Free GPS Maps?

Guyon

Guyon

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So I have my new Garmin handheld (60CSx), and I see how basic the basemap is. Time to start looking at upgrades.

Has anyone found really good sources for map data for these handheld GPS units? Someone over in W&S mentioned this one: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ and I found a topo of the entire Southeastern US there. I also just found this one: http://gpsmapsearch.com/

I'm just curious how many folks use maps from online sources like the two above. Are they as reliable as the maps sold by Garmin? If so, are there other good sources for GPS map data?
 
Maybe things have changed, but my old Garmin did not allow map software other than their own to be downloaded to their GPS systems. That has been my experience in the past, but they may have changed it. Good luck. Garmin charges tons of money for maps.
 
Offroadcmpr is correct - in order to send the maps from your computer to the Garmin GPS unit, you need the MapSource program. The 'free' maps at those websites are simply custom maps that other people have created with their MapSource software for you to use with your MapSource software.

At least that's how I understand it...

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This page is something I've never seen before, instructions on using free software and free data sets to create Garmin-compatible maps. I think you still need Garmin's MapSource software to send the maps to the actual GPS...
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-create-garmin-topo-maps/
 
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Not really an issue for me. My Garmin unit came with the MapSource software.

As soon as my 2GB microSD card gets here, I'll try downloading a free map or two and report back as to how well they work.
 
Guyon said:
Not really an issue for me. My Garmin unit came with the MapSource software.

As soon as my 2GB microSD card gets here, I'll try downloading a free map or two and report back as to how well they work.
Click to expand...
Interesting that you have the Mapsource software. I have the same GPS and I didn't get any software.:grumpy: Anyway, I'm counting on you to report back when you get some maps installed. That GPS is the bomb, I can lock in satellites right from the comfort of my easy chair:)
 
I would be interested in your report as well. I have been wanting one of these for a while
 
If you have the Mapsource software, you should have no trouble sharing/exchanging maps with other Garmin users.

As for where to find map data sets that can be converted to Garmin maps, the overall issue is a headache and you're probably best off following the step-by-step instructions and listed data sets at those websites. A couple of years ago I spent some time 'playing' with various freeware/open source GIS mapping programs and the various data sets; it was a real PITA searching and interacting with the data sets, figuring out which data sets would work with which programs, and making conversions.

Also, check out the forums at Geocaching.com . Those guys collectively know just about everything there is to know about GPSes and mapping.
 
IUKE12 said:
Interesting that you have the Mapsource software. I have the same GPS and I didn't get any software.:grumpy: Anyway, I'm counting on you to report back when you get some maps installed. That GPS is the bomb, I can lock in satellites right from the comfort of my easy chair:)
Click to expand...

I'm assuming it did. The box says "includes Mapsource Trip and Waypoint Manager." Maybe not the same thing?

I think it is the right program though. I loaded the CD software, and it has a link to both Mapsource and the Mapsource manual.
 
After a bit of trial and error, I got the Southeastern topo loaded up just fine. Takes up nearly 1GB in its entirety, but I have a 2GB card, so there's plenty of room left for waypoints, routes, tracks, etc.
 
A quick update, I downloaded the free Mapsource software application from Garmin, then went over to gpsfiledepot and downloaded/installed a topo map that covers my area. Loads just fine on my 60csx. I will have to experiment with this more. Thanks to Guyon, you have inspired me:)
 
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