Need inexpensive mapping software and Bluetooth GPS receiver for worldwide use

I need something inexpensive that will provide reasonable performance from ocean-going ships and in many ports, when used with an ultraportable ASUS laptop with the XP OS.

Can you suggest a combo of software+hardware that will work worldwide?

Thanks!

The problem will be finding a program that comes with maps that cover the globe. Most of the time they come with one set of maps, with other map sets available to purchase.

Sure.
Perhaps I can get a more "general" world map that will provide at least a rough map of the globe.

I'll then buy individual maps to cover specific areas of interest.

I never used Garmin MapSource WorldMap, so I cannot say if it is a viable option. Perhaps others will give you some feedback on it.

...and, :welcome: to the forums, noguru!

That looks like a fine solution --- thank you!

ok -- I bought WorldMap online. Now, what hardware should I get - or is it all compatible with that software?

If you want to give yourself the very best chance at using a Garmin solution without having to take other complicated measures, you should probably get a Garmin GPS receiver - like the Garmin GPS10x Bluetooth receiver - to use with the Asus. The Garmin receiver will cost a little more than something equivalent but it will work natively with Garmin's software without having to buy other software to fake it out.

What that means in practical terms is that you can download a Garmin program called nroute that will allow you to use that World Basemap for navigation. That World Basemap should come with a program called MapSource to allow you to look at the map on your PC for planning. The nroute program has an interface that is similar but it adds complete navigation capabilities. And, most importantly, it will use any Garmin map that is installed in MapSource. And it's free.

That means you can buy additional Garmin detailed country maps, and/or download them for some countries free from the internet, install them in MapSource for planning and nroute will use them for navigating.

You can do the same thing with a non-Garmin GPS receiver but you need another, third-party, piece of software to make that work. When you add the cost of that program to the cost of a non-Garmin reciever, it adds up to the same or higher total cost of the Garmin receiver. And it adds another piece of complexity to go wrong far away from home.

There are more details about nroute in other threads in the Garmin Mobile PC section of this forum. A good place to start is with the sticky thread at the top of the list. If you have specific questions go ahead and ask.

...ken...

I forgot to point out in my previous post that the Worldmap you just bought does not have any navigation software in it. That is, the software that will install with the map will only let you browse the map for planning purpose. It has many features and functions and is quite powerful for map management and planning, but it does not have any navigation functions.

That is why I mentioned the Garmin nroute program. It's the program that gives you the ability to navigate with the Worldmap and any other Garmin-compatible maps you get.

It's free but it will only work with the Garmin GPS protocol. You can get this from a Garmin GPS receiver, of course. That's the simplest method.

Sorry for the lengthy messages. It's a simple solution if you do it the right way, but the whole subject is complicated and quite easy to mess up if you don't understand it.

...ken...

I'll also put in a vote for the Garmin GPS10x Bluetooth receiver. A very reliable SirfStar III receiver that works with any navigation program. nRoute automatically switches it to Garmin mode but switching it off and back on will restore NMEA mode.

Don't get the 10x confused with the Garmin GPS10 Bluetooth unit. That one uses older technology, is more expensive and not as sensitive.

If you need to purchase locked maps for individual countries from Garmin, they can be unlocked to the 10x and will work with nRoute.

Terry

I suggest you download free google earth and another free software called GooPs is a compact plug-in that enables real-time tracking and navigation in Google Earth. with the help of your GPS you can go almost any place in the world. I tried it it is excelent.