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TC_LTN
18th Feb 2006, 10:57
Some of you will know that I have moaned and groaned about what I consider to be huge deficiencies in the Jeppesen database for VFR operations in the UK.
Some of the most glaring omissions IMHO include;
1. No obstruction data
2. No Visual Reporting Points
3. Many unlicensed and some licensed airfields missing
4. No glider sites
5. No microlight sites
6. No Freefall DZs
7. No heliports
8. No heli-route reporting points
Anyway, I have put some effort into addressing the problem and have developed a number of 'add-on' Garmin Database files (.gdb) which if added to your Garmin GPS go some way to giving the VFR pilot a more complete picture.
My Garmin GPSMAP 296 has the capacity for several thousand add-on waypoints and if you added all of my files you would be adding some 1,800 new objects. Your device may not have this capacity and therefore I have broken the waypoints into individual type files in order that you can pick and choose.
A couple of screen shots show Norfolk and the London area before and after the addition of my data which I think illustrates what a difference the add-ons make.
http://www.pipercub.flyer.co.uk/garmin/norfolkbefore.jpg
NORFOLK BEFORE
http://www.pipercub.flyer.co.uk/garmin/norfolkafter.jpg
NORFOLK AFTER
http://www.pipercub.flyer.co.uk/garmin/londonbefore.jpg
LONDON BEFORE
http://www.pipercub.flyer.co.uk/garmin/londonafter.jpg
LONDON AFTER
The data is all encoded directly from the CAA WGS84 database but all the usual caveats apply to the integrity or otherwise of the data.
The individual data files are available by http://www.pipercub.org.uk and following the links on the left.
I would be very grateful for any comments or suggestions as to the usability of this data with your GPS.

TC_LTN
24th Feb 2006, 18:29
Just to keep the 'dark side' sweet I thought I would code up the BGA Turning Points for Garmin devices. I am sure other people must have done this but couldn't readily find the data in Garmin format so thought I would add them to my files. They can be found at www.pipercub.org.uk and follow the links on the left. Please feel free to share the files if you find them useful.