[mulchman45]

Maybe someone here can give some feedback. For some of the work we do, a GPS is very helpful. Currently, I just use a cheap Garmin hand held but the signal is lacking in the cab.

I've been searching for a affordable unit with the option for a remote antennea that could be put on the roof. It would be a huge plus to have software for my computer where I could input data then download to the GPS. I used a set up like this on a past job. The GPS was provided by the customers surveyor. He couldn't tell me much as he was just a employee, but he said he had heard the software for there unit was $50k. It was way overkill for what I need.

Anyone have a setup they could recommend?

i have run gps in a barko doing seismac. topcon the best

 

[ralanb]

Maybe someone here can give some feedback. For some of the work we do, a GPS is very helpful. Currently, I just use a cheap Garmin hand held but the signal is lacking in the cab.

I've been searching for a affordable unit with the option for a remote antennea that could be put on the roof. It would be a huge plus to have software for my computer where I could input data then download to the GPS. I used a set up like this on a past job. The GPS was provided by the customers surveyor. He couldn't tell me much as he was just a employee, but he said he had heard the software for there unit was $50k. It was way overkill for what I need.

Anyone have a setup they could recommend?

Fish, did you find a gps to help you yet?

 

[Willl]

I have a Garmin GPS72.Is there an aeral similar to the type used in a car?I don't want an external one cause it will get smashed

The GPS72 doesn't have any external antenna capabilities.

 

[TMR]

I have a similar desire to get a good GPS for use in the woods...I see two Garmins mentioned...60CSX and and GPS72? Are these the two perhaps best at using in woods to mark property lines (perfection not required) and show trails, etc?

Thanks...I will continue to follow...Tom R