Last month, I purchased Garmine810 for over 500USD mainly to use it for map guidance. I discovered that it is only a hardware and thus need software programs to make use of it. Unless one has decent knowlege on computer softerware, it is not easy to use it. From 'Garmine Connect' one can create and use "course" to navigate user only to set courses. I am wondering if there is a way to point designation on the garmine map and ask to guide me from current location. Let me know it such simple program is available preferrably for free.

Harry

I think that this video will show you how to do what you want:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMX5o0tdmYA

Another great tool for learning about the Garmin 810 and loading much improved maps for free is:
Garmin Edge 810 In-Depth Review | DC Rainmaker

If the Garmin is too complicated, get rid of it.

I have an older Garmin eTrex Vista and don't need any special software. It uses a micro-SD card for the maps which I can access either through a USB cable to the GPS and mounting the card as a removable drive or directly inserting the card into the card reader slot on my computer. Then it's just a simple matter of copying the map file from my computer to the GPS.

For maps I use the free "OpenStreetMap" files:

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/...armin/Download

Sounds like you want to use something like ridewithgps.com to plan your route, then download it onto the device. Delorme Topo is an alternative on your computer, it's usually on sale 3-4 times a year.

You might want to look at returning the 810 and swapping it for the Edge Touring.

Yes you do need to have a good map, either buy a package or download a free map (not that hard). I think the payware maps are better if you want many points of interest (POIs) available to search as destinations. I don't find the free map POIs that useful.

You can follow a "course" that you plan in advance (on a computer), or download others, but you don't need a course. You can pull up points or "browse" the map to select a destination, then it will route you there.

I find it helpful to pre-load points (locations) such as my house, etc so it is easy to find later for routing.

scott s.
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I've been using RideWithGPS to make routes for my Edge 810 for a couple of months now and it works very well for my needs.

thanx a lot. I suppose I should spend some time to familar with the various softwares.