MapSource Purpose?

[Jastro54]

I just upgraded (albeit, late) to MapSource 7.0 (North America). I will assume that it is the data provided in this program that feeds the detailed maps to the IQue3600 with all accompanying waypoints, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Once that detailed map datasets are created (using the Palm Desktop "Map Install" feature) and installed, is there any further purpose to the MapSource desktop program? I have an icon for it on my desktop, and when I open the program I see a lovely map, but I really don't understand WHY I should be using it.

Any help here? Can you "bullet" a few possible uses for this program AFTER I've created my mapset? Is there some way to manipulate my mapset or POIs that I'm missing by using the basic install feature of the Palm software?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Ken in Regina]

I have an SD card reader on my PC. Mapsource allows me to load the maps directly to the SD card reader instead of having to go through the hotsync like Map Install does. It's much faster.

I also find that Mapsource on the PC is useful for trip planning. It's so much easier to view the maps than on the iQue. Of course you can do that with Google Maps or Google Earth, but that won't tell you how well your iQue maps will work for the same trip.

Neither one of those uses are frequent, but they are handy enough that I find it's worthwhile to keep Mapsource installed. You can always delete the icon from the desktop if it annoys you. :)

...ken...

[jrose1g]

I have an SD card reader on my PC. Mapsource allows me to load the maps directly to the SD card reader instead of having to go through the hotsync like Map Install does. It's much faster.
Ken, you can also do the transfer directly to the SD card reader in MapInstall. The other reasons you mention for using Mapsource are why I prefer it. I find the interface using Mapsource much more versatile.

[iQueRMA]

One other benefit I see in using MapSource vs MapInstall is the ability to create different mapsets and save them for transferring over to the iQue at different times. For instance, lets say you normally have the East coast detailed maps loaded but you are planning a driving trip across the country and need a different mapset. You can create this alternate mapset for your trip then in the end reload you original mapset in without having to reselect the individual map areas. Map Install will only save the last selected map areas chosen. Of course you could also save your original mapset on your computer for reloading later too. Plus, if you get another Garmin GPS you'll need MapSource to transfer detailed maps and waypoints. I use MapSource for my iQue and eTrex Vista Cx.

[KYBLUE]

I have a 2610 and a 2gb CF card with all the US loaded. Can I do this with the Que?
What's the largest SD card the Que will accept?

Can I plan routes on the PC and transfer them to the SD card via a card reader, much like I can do with the 2610??

Thanks

[iQueRMA]

There have been others in this forum that have mentioned being able to load the entire US on a 2gb SD card for the iQue. The same has been said about being able to use a card reader to load the map files. Also, I haven't heard anyone go beyond the 2gb SD card at the moment.

[jrose1g]

Can I plan routes on the PC and transfer them to the SD card via a card reader, much like I can do with the 2610??
No, routes are not transferrable on the iQue 3600. As to the SD cards, I have been using a 2 GB card for some time with no problems, but some have reported problems. I think 2 GB is the limit for any Palm device. Selecting all N. America maps shows the file size to be 1642 MB.

[strumble]

Can I plan routes on the PC and transfer them to the SD card via a card reader, much like I can do with the 2610??
Thanks

The easy answer is NO!
But
I usually plan my routes on MapSource on the PC [greater clarity and bigger screen] then using PDtoGPX transfer all the vias/turns etc to the iQue.

On arrival on the iQue the route is re-calculated to the iQue criteria. This is much easier/quicker than just using the small screen of the iQue!!

'WayQue' also enables you to use several selected waypoints to form one route.

[KYBLUE]

Thanks for the responses. WIll be a new learning experence going from the 2610 to the Que.