Has any one used Map Create? Would I get any more lake detail than I have with the Enhanced lake maps that come installed? I would appreciate any info you all have.

I have Map Create and never use it as far as lake maps. I download the Free Enhanced Lake Maps. The Free Enhanced have to be downloaded they don't come pre installed. Or at least didn't on my H2O.

MapCreate has the same lakes as those that are installed on units such as the LMS-520C. I have version 7. Earlier versions do not have contour lines on the lakes.

I have Map Create 6 and it does not have any detail on the lakes. For the best lake detail get a Navionics map card if your unit will support it, or a Fishing Hot Spots map card if it won't.

The 520 comes with enhanced maps? I've looked at Lewisville and Ray Roberts on it and I see nothing but water on there. do you have to do something special to get the enhanced maps to show up?

Jase--Are you sure it has the "Free Enhanced Lake Maps" preinstalled? Think you need to download each lake you want (that is available) to see them. Downloaded the emulator and don't get Enhanced Lake Maps unless they are downloaded. Looking at product description it says "Built-in enhanced background map of the US and Hawaii", that isn't the Free Enhanced Lake Maps. Download those seperate, lake by lake.

Thanks for the replies. My LMS 520C does have at least some lake maps installed Stillhouse had some contur lines. I downloaded the enhanced map for Stillhouse last night to compare them. The Enhanced Map has more detail, Park roads and such. I have not looked at other lakes yet as today is the first time I have used the unit. Finished up the install Saturday night. I currently don't fish that many lakes so I really did not want to spend the money on a map card or program if I don't need to. I do want as much detail as possible.

Lowrance does not have Lewisville on any card or program or free map. MapCreate 7 has contour lines on Ray Roberts when you zoom in past 15 miles. Go into Map Categories on the first Menu and see that Depth is checked.

I have MapCreate 6. ($99) It's useless for lake maps unless you buy the Fishing Hot Spots SD card (another $99) and use the LEI card reader to upload the information to MapCreate. MapCreate will not read a Navionics card.

On the other hand, you could buy Navionics Hot Maps Explorer for $20 plus S&H. It has many, many more lakes and allows you to look at a lake contour map side-by-side with a Google Earth satellite image. It's the best $20 plus S&H I've ever spent. Much more lake info for one tenth the price.

You can say that again. For some reason my brain works better when I'm at home looking at Explorer, instead of on the lake.!!

Where did you get the Hot Maps Explorer? My searches have not found it.

Ken, go to the Navionics web site and type in "Explorer" in the Search window. Do not order the CD from Navionics, because they rip you off with the S&H. I suggest you order it from Three Rivers Marine. http://www.threeriversmarine.net.

Thanks Mike I will look it up.

I have a H20C and Map create 7 and they are good.

Another vote here for Hotmaps Explorer. Well worth $20.

Just jumped into the post. I clicked on the link and didn't have any luck. Do you have another one that you know of where we can get the explorer?

Good info. Thanks

Nevermind. I tried and tried again and it finally came up for me.

SonarMap,Inc. has the Navionics Explorer DVD and we offer a 10% discount to TFF Members. Just enter "4726" in the "Discount Coupon" area at the bottom of the check-out page.

Do you have to have map create for the free enhanced lake maps to load? I dont want to waste the money on map create if you do have to have it. I would just assume get a navionics card. Has anyone used the navionics hand held chip? How well does it work?

There are not as many free enhanced maps as there are maps in map create.

You don't need Mapcreate to download and use the Free Enhanced Maps. Just download them to your SD card or to your computer hard drive then copy them to the SD card.

The Free Enhanced maps I have downloaded have been much better than what was on the Mapcreate I have. I have Navionics Explorer on order, but it is back ordered.

Mapmkr, do you have copies in stock?

The Free Enhanced map I have of Stillhouse is real good. However it does not have any of the old roadbeds, or other details. Would MapCreate give those to me or do I need to get Hotmaps?

Not sure if Mapcreate would do it or not. I used Mapcreate so much I deleted it from my PC to get the space back for other junk.

Not sure if Mapcreate would do it or not. I used Mapcreate so much I deleted it from my PC to get the space back for other junk.

I bought the Navionics Explorer at the Lufkin Academy store and saved the shipping,had to ask for it at the counter with all the reels.They just started handling the cd