We have just upgraded our GPS to a Garmin Vista CX and want to buy mapping software. Have asked this question before but with new versions out there would really appreciate some advice on what mapping software is the best at the moment. I am thinking Memory Map, would you agree? Back in the summer we saw a 'National Parks' package and think it was Memory Map, it was only £25 which is a bargain can you still get it ? Hope you can help.

Hi Cj
We use Tracklogs with our garmin gps and it works really well. If you want a demo steve will be bringing the laptop and gps with him next weekend.
see you soon.

CJ - get deomo versions of Memory Map, Tracklogs, Anquet then make up your mind. It's possibly worth thinking long term here (so you can add to) unless you are going to spend a fortune in getting the complete UK set in one go.

For what it's worth, years ago I started off with Memory Map and was not very impressed as it was more geared towards marine use. However, I do think it has changed.

I then tried Tracklogs as it was set up by a mountain biker so thought it would be more appropriate. He actually changed the concept of waypoints to trackpoints. I was very impressed with it, so easy to use (and I am not technically minded). Unfortunately I purchased a new region this summer which meant it was a new version and it had totally changed. The simplicity of it had been replaced with too many gizmos. I am getting to grips with it though.

My personal opinion is that these days there are too many options and choices with products and I resent spending precious time fathoming out how it works. It does make sense to keep with one manufacturer, certainly Tracklogs can be upgraded to newer versions. I wish really that I had bought the complete UK software rather than having bits and pieces of national parks, site centred etc.

I suppose at the end of the day it comes down to how you want to use it - I just keep it simple with loading a route into the GPS and following the arrow. I don't need different coloured route lines etc etc.

Sorry for waffling but it's worth doing research.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Cheers girls for the info, really helpful. This is a bit a minefield when you start getting into it isn't it. I prefer 1:25000 OS maps but to get that scale electronically for the areas I want costs both arms & legs !! Tried to download samples but couldn't get it to work for some weird reason. So, have decided to splash out a whole £25 (!!) and got the National Parks Memory Map. It includes the South Downs (which technically isn't a NP) which is my stomping ground but is 1:50000 thought would play with this, see if I like it and then maybe go for the South England which will cover a lot of my riding. Will let you know how I get on. New GP hasn't arrived yet so we are chomping at the bit to have a play can't wait for the hours of .... absolute frustration to come LOL

AL - looking foward to seeing you again next weekend..

Hi CJ

I use Memory Map with a Garmin Etrex Summit.

The latest version of MM is a vast improvement on the previous one. I've got the whole of the UK mapped and I think its worth paying for it, but it depends on where you ride and how much you would use it. I use mine for riding and my work with the Air Cadets - DoE walks etc, so I use the whole of the UK.

The latest MM version has all the right to roam areas on the maps. It also lets you change the route colours, very handy if you have several routes criss-crossing each other, you can even thicken the line, and then turn it transparent so you can still see the map markings underneath, little things but make a big difference.

A nice feature on the National Park maps is the aerial photos, especially if used with 3D mapping, you get a really good idea of where you will be riding.

I think you've made the right decision with MM!

Em