Garmin GPSMAP 196 basmap question

I have the above mentioned device, along with a 128 MB data card and
associated loader. Recently, I acquired some nice topographic maps of the
region I fly in and was wandering: is it possible in any way, by using some
program or similar, to transfer some of these maps into the 196 basemap
format and use them instead of the default one, or possibly combine them to
form a terrain map with associated aeronauticaly thingies? Since I'm a VFR
flyer who spends most of his time down below 8000 ft, it would be a nice
help. Also, I'm thinking of using it for ground navigation with the same
map.

Triple Delta

" I have the above mentioned device, along with a 128 MB data card and
associated loader. Recently, I acquired some nice topographic maps of the
region I fly in and was wandering: is it possible in any way, by using
some
program or similar, to transfer some of these maps into the 196 basemap
format and use them instead of the default one, or possibly combine them
to
form a terrain map with associated aeronauticaly thingies? Since I'm a VFR
flyer who spends most of his time down below 8000 ft, it would be a nice
help. Also, I'm thinking of using it for ground navigation with the same
map.


For all practical purposes; no, you cannot make your own maps. There are
some programs that do allow you to make your own maps, but it is nothing as
simple as scanning your maps in and loading them onto a GPS. I doubt that
you will find it practical. You can try www.gpsinformation.net for more
info.

You could perhaps load the Garmin TOPO maps in. However, I don't think that
this will accomplish what your are looking for. My advice would be to use
the GPS to determine your position and use a chart to determine the minimum
altitude.

John Bell
www.cockpitgps.com

Here is an interesting article with instructions for creating your own maps
and uploading them to a Garmin GPS.

http://www.gpstm.com/eng/dekode_eng.htm

Tom


"DeltaDeltaDelta" wrote in message
...
I have the above mentioned device, along with a 128 MB data card and
associated loader. Recently, I acquired some nice topographic maps of the
region I fly in and was wandering: is it possible in any way, by using
some
program or similar, to transfer some of these maps into the 196 basemap
format and use them instead of the default one, or possibly combine them
to
form a terrain map with associated aeronauticaly thingies? Since I'm a VFR
flyer who spends most of his time down below 8000 ft, it would be a nice
help. Also, I'm thinking of using it for ground navigation with the same
map.

Triple Delta