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…
About Rich Owings
It won’t help with maps as it specializes in waypoints, tracks, and routes, but GPSBabel has had Mac support now for a couple of years. All the popular hardware is supported – it was the first program to do Garmin USB on a Mac, in fact.
(When Mac users follow that “donate” link, please do mention it’s for Mac…)
Thanks Robert. That’s one more thing that makes GPSBabel such a great tool. If I ever get around to an updated Mac resources post, I’ll include this tip.