Motorbike GPS

[Velox]

I'm doing a GIS ass. for Uni at the mo. and I've managed to manipulate it into being about a GIS/GPS package for touring around NZ on bikes. It's a bit of fun and I'm just doing the research at this stage. I was wondering if any of you guys have a bike-mounted GPS unit and any thoughts on the matter. They've got some pretty flash stuff overseas where you can download where the nearest petrol stations, quickest routes, fav. rides, etc are onto your GPS so you have it with you. Esp. good if you don't know the area (ie, for tourists). Speed camera locations would also be good to be on it I reckon.

[cycosis]

if all goes well i buy one off ya.it all helps

[jrandom]

I'm sure I've posted before about my job writing software for Navman's (www.navman.com) land navigation division.

PM me if you have any questions. Always happy to help out...

[Ghost Lemur]

Have a chat to JR, he works for Navman, so this is very much down his path.

[Velox]

I'm sure I've posted before about my job writing software for Navman's (www.navman.com) land navigation division.

PM me if you have any questions. Always happy to help out...
Cheers for that JR! I had a quick look but I'll check it our properly when I'm actually concentrating on doing some work instead of wasting time! Does anyone ever buy them off you for their bike? It doesn't seem to be that popular for bikes in NZ compared with overseas - I guess cause we're smaller and it's more obvious exactly where you are because of our topography and size. Do you guys recommend any particular GIS to use in conjunction with GPS? I'm guessing that you can with these ones?

Cycosis - I wish mate! Perhaps if I went into business I could finally get my 600 eh?! We just have to make a proposal and cost it all and make a management plan and stuff (but not actually go through with it). It would be really cool to have though (even for non-toursits) because it could say how far to the nearest petrol station and where speed cameras and road works are, and some overseas connect in with your bike's stats too. You can download you own info from rides on to them too, which would be handy. I'm aiming it more for the tourist market though - so pretty basic stuff.

[Jackrat]

I bought a GPS for my Hunting & Fishing.
It lives in my sox draw.
In the time it takes to lock on an give you any info, I already know where I am and where I'm going.
Learn to use a map and you'll never need one.
Just another invention for the brain dead.

[jrandom]

Just another invention for the brain dead.

Y'reckon? How about I put you in a rental car in central London the day after you fly into the country with a paper map book and 45 minutes to get to an appointment 20 miles away, then let you try the same thing with one of these http://www.navman-europe.com/product_details.php?id=AA005301 and you can tell me if you still think GPS is an invention for the brain dead.

[jrandom]

Actually, further to that, if Jackrat or anyone else for that matter wants a play for a week or so with one of those loaded up with NZ maps, just PM me.

[Jackrat]

Y'reckon? How about I put you in a rental car in central London the day after you fly into the country with a paper map book and 45 minutes to get to an appointment 20 miles away, then let you try the same thing with one of these http://www.navman-europe.com/product_details.php?id=AA005301 and you can tell me if you still think GPS is an invention for the brain dead.

Sure GPS might have it's uses but it will never replace a paper map,or a person that can use one properly.
Your a Hunter so you tell me,Where is a hunter in the NZ bush that relys on GPS when his batterys run down or he can't get a lock,or he plain old leaves the thing back at camp?Unless he has real map reading skills and the map and compass to employ them.He could be in deep shit.I know a number of people that can't use a map and compass properly so they rely on GPS.This is what I mean by brain dead.I have used both,I'll stick with my learnt skills,a GPS is handy but should never replace them.

[jrandom]

Your a Hunter so you tell me,Where is a hunter in the NZ bush that relys on GPS when his batterys run down or he can't get a lock,or he plain old leaves the thing back at camp?Unless he has real map reading skills and the map and compass to employ them.He could be in deep shit.I know a number of people that can't use a map and compass properly so they rely on GPS.This is what I mean by brain dead.I have used both,I'll stick with my learnt skills,a GPS is handy but should never replace them.

Hah, I can hardly call myself a hunter at the moment. Haven't even picked up a gun in months. The poor rifles are languishing in the gargre.

But I agree, I'd never head out into woppy areas with a GPS and nothing else. It's useful, but not a safe replacement for non-electronic instruments offroad or on the water. In fact, I don't even have an offroad GPS. Never felt the need.

I was pointing out that GPS *can* take a significant load off a user, even if they're otherwise competent. The road navigation thing is probably the best example of that.

You still couldn't guarantee that you wouldn't need a paper map on the road, though. So your point is well made, I suppose.

[Coyote]

I reckon GPS is great cause sure a paper map is reliable, cheap, and doesn't require batteries put for those who can't tell their ass from their elbow, it's perfect. Hell, some people stuck with a map will be wondering wheres north.

[jrandom]

for those who can't tell their ass from their elbow, it's perfect

Yeah. That was Jackrat's point.

I don't think any of us want to be in that box.

[Drunken Monkey]

...I know a number of people that can't use a map and compass properly so they rely on GPS.This is what I mean by brain dead....

Wow, that's a pretty dangerous approach to mountain safety. Brain dead indeed.
I use my GPS to calibrate/compare to other devices, ie speedo or odometer
I still go bush the old fashioned way...

Like most GPS devices state on them: It is a navigational aid, not a substitute for (lack of) navigation skills.

[jrandom]

Like most GPS devices state on them: It is a navigational aid, not a substitute for (lack of) navigation skills.

Well, ours (car units) just say, "If you crash while using this, don't coming whinging to *our* solicitors."

But I think the marine division has that sort of stuff plastered on their startup screens, etc.

[Edit: Although I must admit to being guilty of getting out of the Te Atatu boat club channel the braindead way. If I hadn't had a GPS chartplotter last time I tried, I would have been aground within 100m. Have any of you ever tried to get a boat out of there in the dark? Diabolical.]