Maps, Macs and GPS

First a disclaimer — Macs are not my thing. Nevertheless, questions come up so often about Macs, GPS compatibility and mapping software, that I wanted to post some information and resources. Let’s start with GPS mapping software for Macs. Here are the options that I am familiar with:

• National Geographic TOPO! is now available in a Mac edition.
• GPSy and GPSy Pro are two applications that seem to function much like OziExplorer. In other words, you can download (often for free) DRG maps to use with GPSy.
• MacGPS Pro also allows the use of DRG and other map formats. Additionally, MacGPS Pro recently announced support of Garmin USB models, which had previously been a significant challenge for those on the Mac platform.
• Route 66 offers Route USA, a highway navigation package.
• GPS Connect is a freeware program that allows you to transfer waypoints to and from Garmin receivers.
• Google Earth has an OS X beta. Stefan Geens’ Ogle Earth posted info five times recently, starting here.

Here are a few other resources that may prove useful:

• GPS Information.net has a Mac resource page.
• Your best information resource online is probably the Yahoo MacMap discussion group.
• Here’s a great page on geocaching with a Mac, which includes additional software (via the Map Room).
• Geocaching.com’s GPS discussion board typically has some Mac threads going.

I hope this helps, and as I said in the beginning, I’m not a Mac person, so if you have info to share, please comment…