FREE Topographical Maps For Garmin Nuvi GPS

Ghost96Romeo · 07-15-2009, 09:03 PM

In this day and age I don't know many who would shy away from free stuff. If you are the owner (proud or not) of a Garmin Nuvi GPS the tips and links below will help download and install topographical or city map updates onto your GPS.

* First and foremost you have to determine if your computer has Garmin's Mapsource program. If you already do, then you're able to skip a few steps. If you don't you'll need to progress to the next step. If you are unsure whether you do or do not follow this pathway. --->Start Menu--->All Programs--->Look for a Garmin folder which should have the Mapsource icon. If you do not have either, then you will need to move to the next step.

- Step 1-
You'll need to download Garmin's Training Center software. Cut and paste the following link: http://www8.garmin.com/support/colle...t=999-99999-04 You will need to down Garmin's Training Center software in order to download the Mapsource update which will allow you upload topo maps to your Garmin GPS.

-Step 2-
Cut and paste this link to get the Mapsource update: http://www8.garmin.com/support/downl...ils.jsp?id=209(In the event you need or want additional information on how to get a free copy of Garmin's Mapsource program you can cut and paste this link. http://freegeographytools.com/2007/g...ource-for-free
Now that you have installed Mapsource you are ready to start downloading maps to your computer and upload them to your Garmin GPS. As I eventually learned to do this is not overly difficult but If you have questions, here's some additional reading. To read more on downloading maps to your computer and uploading to your GPS cut and paste this link: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorial...mapsettoolkit/

-Step 3-
Once you are ready to begin downloading maps just cut and paste the following link and select the state you wish to download. This also works for updating existing city maps.
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/
Depending on the state you may have multiple options with which to choose. Choose the link for the map and click the download windows link. Doing so should trigger a pop up window asking if you want to run, save or cancel. I would recommend run and let it install.

-Step 4-
- Once you have downloaded the map(s) you want open up the Garmin Mapsource program and in the upper left corner there should be a drop down box which will show the which maps you have on your computer. At this point, select which map from the drop down and it will display in the map area in the main part of the screen. Using your mouse, press the left button and drag it over the area of the map you want to highlight (there is a highlight button you need to push first). It should light up the grid a yellow color and the box on the left side of the screen will start populating with the various files which comprise the map area you selected.

My recommendation would be to do this for all of map area you wish to upload to your GPS. Once you have all the map files set that you want to send to your GPS click the button at the top to "Send to Device" and the process will begin to start uploading your newly acquired maps to your GPS.

Below are a few points I learned along the way that I will share:
* I learned that you cannot update or individual topo map files as the new one will over write the previous file.
* Another point I will make is that your GPS is somewhat limited in the amount of onboard memory it does have. I was able to upload 24k topo maps for TX and city map update and have a small amount of memory left. If you're decide to go hog wild and download numerous states or areas I would recommend getting an SD card with a few gigabytes of storage on it.

It's been a few days since I got everything situated on my Nuvi350 and so far so good. I've noticed a subtle difference on GPS with additional detail which was not there previously for bodies of water, elevation and so on. If you decide to take advantage of this, good luck and I hope you enjoy.

EquinsuOcha · 07-15-2009, 09:08 PM

Those are too many words for me right now...but I did pick out "Free," "Garmin Nüvi," and "the."

So I'm in. After a good night's rest, that is. Good find!

Ghost96Romeo · 07-15-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EquinsuOcha

Those are too many words for me right now...but I did pick out "Free," "Garmin Nüvi," and "the."

So I'm in. After a good night's rest, that is. Good find!

I tried to be as detailed as possible with the instructions. It'll work out.

EquinsuOcha · 07-15-2009, 09:13 PM

I hope so! It sounds awesome

MonkeyProof · 07-15-2009, 09:23 PM

downloading a topo map as i type this...i have a garmin topo map ready to go but um...i dont have the ahem..unlock key

Ghost96Romeo · 07-16-2009, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyProof

downloading a topo map as i type this...i have a garmin topo map ready to go but um...i dont have the ahem..unlock key

I didn't run into any problems with needing an unlock key.

Dark Knight · 07-16-2009, 07:06 AM

wonder if this will work on my kenwood with garmin...

Edit: ohh probably not since I cant press the "send to device button" in that program and have it appear on my 5120. IT would need to work through a thumb drive also.

Brunes · 07-16-2009, 07:35 AM

I'm liking what I'm seeing so far...We'll see how it all works out. I'd LOVE topo for the area I wheel around...

=)

Dark Knight · 07-16-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunes

I'm liking what I'm seeing so far...We'll see how it all works out. I'd LOVE topo for the area I wheel around...

=)

lol all 56ft above sea level that you are

??

Brunes · 07-16-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

lol all 56ft above sea level that you are

??

Yeah...There is enuf variation for me use it. and the lakes and streams info would be good.

OP- What nuvi do you have??

Dark Knight · 07-16-2009, 07:51 AM

oh cool, last week when i was at the beach i saw my elevation at -4ft on ocean drive kinda made me say wtf....

MonkeyProof · 07-16-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost96Romeo

I didn't run into any problems with needing an unlock key.

i have the actual 24K garmin US topo that i got from a buddy...works great on mapsource, but i cant transfer the topo to the GPS unit with out the unlock key...which i cnat find anywhere....Boooo

Ghost96Romeo · 07-16-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunes

OP- What nuvi do you have??

I have a Garmin Nuvi 350. I needed to free up some space on the GPS drive so I deleted all those crappy languages I'll never use and some default images. I was able to load a Texas Topo and a good portion of the US city maps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyProof

i have the actual 24K garmin US topo that i got from a buddy...works great on mapsource, but i cant transfer the topo to the GPS unit with out the unlock key...which i cnat find anywhere....Boooo

Sorry, I can't be of more help with that one. I loaded the Ibiscus (sp?) one from the website and it works well.

Brunes · 07-16-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost96Romeo

I have a Garmin Nuvi 350. I needed to free up some space on the GPS drive so I deleted all those crappy languages I'll never use and some default images. I was able to load a Texas Topo and a good portion of the US city maps.

Sorry, I can't be of more help with that one. I loaded the Ibiscus (sp?) one from the website and it works well.

Nice- Which city maps did you use?? I've got most of the gulf coast between Tallahassee and New Oreleans loaded up on mine...I'm still looking around for what else to load up!! And trying to see what the difference is...I haven't hit any major improvements...

Ghost96Romeo · 07-16-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brunes

Nice- Which city maps did you use?? I've got most of the gulf coast between Tallahassee and New Oreleans loaded up on mine...I'm still looking around for what else to load up!! And trying to see what the difference is...I haven't hit any major improvements...

Check your map settings. Sometimes maps will not overlay ontop of each other unless they have a transparent setting in their programming.

For example:The Topo map of Texas needs to have the Ibiscus map switched off for the contour lines to show. Also ensure that your settings allow for the highest amount of map detail. To do this, I (on my GPS) go to settings> Map> Map Info> and you can select/deselect the map to view.

Ghost96Romeo · 07-18-2009, 11:42 AM

No one else is taking advantage of this?

timmer · 07-18-2009, 11:49 AM

STICKIE This Post in off roading and trails please !!!

Ghost96Romeo · 07-19-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmer

STICKIE This Post in off roading and trails please !!!

Couldn't hurt right?

MonkeyProof · 07-19-2009, 07:43 PM

freaking awsome! the Ibiscus california TOPO overlay works well, seemed to be pretty accurate when playing with it today

Brunes · 07-20-2009, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost96Romeo

Check your map settings. Sometimes maps will not overlay ontop of each other unless they have a transparent setting in their programming.

For example:The Topo map of Texas needs to have the Ibiscus map switched off for the contour lines to show. Also ensure that your settings allow for the highest amount of map detail. To do this, I (on my GPS) go to settings> Map> Map Info> and you can select/deselect the map to view.

Nice. I'm not sitting with my GPS (It's at home and I'm in NY) But I'll give it a shot when I get back!!

07-15-2009, 09:03 PM	#1
Ghost96Romeo What is the Search Tab for???? Joined: Oct 2008, #10228 Location: Kyle, TX Age: 27 Gender: Male Posts: 2,064 06 TRD Off-Road D-Cab 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 3" Pro-Comp Suspension Lift AAL Rear w/TSB, Brush-Guard w/ KC Daylighters, Lund Genesis Roll-top Bed cover, K&N Filters, Spidertrax Wheel spacers, Built-by-Me Rock Sliders, Jeep Tow-Hook, Black Leather seats, 48"Hi-Lift Jack mounted in the bed, Blacked out TRD Rims, BHLM, FLM.	FREE Topographical Maps For Garmin Nuvi GPS In this day and age I don't know many who would shy away from free stuff. If you are the owner (proud or not) of a Garmin Nuvi GPS the tips and links below will help download and install topographical or city map updates onto your GPS. * First and foremost you have to determine if your computer has Garmin's Mapsource program. If you already do, then you're able to skip a few steps. If you don't you'll need to progress to the next step. If you are unsure whether you do or do not follow this pathway. --->Start Menu--->All Programs--->Look for a Garmin folder which should have the Mapsource icon. If you do not have either, then you will need to move to the next step. - Step 1- You'll need to download Garmin's Training Center software. Cut and paste the following link: http://www8.garmin.com/support/colle...t=999-99999-04 You will need to down Garmin's Training Center software in order to download the Mapsource update which will allow you upload topo maps to your Garmin GPS. -Step 2- Cut and paste this link to get the Mapsource update: http://www8.garmin.com/support/downl...ils.jsp?id=209(In the event you need or want additional information on how to get a free copy of Garmin's Mapsource program you can cut and paste this link. http://freegeographytools.com/2007/g...ource-for-free Now that you have installed Mapsource you are ready to start downloading maps to your computer and upload them to your Garmin GPS. As I eventually learned to do this is not overly difficult but If you have questions, here's some additional reading. To read more on downloading maps to your computer and uploading to your GPS cut and paste this link: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorial...mapsettoolkit/ -Step 3- Once you are ready to begin downloading maps just cut and paste the following link and select the state you wish to download. This also works for updating existing city maps. http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/ Depending on the state you may have multiple options with which to choose. Choose the link for the map and click the download windows link. Doing so should trigger a pop up window asking if you want to run, save or cancel. I would recommend run and let it install. -Step 4- - Once you have downloaded the map(s) you want open up the Garmin Mapsource program and in the upper left corner there should be a drop down box which will show the which maps you have on your computer. At this point, select which map from the drop down and it will display in the map area in the main part of the screen. Using your mouse, press the left button and drag it over the area of the map you want to highlight (there is a highlight button you need to push first). It should light up the grid a yellow color and the box on the left side of the screen will start populating with the various files which comprise the map area you selected. My recommendation would be to do this for all of map area you wish to upload to your GPS. Once you have all the map files set that you want to send to your GPS click the button at the top to "Send to Device" and the process will begin to start uploading your newly acquired maps to your GPS. Below are a few points I learned along the way that I will share: * I learned that you cannot update or individual topo map files as the new one will over write the previous file. * Another point I will make is that your GPS is somewhat limited in the amount of onboard memory it does have. I was able to upload 24k topo maps for TX and city map update and have a small amount of memory left. If you're decide to go hog wild and download numerous states or areas I would recommend getting an SD card with a few gigabytes of storage on it. It's been a few days since I got everything situated on my Nuvi350 and so far so good. I've noticed a subtle difference on GPS with additional detail which was not there previously for bodies of water, elevation and so on. If you decide to take advantage of this, good luck and I hope you enjoy. __________________ *My "DIY" Build* http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/bui...eos-build.html

07-15-2009, 09:23 PM	#5
MonkeyProof noobiest noob ever Joined: Oct 2008, #9774 Location: SoCal-SGV Age: 36 Gender: Tranny Posts: 850	downloading a topo map as i type this...i have a garmin topo map ready to go but um...i dont have the ahem..unlock key __________________ www.SiRMarlon.com All-Pro LT kit, All-Pro 3" Leaf Pack, Fox Shocks, All-Pro Front/Rear Plate Style Bumpers, All-Pro Skids 35" Tires, 4.56 Gears, Locked Front/Rear, CB and 2meter Radios Kragen 7" HIDS, Smittybilt 10K Winch, Master-Pull Synthetic Winch Rope

07-16-2009, 07:06 AM	#7
Dark Knight 4x4 in uppercase = $x$ Name: Bruce Wayne of coarse.. Joined: Jul 2008, #8006 Location: Tennessee Mountains Gender: Male Posts: 3,680 Black 2005 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 Skyjacker Platinum Coilovers, Skyjacker rear leafs, FJ TRD SE wheels, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Deleted N-Fab Light Bar, Piaa 520 Smr Driving Lights, Piaa 510 Ion Crystal Fog Lights, Yakima Rack, Extang Solid Fold Tonneau, Bestop Canopy, TRD Exhaust, TRD CAI, Kenwood DNX5120 Navi, Fog Light Mod, Driving Light Mod, BHLM, Scanguage II on Blendmount, TC uca's, VIAIR OBA, Shrockworks Rock Sliders	wonder if this will work on my kenwood with garmin... Edit: ohh probably not since I cant press the "send to device button" in that program and have it appear on my 5120. IT would need to work through a thumb drive also. __________________ 84 pickup 4x4 \| need Aussie locker (toyota 8") 05 Tacoma

07-16-2009, 07:35 AM	#8
Brunes Pray for CG1705 and the Cobra Crew Name: Mark Joined: May 2008, #7011 Location: Panhandle, Florida Age: 25 Gender: Dude Posts: 5,800 08 Red/Graphite and Black 2008 Access Cab Manual 1GR-FE: 4L V6 Debadge, Tint, LiteRider Tonneau with Locker Handle, 5 Pc Black Billet Grill, Black Rims, IPod Adapter, Red and Black Wet Okole Seats, Black Weathertechs. 885's and TC UCAs and Wheelers 3 pack AAL with OME Shocks and extended brake lines. Revenge Fabrication 82" Kickout sliders	I'm liking what I'm seeing so far...We'll see how it all works out. I'd LOVE topo for the area I wheel around... =) __________________ Namaste Brunes

07-16-2009, 07:51 AM	#11
Dark Knight 4x4 in uppercase = $x$ Name: Bruce Wayne of coarse.. Joined: Jul 2008, #8006 Location: Tennessee Mountains Gender: Male Posts: 3,680 Black 2005 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 Skyjacker Platinum Coilovers, Skyjacker rear leafs, FJ TRD SE wheels, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Deleted N-Fab Light Bar, Piaa 520 Smr Driving Lights, Piaa 510 Ion Crystal Fog Lights, Yakima Rack, Extang Solid Fold Tonneau, Bestop Canopy, TRD Exhaust, TRD CAI, Kenwood DNX5120 Navi, Fog Light Mod, Driving Light Mod, BHLM, Scanguage II on Blendmount, TC uca's, VIAIR OBA, Shrockworks Rock Sliders	oh cool, last week when i was at the beach i saw my elevation at -4ft on ocean drive kinda made me say wtf.... __________________ 84 pickup 4x4 \| need Aussie locker (toyota 8") 05 Tacoma

07-18-2009, 11:42 AM	#16
Ghost96Romeo What is the Search Tab for???? Joined: Oct 2008, #10228 Location: Kyle, TX Age: 27 Gender: Male Posts: 2,064 06 TRD Off-Road D-Cab 2006 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 3" Pro-Comp Suspension Lift AAL Rear w/TSB, Brush-Guard w/ KC Daylighters, Lund Genesis Roll-top Bed cover, K&N Filters, Spidertrax Wheel spacers, Built-by-Me Rock Sliders, Jeep Tow-Hook, Black Leather seats, 48"Hi-Lift Jack mounted in the bed, Blacked out TRD Rims, BHLM, FLM.	No one else is taking advantage of this? __________________ *My "DIY" Build* http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/bui...eos-build.html

07-18-2009, 11:49 AM	#17
timmer Off-Road Enthusiast S.W.Region Name: Tim Joined: May 2008, #6655 Location: Las Vegas Age: 47 Gender: Male Posts: 1,881 08 4WD V6 6sp OCTO, IVD suspension 2008 Access Cab Manual 236HP 4.0l V6 DOHC 24V W/VVT-i IDV: coilovers & UCA's, remote resevior shocks, custom "Bastard" IVD/toy-TSB leafsprings. 265/75r16 BFG-T/A KM on TRD alloys. Budbuilt skid set ARB Front Winch Bumper , Superwinch X9 IPF900xsd. DeMello Hybrid Sliders, bestop Supertop. waiting to install:3/8' x 80' Amsteel winchline, Delrin fairlead rollers, AP Rear plate bumper. coming soon: Base Mount CB with antenna	STICKIE This Post in off roading and trails please !!! __________________ Smokey Bear sez, Hear it again here Kids !!! http://www.vom.com/wesford/SBHA/SONG...ySONG_ga.shtml I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully to defend from waste the natural resources of my country - its soil and minerals, its wildlands, waters and wildlife.

07-19-2009, 07:43 PM	#19
MonkeyProof noobiest noob ever Joined: Oct 2008, #9774 Location: SoCal-SGV Age: 36 Gender: Tranny Posts: 850	freaking awsome! the Ibiscus california TOPO overlay works well, seemed to be pretty accurate when playing with it today __________________ www.SiRMarlon.com All-Pro LT kit, All-Pro 3" Leaf Pack, Fox Shocks, All-Pro Front/Rear Plate Style Bumpers, All-Pro Skids 35" Tires, 4.56 Gears, Locked Front/Rear, CB and 2meter Radios Kragen 7" HIDS, Smittybilt 10K Winch, Master-Pull Synthetic Winch Rope

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*FREE* Topographical Maps For Garmin Nuvi GPS

FREE Topographical Maps For Garmin Nuvi GPS