Paul,
The periodic map updates are primarily for road navigation units and take into account new construction. It generally has nothing to do with topo data for what your interested in. The only updates I have had were to correct minor bugs in the software, like any other software, and it was all free. The eTrex I have, or the newer color models will do exactly what you want, as thats what I do with it. I have everything saved in my PC. Typically I record a track, upload it to the PC, clean it up and add waypoints with notes, like for a tight turn into singletrack that is usually overgrown in summer. If memory fails the GPS backs you up.
|