What kind of maps can I put on my GPS (and what do you mean by raster and vector)?
I received a PM from the Adirondack Forum today that said:
"…I just bought the Garmin 60CS. I have a question about the maps. Do I need the Garmin Mapsource United States Topo or… the one from National Geographics Topo that I think is better for hiking? If I don’t buy the Garmin Mapsource Topo, can I download maps in my GPS?…"
This question comes up so often that I felt obligated to post an answer here. The answer is no, you cannot load National Geographic TOPO! maps
The National Geographic TOPO! maps look just like a paper map from USGS (example above, at right). That’s because they are scanned images, also known as raster imagery. Since they are scans, they have a pretty big file size. That’s why it takes 10 CDs to cover the state of California. And that’s one of the main reasons that GPS manufacturers have taken a different approach.
Instead, most GPS receivers utilize vector maps, like the one on the left. This appears to the user as an image, but it is really created from a data file rather than an image file. It is made up of lines and points, so it requires much less space than a raster (image) file. The vector map at left is from Garmin’s MapSource US Topo
There are always exceptions though, and you can make your own maps for most models of GPS receivers, avoiding the need to buy proprietary software. It’s not a fast process, but there are step-by-step directions in my book, along with chapters on programs like National Geographic TOPO! and much, much more. Finally, my publisher would be displeased if I didn’t tell you that you can get GPS Mapping direct from them or from Amazon
Related links:
Tweet
Here’s a link for the Doha map discussed above.
http://gpsvietnam.googlepages.com/Doha2.zip
Remember, this is in Lowrance / LCM format. Thanks to “Vietnam” for supplying the link.
Here’s a link for the Doha map discussed above.
http://gpsvietnam.googlepages.com/Doha2.zip
Remember, this is in Lowrance / LCM format. Thanks to “Vietnam” for supplying the link.
Has anyone been successful in adding a map of Israel to the Tom Tom 910? Thx.
Not that I know of. I did find this, but none of the maps mentioned work on TomTom units…
http://www.yournav.com/forum/index.php?s=c1bc437542fef3e63300e69d4fe8b30f&showtopic=9227&pid=78459&st=0&#entry78459
Is is possible to get/make topo maps (trail maps) with something like the Pioneer AVIC-Z2 in-dash navi system?
Hello I am traveling to Israel with a Nuvi 260 does some one know which one is the best and most complete map to download for Israel?
Thanks
Bruce
Bruce,
Check out this post:
http://gpstracklog.com/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html
You’ll find Israeli maps at
http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php
How do i download maps on to my streetpilot c330 Gps ?
If you are talking about custom maps, the end of this post discusses one way…
http://gpstracklog.com/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html
Or you may be able to use SendMap.
Can I use topographic maps for hiking on my garmin nuvi 370?
You can add Garmin Topo U.S. 2008 maps to it, but the nuvi is not waterproof, is fragile, and has no compass screen.
We just purchased the Garmin nuvi 350. I was wondering if there is a way to record your trip with the nuvi, transfer that information to your computer and print it out for others to use? My husband is a biker and he sometimes likes to map out new bike routes.
No, I’m afraid not. Most handheld units have that capability though, and a lot of people mount them on their motorcycles just for that purpose. Many are much cheaper than auto units too.
I have purchased a Garmin Etrex specifically for geocaching however am a newbie with GPS. I am going to Israel next month and am wondering if the Etrex will work OK to find caches in Israel?
Yep. Go to the Satellite screen and hit menu. You should see an option called New Location or something like that. You’ll want to select that and give the unit 1/2 hour or so to rebuild the satellite almanac upon arrival.
I know that the Magellan Triton series has a bad reputation, but I own a Triton 300 and you CAN download maps from the National Geographic TOPO series. I just recently updated the firmware on that unit and it works with both XP and Vista computers. My only problem, which is my own fault, is that I have limited memory for that unit. I didn’t purchase the model that takes a SD card.
Keep in mind that the topo maps from TOPO are not detailed city maps.
Good luck.