OK, heres where I'm at...

I downloaded oziexplorer to my home computer to practice with while I look for a "disposable laptop" I have the cable needed to link with my garmin 12 gps. I tried to import a map of the port angeles area from Maptech online. (I use this map program to track down likely looking spots on the water) I cant get it imported in to oziexplorer. Can I do this, or do I need to purchase a map CD? Once I have this map loaded, i hook up the gps and turn it on and presto, I should show upon the map right where my house is? Is it that simple? ANY help would be appreciated. This stuff facinates me. I may even use it in my classroom. I am writing a grant for 15 gps units for a math/social studies unit.... this linking the computer/gps/to a visual map is giving me other ideas as well!

I'm not familiar with "ozieexplorer", but have used a laptop and mapping programs for years. My experience is that the maps cost money and you have to purchase a "site key" usually to unlock them. This is what I have ran into with both nautical charts and map charts. Most times even if you have a CD with charts and/or maps on it you will need to purchase an unlock code for access. Hope that helps.

I've used the Garmin compatible software for downloading maps. Is your unit Map compatible unit or is it just a basic GPS?

I have a basic garmin gps without mapping features. (model 12).

With your unit, I don't believe you can transfer maps to the GPS. You might be able to transfer marked positions or routes to your laptop. You can call Garmin to verify.

I have done just what you are trying to do, except I used a freeware program called Seaclear. To download Seaclear, go to www.sping.com, then click on "Seaclear". To obtain charts, go to www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

It takes a little work to use these programs, as you have to calibrate the charts using the Seaclear software. Plan on spending a couple nights at it. Once you get the hang of it you realize that you can make your own charts using a digital camera. Just take a picture of an existing chart, get it into your machine as a WINDOWS bitmap (.BMP) image, then calibrate the chart (for Lat/Long) using SeaClear. One time I photographed a regular road map and then drove around and saw the "dot" move up and down Interstate 5.

Your Garmin unit should work if it has a 9 pin serial port cable. Does the cable have a 9 pin connector that looks like it will attach to one of the I/O ports on the back of your computer? If it does you are in business using SeaClear.

I am not sure about importing off the web but it might be possible to use your printscreen button. Then use a photo shop program to change the picture you create to an image that OZI use's.
The best method I have found to get around the expensive digital chart is to buy the paper chart you want then run down to kinkos and have then scan the chart and put it on CD for you then you can manipulate the image however you need to. I am not real familar with Ozi explore but a friend of mine has it and he is the one the changes the image to be calibrated. Hope that helps.