GPS Maps?

Gondor · 01-13-2012, 06:46 AM

Where do you buy/download GPS maps for your GPS device? How much do these costs and how are they divided (by country, region or...)?

Bojib · 01-13-2012, 07:57 AM

I prefer GPS File Depot, there are several FREE maps on there for Garmin units.
You can get 24K scale maps for pretty much any state, plus other maps like hiking trails, etc.

Also, if you have a Garmin you can get "routable" maps here: Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap

Johnny · 01-13-2012, 08:43 AM

There are plenty of places to download these maps from, although the best maps are usually expensive. Garmin company itself provides maps (not free) for their devices.

oldsarge · 01-13-2012, 10:04 AM

Bojib is correct, There are free online maps that will work. I have used GPS File Depot before. I use maps provided by the manufacturer, they seem to be the most compatible and work the best. The mapping program I have for my Garmin Colorado 300 is for the entire US minus Alaska. Once it's in your computer, you can select regions of a size you choose to load into your unit. I like this due to being able to limit the amount of file storage. You can also buy pre-loaded cards that will fit into the unit and not take up additional file space.

Bojib · 01-13-2012, 08:02 PM

What kind of maps are you looking for exactly? That might help in making a decision too.

Garmin sales two different types of Topo maps. There is the 100k version, which I have and use.

They also have the 24k maps, which are more detailed. They are sold by regions though. I think these are also auto routing, but I don't know, I haven't purchased any set in this region.

All manufactures seem to offer some level of Topo map that can be loaded to their make of GPS, if the GPS accepts maps.

Also, with Garmin you can get the auto-routing street maps for GPS models that support them.

Probably a good idea to know which maps will actually work with the model GPS you have. I've seen plenty of reviews on Amazon were people returned GPS receivers because they either wouldn't support maps, or a certain type of map, and they weren't aware prior to purchase.

Of course, I've found having any map on a GPS of limited use, the screens are just too small. I have some nice programs I can print maps from instead, I use "weather proof" paper to print my own maps on, with UTM grids. I find it to be more useful than having maps on the GPS.

oldsarge · 01-13-2012, 09:40 PM

I have been using City Navigator for my Garmin. It shows Topo in addition to street routing. It also has more detail than the regular Topo programs, something I found to be a little weird when researching prior to buying.

Bojib, what do you use for making maps. I have been using a program called "GeoBuddy", I picked it up years ago when I was into Geocaching. It helps you manage your geocaching files, but also lets you print out custom maps of any scale, topo, urban photo or satellite view. I too prefer the UTM or MGRS grids on my maps.

JimBob · 01-13-2012, 10:01 PM

I have a Magellan GPS system and it came with a disc that just lets me update my GPS from online. It didn't cost anything. It installed a link to it on my desktop. I'm not sure how others work since my girlfriend asked the same question about hers which doesn't have a disc.

oldsarge · 01-13-2012, 10:20 PM

I also have a Magellan 500 LE and I use the "Topo 3D" disc. I had to buy that one. I know that Garmin has a feature that allows you down load maps on line for a price. The disc's you buy have an unlock code on them and can only be used on one GPS. Once you go online to use the code, you have to assign a GPS device to that purchase. If you buy the pre-loaded scan disc of a certain area, you can use that on any Garmin. On my Magellan, I can use it on any other compatible unit.

Bojib · 01-14-2012, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsarge

Bojib, what do you use for making maps.

I have a few different programs I like to use. I like MapTech Terrain Navigator, but I only have the Kentucky maps with it, since the maps are fairly expensive. It has more print options than other programs.

Next in line I use the National Geographic Topo! State Series. The program is not as good as MapTech, but it's cheaper to obtain maps for it. It also has a more "clean" looking print.

The other program I use is called TopoFusion Pro. I believe it is written by the same people that created Geobuddy. It can display many different map types, and if you have a compatible GPS you can create custom maps and send to the GPS unit. The print functionality is scaled back on it some compared to other programs. It doesn't have many geocaching features to it either, but I quit geocaching long ago, so I don't really need those features.

oldsarge · 01-14-2012, 07:42 AM

Since I no longer geocache, I only use Geobuddy for the mapping capabilities. The nice thing about it is that you don't have to buy any maps at all. I noticed the Geo-buddy is no longer offered and is called Expert GPS now. When I first joined, Geobuddy was their top of the line product, most people thought that Expert GPS was and would buy that instead and find out later it wasn't what they wanted. Now they sell Expert GPS as their main product. I know it's pricey, but it's a lot cheaper than buying individual maps.

I'm going to look into TopFushion Pro. you can never have too many tools in the box!