What maps do you use?

[RapidSpyder]

Just wondering what the majority of you use for maps. I used google maps for routes in the Black Hills, but am limited to 10 waypoints. I have to put them in otherwise it tends to revert to using highways or the shortest route which defeats the purpose. We are looking to update the maps for the Deadwood 3 wheeler rally and I would like to have maps start and end in Deadwood to make it easier for those that might not by familiar with the area.
It was suggested that we link a QR codes that could be scanned into maps to help with navigation so we will be working on that. We hope to be videoing most of the routes the next couple weeks in order to build a YouTube channel also.
Thanks!

 

[Gwolf]

I use a handful of the old plastic coated maps from gas stations or Jiffy Stores, but I don't hardly ever look at them. I usually know where I am going and the rest of the time, I don't care where I am going.

 

[ARtraveler]

Rand McNally is my friend. There is a large and small size. The smaller size does not have the detail of the larger one.

For my local State, I buy the Gazeteer. It has more detail than you could ever want.

I bought a Garmin when we moved from AK to AR and never figured out how to use it. When it started sending me to the wrong town by the wrong route, I put it away.

 

[JayBros]

I've been using Garmin BaseCamp since I bought my Spyder. Yes, it has a steep learning curve but if one sticks with it one can create just about any kind of route to meet any need. Because Garmin's maps are proprietary and updated when they want there are sometimes disparities between the maps and the real world so when I am planning a tour I use both Google Maps and BaseCamp. For example, on routes I have seen North America City Navigator treat roads as fully paved when verifying with Google Maps satellite view I've found portions of the road in question unpaved.

IMO, if one is touring in an area where one wants to see the most interesting terrain and riding roads Butler Motorcycle Maps, https://www.butlermaps.com/, are worth their reasonable cost and they are printed on waterproof paper to boot.

 

[spyder01]

Ive tried Garmin basecamp but way too much trouble,same with other online maps.What Im doing this year is using Butler and America Rides maps just to give me idea which roads I want to try out,then using regular atlas and city/state maps I lay out my trip.I write all this down along with notes about hotels and POI along the way.I put each days turn by turn on a small notepad and wife keeps track during the ride,I still use Gps but I enjoy planning my trip this way.I also plan rides based on trips others have done and described on sites like this.

 

[JayBros]

...I put each days turn by turn on a small notepad and wife keeps track during the ride...

It's great to have a navigator! My wife gladly gives me my liberty card but wants nothing to do with my touring adventures.

 

[MagYukon]

I've been using MyRouteApp (https://www.myrouteapp.com/) for 4 years.

MyRouteApp is the new generation of the old Tyre computer application that I used for many years to make my own route and generate all kind of KML, KMZ, GPX files for my truck GPS.

It is now a web site instead of a computer application and lets you define your route, use some already made and create group of friends.

They also have the MyRouteNav which is the iOS or Android application that connects to your MyRoute Account and lets you choose the route to navigate. You can also create or edits route whitin the app. And also simply choose an address and drive directly to that place selecting some settings (avoid highway, avoid ...).

The Navigation app lets you also download maps on your phone so you can use it without using your dataplan.

 

[RapidSpyder]

Thanks, I’ll have to look into that. Looking for something that would be easy for people to use if they wanted to.

 

[pegasus1300]

MyRoute-app. Allows unlimited waypoints, custom routes, and is readable by Tom Tom and, Garmin.

 

[tofriendscreek]

Having used many different routing platforms over the years, I found myrouteapp.com to be far superior in ease of use, versatility, formatting, quick transfer to the GPS, etc.. I’ve used it for many years.

 

[EdMat]

Thanks everyone for bringing the MyRouteApp into the discussion. i think I will be looking into it.

Anybody know the cost in US $ ?

 

[RapidSpyder]

Thanks everyone for bringing the MyRouteApp into the discussion. i think I will be looking into it.

Anybody know the cost in US $ ?

Just what I was going to ask. Might have to do the free trial thing.

 

[EdMat]

Looks like the Gold plan would be about $33 per year.

 

[RapidSpyder]

Looks like the Gold plan would be about $33 per year.

Thanks for that info. I think I’ll get a chance to get in touch with them on a rainy day forecast to be coming. I would like something that people could easily download for the Rally. Of course there will be maps available also for those that prefer to use them.

 

[MagYukon]

Thanks for that info. I think I’ll get a chance to get in touch with them on a rainy day forecast to be coming. I would like something that people could easily download for the Rally. Of course there will be maps available also for those that prefer to use them.

I can't remember what are the options when you are on the free access.

If you have the Gold, you can create route and download them in different format to share among others.

on my side, I have the gold + Navi which gives me possibilty to create, share and navigate (turn by turn indication).

Like others, I tried many apps available and this one is far better.

 

[Thad]

Am a former Harley rider and also have a Garmin Zumo. Use both Garmin Basecamp and Harley Ride Planner to create routes. Do not have to own a Harley to use Ride Planner.

 

[jcthorne]

I use Google Maps on my PC to build and research routes. Then when I am happy with them, I build the routes in Base Camp for loading to the Garmin.

A hint, if you build your routes in Google My Maps, you are no longer limited to 10 waypoints. Just 10 waypoints per layer and you can have 256 layers so I usually use a layer for each day of a trip with directions and waypoints from one overnight spot to the next.

Basecamp works fine once you learn how to edit in it. I still refuse to use it for research and planning. Google just has far more information and views.

 

[RapidSpyder]

We did make a YouTube page, 605rides. We attach a google map link and I show the route that we will be taking on a map. Plan on adding several more this spring.

 

[MONK]

Since we're bringing threads back from the dead, I guess I'll chime in. I've always used Google Maps. I tried a couple GPSs that didn't work for me. I bought a broken 660 then a brand new XT. No idea how the 660 worked as it, well, never worked. I couldn't get the XT to work as I wanted so I returned it to Garmin. My phone's waterproof and once I get a mount that works, I'll mount it back in between the handlebars where I can see it. It's a big phone and won't fit in the glovebox if it's plugged in.

 

[Flamewinger]

Sygic GPS Navigation. World Maps, World traffic plus more. Under $40 a year.