Map software for Macbook February 02, 2017, 12:30:37 pm I'm going to be camping in my LD where there is not cell/internet and am looking for mapping and trip planning software I can use offline on my Macbook Pro. I have a large hard drive so storage space is not an issue and I don't want to use my Ipad (because it does not have much storage space). I'm not finding anything obvious as I search Google so I'm looking for input from users.Thank you,
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #1 – February 02, 2017, 04:14:29 pm Offhand, I don't know of any standalone (no internet needed) mapping software for macOS. I generally plan my trips on my MacBook Pro using Google Maps or Apple Maps; then for actual navigating I use the Garmin U.S.A. app on my iPhone or iPad. It's self-contained and needs no internet connection; it occupies about 1.8 GB. (You can read more about navigation apps for iOS on my website.)Something else to consider: depending on where you'll be camping, you might be able to pull in a cell signal by using a cellular booster amp. I use an older Wilson 4G booster, plus an antenna on the roof, and manage to get cell reception almost everywhere. Of course if there's really no signal at all, a booster can't work magic. But if a weak signal is present, one of these amps can usually make it usable.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #2 – February 02, 2017, 05:51:13 pm Years ago, DeLorme had a nice one, Street Atlas. It came up not available on Amazon, but I found a possible source at Delorme Street Atlas USA 2015 Plus DVD Software (GPS Receiver Not Included)... To use it while traveling, you need a GPS receiver but to use it while parked, no cell or other internet access, you can plan trips, print trip maps, etc.Another is Map Expert by DeLorme. See Map Expert - DeLorme Mapping It is a nice package but I don't see it available anywhere.Ken F in NM
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #3 – February 02, 2017, 05:58:38 pm Knowing nothing about where you are headed, here are a few ideas.On your IPad, use this procedure to free up memory. Perhaps that will give you enough space for your current needs.This weird trick can free up gigabytes of space on your iPhone - CNETIf you are going to a National Forest, you can download the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)) onto your Mac. These are very detailed local maps.Google Maps will allow you to download a map onto your device for future use off-line. We're traveling right now and I left the MBP at home so I can't field test this idea on a laptop but I know it will work on an iWhatever. If the area your traveling too is small enough, perhaps you could give this a try.All else fails? A traditional paper map needs no cellular connection.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Enjoy.Ed
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #4 – February 02, 2017, 08:36:29 pm "A traditional paper map needs no cellular connection."----- In addition to a RMc road atlas, AAA paper maps, and individual NF maps, I use Benchmark atlases and often their state road maps.https://www.benchmarkmaps.com/Benchmark atlases are also available through Amazon; if you order through them, make sure that you order the latest publication date. (And, do use the Amazon link from this forum! Thank you.)Joan
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #5 – February 02, 2017, 08:54:01 pm Maybe Garmin Basecamp could help with what you want to do.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #6 – February 03, 2017, 12:48:30 am Like Ed, we use paper maps for the large view and GPS for the details. Paper maps don't need a cell signal or a wifi connection. AAA makes good maps and are free to members. We also find great back roads using Butler maps. Motorcycle Maps & Motorcycle Routes | Butlermaps.comThe Butler maps show the best scenic paved roads in the area, as well as what they call Paved Mountain Trails, which are typically one lane, mostly paved and sometimes gravel roads through mountainous areas. My wife pores over these for months prior to each long trip and we determine where we will camp and where we will explore from the Butler maps. GPS tells us where we are, where we have been, and how to get back to camp. Paper maps give us a good idea how to get from one place to the next and a sense of scale that is difficult to get with the GPS.Harold 3 Likes
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #7 – February 07, 2017, 01:45:05 pm Quote from: Jota - February 02, 2017, 08:54:01 pmMaybe Garmin Basecamp could help with what you want to do.I spent some time with Garmin's Basecamp and have not found it to be user friendly.Can't express how disappointed I am with the available programs.For many years I was happy with a Microsoft USA mapping program but in switching from a PC to IOS products, that ended.Like many others here, I like paper maps for planning but use the digital maps for figuring time and distances between spots.None of the available programs let you easily switch or add waypoints, starts and finishes without jumping though a lot of loops.Another grip I have with online digital maps is how the back roads are slowly being removed and/or their names deleted.Both Google maps and Apple maps have this problem. Another case where the lawyers are controlling content.Evidently, too many folks have died follow an old track on the GPSs.This happened a few summers ago in Death Valley when a German family followed their GPS's direction and got stuck, many miles from anywhere. Their bodies were not found for a couple years. Larry
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #8 – February 07, 2017, 02:40:43 pm Last year we were driving along a small road and checked the GPS for reference. According to the GPS, there was no road and we were driving out in the bushes next to a lake.This summer we were looking for a small county park in Utah. GPS said to turn right at a dirt road. We did. Soon a sign said "private road". Next sign said "No Trespassing, surveillance camera monitoring". Gee, doesn't seem like we are on the right road. GPS said we were on the best route. Dirt road turned into a trail with a very steep hill and soon ended at a gate with no way to turn around. Gate wasn't locked so I drove through into the middle of the park and shut the gate behind me. When I returned to the entrance kiosk, the nice lady said "Oh you can't get in that way. It is private, locked, and they don't like visitors". Thanks Garmin GPS!
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #9 – February 07, 2017, 04:25:53 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 07, 2017, 01:45:05 pmI spent some time with Garmin's Basecamp and have not found it to be user friendly.Can't express how disappointed I am with the available programs.For many years I was happy with a Microsoft USA mapping program but in switching from a PC to IOS products, that ended.Like many others here, I like paper maps for planning but use the digital maps for figuring time and distances between spots.None of the available programs let you easily switch or add waypoints, starts and finishes without jumping though a lot of loops.Another grip I have with online digital maps is how the back roads are slowly being removed and/or their names deleted.Both Google maps and Apple maps have this problem. Another case where the lawyers are controlling content.Evidently, too many folks have died follow an old track on the GPSs.This happened a few summers ago in Death Valley when a German family followed their GPS's direction and got stuck, many miles from anywhere. Their bodies were not found for a couple years. LarryThis happened a few summers ago in Death Valley when a German family followed their GPS's direction and got stuck, many miles from anywhere. Their bodies were not found for a couple years. http://www.otherhand.org/home-page/search-and-rescue/the-hunt-for-the-death-valley-germans/ This is a gruesome and tragic but fascinating tale.Chris 1 Likes
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #10 – February 08, 2017, 10:31:20 pm I don't know if it works on Mac but Maps.me works on IOS offline.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #11 – February 08, 2017, 10:35:26 pm I don't know if it works on Mac but Maps.me works on IOS offline.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #12 – February 09, 2017, 02:20:29 pm Quote from: Garry Foster - February 08, 2017, 10:31:20 pmI don't know if it works on Mac but Maps.me works on IOS offline.It is an app for tablets and cell phones.I still am looking for a better mapping program, that can be used on a Mac laptop.Larry
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #13 – February 09, 2017, 06:34:07 pm Chris,The link to Tom Mahood's story about the Death Valley Germans was captivating and a wonderful read. It kept me from getting several jobs done today, but it was really an interesting read. I highly recommend adventure minded fellow Lazy Dazers take a look. Thanks for sharing it!Harold 2 Likes
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #14 – February 09, 2017, 06:54:02 pm Quote from: Blueox25 - February 07, 2017, 02:40:43 pmThis summer we were looking for a small county park in Utah. GPS said to turn right at a dirt road. We did. Soon a sign said "private road". Next sign said "No Trespassing, surveillance camera monitoring". Gee, doesn't seem like we are on the right road. GPS said we were on the best route. Dirt road turned into a trail with a very steep hill and soon ended at a gate with no way to turn around.I expect that every time I fail to check the GPS route to a paper map.I lost Streets and Trips when my hard drive went south. [Hard to restore when you format the backup drive thinking it's another one] Microsoft no longer supports downloading a lost copy. I downloaded a supposed cracked version, but it was not really cracked. S&T was ideal for planning trips.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #15 – March 03, 2017, 08:51:55 pm Randy K said "am looking for mapping and trip planning software I can use offline on my Macbook Pro. I have a large hard drive so storage space is not an issue..."It's a bit cumbersome, perhaps, but there is a way to achieve what you want to do. BUT you need a GPS unit. All I know is Garmin but other brands likely have something similar.If you have a newer Garmin GPS unit, there is free, off-line, trip planning available. In fact, it's built right into the GPS unit. There is a piece of software you can download onto your laptop that is easier to use than the tiny screen on the GPS. The route you plan can be saved on your laptop and/or transferred to the GPS unit for future use.Here it is; called BaseCamp.BaseCamp™ | Garmin | United StatesOnce the software is downloaded, no more internet access is required because its using the Garmin maps installed on your GPS unit. You simply connect the GPS unit to your laptop, open the BaseCamp software and the Garmin maps appear on your laptop. In addition, so do any Saved Places you have stored on the GPS, custom way points, etc. I have thousands of custom waypoints installed, including the one with all the public campgrounds. Earlier today, I roughed out our upcoming UT trip, camping areas included, in the MacBook Pro then saved it on the GPS unit. On my GPS unit, There is an Apps icon on the home screen. Select that icon and it jumps to another page with the Trip Planner icon. Select Trip Planner and off you go. From your laptop, you can save routes to the Trip Planner app. A brief U-Tube video explaining the basics of just using the Trip Planner on the GPS unit. The laptop version is quite similar.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2dh6VITgdM&feature=youtu.be&app=desktopEnjoy.EnjoyEd
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #16 – March 03, 2017, 09:28:51 pm Larry, I say again, try DeLorme's Street Atlas. If you can find it, a big if, it will do what you want very nicely.Ken F in NM
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #17 – March 04, 2017, 12:50:36 pm Quote from: Kenneth Fears - March 03, 2017, 09:28:51 pm I say again, try DeLorme's Street Atlas. If you can find it, a big if, it will do what you want very nicely.Any idea how old a program can be run on an Mac.I found the last edition, 2015, for $488, on Amazon. A little too rich for my budget, but do see much older editions available at reasonable prices.Larry
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #18 – March 04, 2017, 01:24:50 pm "I found the last edition, 2015, for $488,..."You've got to be seeing things! $488 is totally unreal.I don't know much of anything about cross platform compatibility but I happen to have a surplus copy of Street Atlas USA 2014 PLUS that you are welcome to have if it works for you. It's labeled "for Windows 7/8/Vista/XP" but who knows if it would work on a Mac??I'll bring it to Morro Bay if you want to give it a try.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #19 – March 04, 2017, 01:34:46 pm DH has run Windows programs on our Macs for many years using Parallels. I know zip about it, though. Maybe someone who is familiar can give an opinion. Virtual hugs, Judie
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #20 – March 04, 2017, 01:44:10 pm I just found this...DeLorme: no Street Atlas USA MacOS X support - Mac Software Discussions on...So you can take it to the bank as far as the Mac OS is concerned.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #21 – March 04, 2017, 05:59:14 pm There is a GPS dongle for the IPad. I am not sure you can hook it to a mac but I would try to find out.. With Gps you can then free up the memory with a thumb drive and download just the necessary maps needed on google maps. I bought a iPad friendly high memory thumb drive through Amazon as well as the gps add on.
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #22 – March 04, 2017, 07:18:31 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - March 04, 2017, 01:44:10 pm.DeLorme: no Street Atlas USA MacOS X support - Mac Software Discussions on...So you can take it to the bank as far as the Mac OS is concerned.SteveThanks for the offer anyway. See you at MB.Larry
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #23 – March 04, 2017, 08:11:39 pm Wow, Larry, that price is just crazy. I guess that was a bad suggestion.Ken F in NM
Re: Map software for Macbook Reply #24 – March 05, 2017, 03:59:43 am Quote from: Kenneth Fears - March 04, 2017, 08:11:39 pmthat price is just crazy. I guess that was a bad suggestion.Ken No, it was a good suggestion. If it was compatible with IOS, an older, cheaper edition would most likely would have been fine.I'm looking for a stand-alone mapping program that will run on my laptop and allows the use of a mouse.It doesn't need to have GPS since it would be used for planning, not navigation, the Garmin and iPhone work fine for this.As long as the program runs efficiently, I don't care if the program is a few years old and the data base is slightly outdated. The roads I'm interested in have been there for a long time. In some respects, older maps have more information, especially once the paved road ends. As I have mentioned before, a lot of dirt back roads have disappeared from Google Maps.Guess I will go back and play with Garmin's Base Camp. Unfortunately, it's back road coverage is also poor.It would nice if there was a program that could overlay USGS or USFS digital maps on the Garmin maps, so the GPS would be useful off pavement.Larry 1 Likes
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