I will be doing some extensive scouting in the far east of Sa Kaeow Province, near the Cambodian border. Initially I will need some GPS for navigating with the car with good maps and displays and reading posts here, something from Garmin's Nuvi range will probably suffice. Recommendations please for something that goes beyond just finding the nearest gas station and 7-eleven.

I already own a Garmin 60Csx that I had rebuilt a few years back by Garmin in the US after it fried on the dashboard of the truck. I would plan on using this for the mapping the un-mapped trails and tracks either on my bike or on foot. I did use it a few years back when I was doing some survey work on the west side of Bangkok, using the standard Garmin maps that came with the unit and updated from the internet. Can I get detailed updated Thai maps for this device too?

On a non- GPS matter; where can quality. detailed provincial maps be obtained? I will get a copy of Thinknet's latest 1:550,000 Atlas but I know that there must be a higher level of cartography in Thailand as I have seen some superb, detailed maps in Amphur's offices and the like. Are these restricted or available to purchase (or download)?

Thanks,

NL

If you anticipate being under heavy cover, your Garmin 60Csx is the best device I know of. It holds a signal better that my other three Garmins. And, yes, the latest ESRI map works fine on that device. That map is identical to the ESRI map on the Nuvi series.

If you anticipate being under heavy cover, your Garmin 60Csx is the best device I know of. It holds a signal better that my other three Garmins. And, yes, the latest ESRI map works fine on that device. That map is identical to the ESRI map on the Nuvi series.

Thanks Gary. I invested in a Nuvi 3770 and the sales lady at Gadgetrend at Amarin Plaza gave me the information for ESRI to get the same Thai map for the 60Csx.

If you anticipate being under heavy cover, your Garmin 60Csx is the best device I know of. It holds a signal better that my other three Garmins. And, yes, the latest ESRI map works fine on that device. That map is identical to the ESRI map on the Nuvi series.

Thanks Gary. I invested in a Nuvi 3770 and the sales lady at Gadgetrend at Amarin Plaza gave me the information for ESRI to get the same Thai map for the 60Csx.

I think that you now have the best of both type units. The Nuvi is great for driving and you can't beat the 60 Csx for hiking under heavy tree cover. My son is an outdoorsman and he bought a cheap model Etrex. It loses the signal so often that it is nearly useless for his type of use.

>On a non- GPS matter; where can quality. detailed provincial maps be obtained? I will get a copy of Thinknet's latest 1:550,000 Atlas but I know that there must be a higher level of cartography in Thailand as I have seen some superb, detailed maps in Amphur's offices and the like. Are these restricted or available to purchase (or download)?

These would likely originate from the Royal Thai Land Survey dept. They produce the best detailed maps of the country. I have found only raster images (scanned into a GPS) to be of any significant detail. The quality is excellent, preferable to any Google Maps stuff I've seen. The main office is in Bangkok. Not sure if open to public / tourists?

>On a non- GPS matter; where can quality. detailed provincial maps be obtained? I will get a copy of Thinknet's latest 1:550,000 Atlas but I know that there must be a higher level of cartography in Thailand as I have seen some superb, detailed maps in Amphur's offices and the like. Are these restricted or available to purchase (or download)?

These would likely originate from the Royal Thai Land Survey dept. They produce the best detailed maps of the country. I have found only raster images (scanned into a GPS) to be of any significant detail. The quality is excellent, preferable to any Google Maps stuff I've seen. The main office is in Bangkok. Not sure if open to public / tourists?

The OP's 60CSx does not have the ability to do custom maps from raster (bitmap) images.

I wrote an article here about how to get hold of the Royal Thai Survey Departments 1:50,000 maps here http://cmhike.com/2010/09/new-thai-military-maps-have-been-released/

They may be what you saw in the Amphur office, I think they are the best maps available, although they are not always 100% reliably accurate they are helpful still for scouting. I have enjoyed scouting out hiking trails in the mountains around CM with the aid of these maps and also Google Earth which I find helpful.

They are not officially allowed to sell most maps adjacent to border areas and in other sensitive areas.

I have managed to scan these maps and have most of their maps for Northern Thailand as 'Custom Maps' for my Oregon 450. If you want to scan these maps and use them on a gps device that can be helpful, then you can see which Garmin devices support this custom map functionality by clicking on 'Compatibility' in the tabs at the top of the page 'Custom Maps' On your home PC you can use these same custom maps in Google Earth as transparent overlays and in Garmin's free Basecamp software.

I used this software to make the custom maps : http://www.the-thorns.org.uk/

It is quite fiddly work though and requires fair to advanced computer literacy skills.

Jamie

>On a non- GPS matter; where can quality. detailed provincial maps be obtained? I will get a copy of Thinknet's latest 1:550,000 Atlas but I know that there must be a higher level of cartography in Thailand as I have seen some superb, detailed maps in Amphur's offices and the like. Are these restricted or available to purchase (or download)?

These would likely originate from the Royal Thai Land Survey dept. They produce the best detailed maps of the country. I have found only raster images (scanned into a GPS) to be of any significant detail. The quality is excellent, preferable to any Google Maps stuff I've seen. The main office is in Bangkok. Not sure if open to public / tourists?

The OP's 60CSx does not have the ability to do custom maps from raster (bitmap) images.

Yes, one of the limitations of many Garmin products. Doesn't detract from fact that Royal Thai Survey maps are the best. Get an Android phone and install free OruxMaps which takes any raster map or runs online, life becomes much simpler.

Thanks for that pointer. Oruxmaps looks pretty cool. There are lots of GPS apps about but this looks to be the best I have seen for off road adventure.

Anyone have any recommendations for the best Android phone with the following considerations :

• nice big screen, with good visibility outdoors
• 3 axial digital compass
• accurate gps receiver (I don't care about agps this just helps you get a signal quicker when you first turn on but most phones come with it anyway of course)
• good build quality
• would be nice to have good quality video with good sound pick up too.

I need to update my phone anyway.

I posted the same question here :

http://oruxmaps.foroactivo.net/t1612-recommendations-for-phone-to-use-as-gps-on-the-trail

I think eventually GPS equipped phones are going to take over the gps market. Phones can be manufactured enmass, bringing costs down and they are getting real good with screen and battery technology. Also a well written app with a nice big screen would beat the usability of Garmin et al's efforts hands down.

I wrote an article here about how to get hold of the Royal Thai Survey Departments 1:50,000 maps here http://cmhike.com/2010/09/new-thai-military-maps-have-been-released/

They may be what you saw in the Amphur office, I think they are the best maps available, although they are not always 100% reliably accurate they are helpful still for scouting. I have enjoyed scouting out hiking trails in the mountains around CM with the aid of these maps and also Google Earth which I find helpful.

They are not officially allowed to sell most maps adjacent to border areas and in other sensitive areas.

I have managed to scan these maps and have most of their maps for Northern Thailand as 'Custom Maps' for my Oregon 450. If you want to scan these maps and use them on a gps device that can be helpful, then you can see which Garmin devices support this custom map functionality by clicking on 'Compatibility' in the tabs at the top of the page 'Custom Maps' On your home PC you can use these same custom maps in Google Earth as transparent overlays and in Garmin's free Basecamp software.

I used this software to make the custom maps : http://www.the-thorns.org.uk/

It is quite fiddly work though and requires fair to advanced computer literacy skills.

Jamie

Excellent post and links jamie! That pdf reference map for the Thai Survey maps is great as I can grid-reference the maps I need for this and future projects. If I have time, I will play with that MAPC2MAPC software this weekend.

>On a non- GPS matter; where can quality. detailed provincial maps be obtained? I will get a copy of Thinknet's latest 1:550,000 Atlas but I know that there must be a higher level of cartography in Thailand as I have seen some superb, detailed maps in Amphur's offices and the like. Are these restricted or available to purchase (or download)?

These would likely originate from the Royal Thai Land Survey dept. They produce the best detailed maps of the country. I have found only raster images (scanned into a GPS) to be of any significant detail. The quality is excellent, preferable to any Google Maps stuff I've seen. The main office is in Bangkok. Not sure if open to public / tourists?

The OP's 60CSx does not have the ability to do custom maps from raster (bitmap) images.

Yes, one of the limitations of many Garmin products. Doesn't detract from fact that Royal Thai Survey maps are the best. Get an Android phone and install free OruxMaps which takes any raster map or runs online, life becomes much simpler.

Yes, I didn't say I wanted to squint at big maps on a hand-held; but they look great on the office wall and getting them laminated so they can be scribbled on with a dry-writer is excellent.

Friends that had the 60csx have moved on to the Garmin Oregon which has much superior mapping and also a better user interface. Check that one out as there are a lot of internet GPS forums where you can find opinions.

My first ever GPS was a Garmin 45 I got in the 90's. Like others have said generic portable devices (mostly Android based these days) that do all have swamped Garmin devices now. I looked at the Garmin Oregon earlier this yr as someone asked my opinion. I couldn't see the point as a modern day smart phone can do it all already. I wonder when Garmin will bite the bullet and make decent Android app?

My first ever GPS was a Garmin 45 I got in the 90's. Like others have said generic portable devices (mostly Android based these days) that do all have swamped Garmin devices now. I looked at the Garmin Oregon earlier this yr as someone asked my opinion. I couldn't see the point as a modern day smart phone can do it all already. I wonder when Garmin will bite the bullet and make decent Android app?

They have the Garmin Asus A10 that runs Android OS and uses Garmin maps. It has good reviews and the price is well under 10,000 baht. One of these days someone will figure out how to use the ESRI map with Android. Since the A10 can do it, I see no reason why other Android phones cannot be configured to use the Thailand ESRI map.

If I'm not mistaken the Garmin Asus A10 only runs on that phone even tho its Android based? There's no Garmin stuff on Android Market. When it comes I'll use it with the great Thai maps they make. In mean time it looks like I'll have to try Sygic when I get time.

If I'm not mistaken the Garmin Asus A10 only runs on that phone even tho its Android based? There's no Garmin stuff on Android Market. When it comes I'll use it with the great Thai maps they make. In mean time it looks like I'll have to try Sygic when I get time.

A10 review;

http://www.gsmarena.com/garmin_asus_a10-3295.php

Since I already have four Garmin units and a Nokia with GPS, I have no interest in another GPS phone. IF I were to be in the market for a GPS phone, I would certainly research the A10.

The ESRI Thailand map is much better than the Garmin South East Asia map. I would want to make sure that I can use the ESRI map on the phone before buying it.

Hi Guys,

i must buy a GPS today, urgent !!! Actual which GPS is the best and what software? What the price and what is the best place to buy? Pantip?

Thx in advance.

Regards

TOM

Hi Guys,

i must buy a GPS today, urgent !!! Actual which GPS is the best and what software? What the price and what is the best place to buy? Pantip?

Thx in advance.

Regards

TOM

Garmin GPS units bought in Thailand work well along with the included ESRI Thailand Street Map. Models start at 3,900 baht depending on what features you want. All models work the same as far as auto-routing from point A to point B. If driving in Bangkok frequently, junction view and lane assist are good to have, outside of Bangkok it doesn't matter. Make sure you get the English language map installed, unless you actually want the Thai language map. IF you are in Chiang Mai then Eagle GPS in Pantip Plaza is the plane to go, in Bangkok go to Gadgetrend or MBK Center.

The ESRI Thailand map is much better than the Garmin South East Asia map.

Have read in these forums and elsewhere entirely contradictory information. Have repeatedly read that Garmin SE Asia is much better for small rural roads (not found on the ESRI map.)

Would you care to elaborate on your assessment?

Obb

Where in BKK can I find the RTSD?

I would be interested in having a look at these new (2007) 1/50 000 maps and check if they cater for my needs.

I've seen some pretty good and detailed maps in Land Department offices before. But they wouldn't sell any to me.

What physical size are these 2007 / 1:50 000 maps?

(My need boils down to paper maps that display good geographic information re waterways, rivers and klongs.

Such maps are not easy to find.

The best (for my purpose) I've found so far is a book (in A4 format) called Bangkok and vicinity A to Z Atlas from PN Map.

But I'd like areas outside just the "vicinity" covered.)

I say paper maps because it wouldn't be wise to bring PCs along on my excursions. Phones and small handheld

chart plotters will not offer a sufficient overview.

What physical size are these 2007 / 1:50 000 maps?

The new maps are rolled maps 4 times the size of A3. Almost a third of the area of the map is taken up with the key and other features in the border area.

The RTSD is somewhere near Sanam Luang I believe, in the center of Bangkok. It is in or attached to the Ministry of Defence I think. Google or search this forum, someone gave directions once.

If you do go, please be patient with them at the RTSD, they are a government department, don't go there expecting stellar customer service. :-)

The ESRI Thailand map is much better than the Garmin South East Asia map.

Have read in these forums and elsewhere entirely contradictory information. Have repeatedly read that Garmin SE Asia is much better for small rural roads (not found on the ESRI map.)

Would you care to elaborate on your assessment?

Obb

I'd say that both maps cover primary, secondary and tertiary roads. Beyond that you are talking dirt tracks and water buffalo trails. Neither map is 100% perfect. Much depends on the intended use, for automotive use you won't get lost with either one. ESRI has better POIs.

Where in BKK can I find the RTSD?

http://www.rtsd.mi.th

The ESRI Thailand map is much better than the Garmin South East Asia map.

Have read in these forums and elsewhere entirely contradictory information. Have repeatedly read that Garmin SE Asia is much better for small rural roads (not found on the ESRI map.)

Would you care to elaborate on your assessment?

Obb

This has been covered in other threads to the point that I posted screen capture segments of the map. The SEA Garmin map is way out of date as far as the Pattaya/Jomtien area and streets in villages in my area that are shown in ESRI map are NOT shown on the Garmin SEA map. I really feel that I wasted the hundred dollars buying the Garmin map. Both maps will normally get you where you want to go but the Garmin SEA map shortest route option led me to roads that were NOT there and the detour took me to a road that was a dead end. My suggestion is if you use the Garmin SEA map is to NOT use the shortest distance option. The fastest route option seems to work OK.

Looks like the RTSD have updated there web site. It is incredibly slow! Am wondering if they have it connect to the internet through a 56 k modem??

This url is the actual front page of the site it seems, past the splash page :

http://www.rtsd.mi.th/index.php

What physical size are these 2007 / 1:50 000 maps?

The new maps are rolled maps 4 times the size of A3. Almost a third of the area of the map is taken up with the key and other features in the border area.

The RTSD is somewhere near Sanam Luang I believe, in the center of Bangkok. It is in or attached to the Ministry of Defence I think. Google or search this forum, someone gave directions once.

If you do go, please be patient with them at the RTSD, they are a government department, don't go there expecting stellar customer service. :-)

Thanks, I did find the directions to RTSD, should be easy to find.

(Will keep my expectations low . . . .)

4*A3 is sizeable, but if folded once and laminated it should be manageable in my longtail boat.

Curious to check how waterways are displayed and also the accuracy/completeness of that info.

The new Garmin Montana 600 series GPS's are amazing GPS's, I've just installed mine and am very impressed (I have 5 Garmin GPS's and I always now reach for this one).

There's a write up with lots of info in the link below:

Link to review of the Garmin Montana 600 series GPS

How would you compare the ability to hold the satellite signal compared to the GPSmap 60 series? I have four Garmins. My 60 is the only one that will keep the signal in any room in the house. The other three have to be near a window. The GPSmap 60Cx is also the only one that is dependable in Bangkok. Maybe I should add that any of them are fine when out in the open.

What physical size are these 2007 / 1:50 000 maps?

The new maps are rolled maps 4 times the size of A3. Almost a third of the area of the map is taken up with the key and other features in the border area.

The RTSD is somewhere near Sanam Luang I believe, in the center of Bangkok. It is in or attached to the Ministry of Defence I think. Google or search this forum, someone gave directions once.

If you do go, please be patient with them at the RTSD, they are a government department, don't go there expecting stellar customer service. :-)

Visited RTSD some days before Xmas.

Easy to find.

In my view the service quite stellar. Excellent, very helpful people. Young man and young girl attending to my requests.

And discussing my needs etc. The girl spoke good English. Both of them quite knowledgeable re maps.

The new 1/50 000 series maps are excellent for my use. Gives very good views of the waterways and everything is in both Thai and English.

Unfortunately the areas that I am most interested in are not ready and printed yet, but I did buy 4 sheets, at 100 baht each.

The size is also OK. When folded one time they are 60 cm * 38.5 cm. Quite OK for use in a long-tail boat.

(Problem is that I just cannot find a place in BKK that can laminate anything bigger than A3.

Strange, but I've tried quite hard, in vain.)