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- Install Mapsource For Free
- Garmin Mapsource Download Official Site
- Mapsource Download Free Windows 10
- Install Garmin Mapsource Windows 10
- Garmin Mapsource For Windows 10
- Free Garmin Maps Downloads
- Gps Mapsource
MapSource products provide geographic data in CD-ROM format that can be viewed on a PC. Additionally, some GARMIN units can accept map downloads from various MapSource products to augment the detail already on your GARMIN GPS basemap. Garmin Mapsource For Mac, free garmin mapsource for mac software downloads, Page 2. Download and install Garmin BaseCamp; Download and install Garmin MapSource; Conclusion. Although this tutorial was very simple it is currently the best way to get Garmin MapSource when it doesn't come with your Garmin GPS or purchased map. If you have limited bandwidth you can download Garmin Training Center as step one and then MapSource. Jul 05, 2018 Trusted Windows (PC) download Garmin MapSource 6.16.3. Virus-free and 100% clean download. Get Garmin MapSource alternative downloads. MapSource program updates can be downloaded for free from Garmin’s site, but updates will not install unless you have previously installed a version of MapSource on your computer. One way to fulfill this “previous install requirement” is to first download and install the free Garmin BaseCamp program. Then, download and install the free MapSource Update. From that point on, you should have a working copy of both BaseCamp and MapSource.
The good news is that if you own a Garmin GPS device, there’s a way to get free Garmin GPS maps. And in most cases, the free maps are much better than the expensive Garmin maps. I’m a big fan of Garmin GPS devices, but I always found it disappointing that they charged extra for maps. Garmin doesn’t publicize it, but most of their GPS units are setup to take any maps in the correct format. Here’s how to get and install these free hiking maps in an easy, step-by-step process.
Install Mapsource For Free
In retrospect, I think the price for Garmin maps is too high. There are some as good, or better, alternatives available at no cost online. This product is overpriced for what it is. I would recommend other software. – Garmin Map Review on Amazon
Why These Free Maps?
So let me start by saying there are a lot of ways to get free Garmin GPS maps, and a lot of different methods to install them. You could create whole websites devoted to the subject, and people have (see below). This article focuses on installing my favorite free Garmin GPS maps for hiking in the USA, using OpenStreetMaps. If these don’t work for you, try exploring the other map services that I have listed below.
You can also create your own highly-customized maps and download them to your Garmin device.
OpenStreetMaps are the Wikipedia of maps. The public contributes to, confirms, and edits the data on the map. This curation goes for hiking trails too. The maps are regularly updated, and over the last few years have seemed the most accurate in my experience. You can even become a contributor if you like.
The free hiking maps that I’m recommending are great because:
- They are good topographic maps with elevation contours.
- They have a large number of hiking trails on them.
- They are “routable,” which means that you can use free tools like Garmin Basecamp to automatically create routes and tracks that you can follow (without having to plot each point of the trail yourself).
- The colors and detail work well for me. That is, they look good on the device.
- USA regions are packaged together.
Video Instructions
If you are on Windows, there are some special instructions below.
Which Garmin GPS devices do the maps work with?
First off, the Garmin unit you have might have maps already. You probably know this, but if you’re shopping for a GPS, go to the Garmin website page for the unit. If it maps come with the unit, it will say it has “preloaded topo maps.”
If you already have a unit and want to find out if these free maps work, go to the unit’s page on the Garmin website, and then check out the “specs” section. There is a line for “ability to add maps,” if you have a check there, you’re good to go.
Downloading the Free Garmin GPS Maps
The first thing you’re going to want to do is visit the GMapTool website, specifically the USA OSM Topo Routable page.
Then pick the region you want, and download the appropriate map package (link way at the bottom of the page). The files are pretty big. The download might take a while.
Installing the Free Maps on Your Computer
The instructions are different for Mac and PC. The map website has a link for installation instructions, click on that. My instructions cover the installation on a Mac, but I have some general that fill in the gaps for installing on Windows below .
For the Mac, you’ll need three (free) programs to install the maps. You can download and install these programs while you wait for your maps to download.
That’s it. The maps are on your computer. If you’re not already using the free Garmin Basecamp tool, I highly recommend getting it. It will allow you to browse maps, create tracks, and is invaluable in planning hikes.
Installing the Free Maps on Your Garmin GPS
Once your map is downloaded and installed, you’re all set to install them on your GPS unit.
Installing on GPS Devices With MTP Mode
Garmin added a connection mode called MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) to transfer files, which makes the Garmin appear as a “media device.” And of course, Apple doesn’t support it. Most Garmin devices allow you to switch the USB mode to “mass-storage” and you should find that in the settings and give it a try. Make sure the device firmware is updated to get the latest settings. Once in “mass-storage” mode, you should be able to follow the steps laid out earlier.
Garmin Mapsource Download Official Site
If you’re stuck in MTP mode, I’ve found a solution. It’s not the most graceful one in the world, but it works (confirmed on a Fenix 5x Plus).
- Get your maps from here: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl
- The site will send you an email with a download link.
- Download the ZIP file that is described as “Compressed file that contains a single image that can be placed directly onto the SD-card of the GPS.”
- Unzip the file. You should have a file with a “.img” extension.
- Now we need to connect the Garmin to the computer. Download the free Android File Transfer program from Google. Install it on your machine as per the instructions.
- If you have Garmin Express running, make sure it’s not running and you have disabled any “automatically launch when device is connected” settings.
- Plug in your Garmin to the computer and launch the Android File Transfer program. You should see a screen like this:
- Simply drag the “.img” file that you downloaded into the Garmin folder. You might want to rename the “.img” file to make sure it doesn’t whack any maps already on there.
That’s it. Go to your map settings and turn the OSM map on and off.
Mapsource Download Free Windows 10
Tips for Windows Installation
The directions on GMapTool site aren’t very descriptive for Windows. Here are some tips from fellow hiker Dave T. on how to install the free maps on Windows.
- Run the “bat” file as described on the GMapTool site.
- Open Garmin Basecamp to ensure that the maps have been installed.
- Use the free Garmin MapInstall program to send the maps to your device. OR you can also install them directly from Basecamp. Right click on the internal storage and selected install maps (thanks to John S for the tip).
- Or use the maps at garmin.openstreetmap.nl, Download your map first. This will create a single “img” file for each map you download. Then copy that map file to your Garmin (the drive if you have a micro SD card, not the device) in the “Garmin” folder (which you must create first if it doesn’t already exist).
If These Free Garmin GPS Maps Don’t Work For You
There are other free maps for your Garmin GPS, and again, they might have different instructions for installation. Check the website where the maps are offered for directions on how to install them.
- GPSFileDepot is a great resource that’s frequently updated. I recommend trying this site before any others.
- OpenStreetMap.nl is good if you want to grab.a smaller, more specific map.
- OpenSeaMap offers nautical charts.
If you’re having trouble finding the GMAP folder, this tip has helped some folks (thanks to Liz S!).
Install Garmin Mapsource Windows 10
Some Final Thoughts
I recommend planning your hike and creating a GPX file beforehand. Most Garmin GPS units are too small for anything more than impromptu navigation planning. I have a tutorial on how to plan a hiking route for your Garmin GPS here.
Garmin Mapsource For Windows 10
And I could use your help. I don’t download these maps every day, so if these directions don’t seem up to date, please contact me and let me know. I’ll update the directions here accordingly.
Lastly, a note if you’re having tech issues. Unfortunately, I can’t help everyone who emails me. I recommend posting your question online in the Garmin Reddit, the Garmin Forums, or in a Garmin group on Facebook. That’s probably you’re quickest path to success.
Free Garmin Maps Downloads
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I recommend simply using the Installer to install openmtbmaps. However MapsetToolkit is great for checking all maps installed, cleaning up, and removing errors. Therefore I show this too....
Sometimes the map will not install correctly, then you could follow this guide. (Note in case of problems first read the FAQ).
Contents
Preparations
1. Download and Install Mapsettoolkit 1.77beta or later: http://cypherman1.googlepages.com/home
2. Download and Install cgpsmapper free (maptk won't work anymore). http://cgpsmapper.com/
You don't need to do this, If you simply want to check for errors.
3. Check that there are no errors on other maps installed.
a) Start Mapset Toolkit and just scroll down the list on the right hand side of the windows and look if there are no strange entries. If there are questionmarks (????) inside the CODE field, there is a serious error. Click on the row, then click Uninstall and Confirm.
Also you may find no errors on the 'Code' field, but an empty 'Mapset Name'. Usually these are also really bogus entries, and if 'Edit' doesn't open when you click on it. You should also Uninstall them.
b) Afterwards do a more serious check and click on 'Check Registry'
You may find more errors - for every error you find, you should identify the problematic map and either Correct it (often clicking on edit, than okay will fix it).
If you cannot fix it, then best also Uninstall the map by clicking on Uninstall.
Once 'Check Registry' shows no more Warnings or Errors - your fine. Below Screenshot shows still loads of errors - and you should Delete 'Family_6366' from the entries in the right hand side menu (step a) ):
4. Install maps using MapsetToolkit:
Gps Mapsource
a) 'Select IMG' - select all map images (.img): (choose the folder you extracted the maps to). Then click on 'Select All' and on the right side click 'Add'. Now the mapnames should show up on the right and lift window
b) 'Select mapset directory' (this should be the directory to which you extracted the maps, but you can choose any directory).
c) 'Mapset Name' - give the mapset a name - this name will show in Mapsource to select the map i.e. openmtbmap_at
d) 'Family ID' - set any number between 100 and 9999. It should not be used already (check looking through the 'FID' field on the right of the main window) - i.e. 6366
e) Select .TYP file.
f) Tick both options 'Install in mapsource' and 'blank Overview maps'
g) Controll Everything - then Click on 'Start'
Here is the full view before clicking on start. Note there might be a warning shown, or error, but using cgpsmapper 097 it should nevertheless install correctly.