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Garmin GPS Maps?

Old 03-18-12, 04:51 PM
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Garmin GPS Maps?

I just got my first GPS (Garmin 605 Edge) and I'm super excited to get it up and running to full capability. I took it on a ride yesterday and the map it came installed with totally sucks. I wasn't aware that I needed to download a map for it for that feature to really work well - I know...how could I NOT know that!?

Anywho, I'd like to avoid purchasing a map for it and find a way to download something that will work for me. At this time I just want to be able to get something that displays roads around here in the Denver area. I can always expand on it later if need be.

Anyone know anything about this that can guide me or give me some tips. I've been browsing around online, but honestly I'm kind of confused at this point.

Help?
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Old 03-18-12, 06:09 PM
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Try this site for downloadable maps: https://www.gpsfiledepot.com/
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Old 03-18-12, 06:36 PM
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Or you can purchase City Navigator North America.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1456

It is really not all that expensive. You could probably get it online for $50-$70.

The nice feature of this software is you can route on the GPS. It also comes with useful POIs.
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Old 03-18-12, 10:09 PM
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https://www.maps-gps-info.com/free-gps-maps.html

is another site providing free Garmin compatible maps for most places in the world. You can also Google 'points of interest' to add more recent and specific details to your free map.
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Old 03-19-12, 08:45 AM
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yet another alternative: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/O...armin/Download
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Old 03-19-12, 08:58 AM
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and, you might want to look at this thread in the road cycling forum:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...VD-or-micro-SD
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Old 03-20-12, 02:56 PM
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The OpenStreetMap based mapping is free, detailed, and easy to use if you get the precompiled maps from Lambertus (https://garmin.openstreetmap.nl) or another source (I linked to Lambertus because the maps offer custom coverage of the whole world). OK, it's maybe a little more difficult than ordering the products from Garmin--but unless your time is worth quite a lot, 15-30 minutes of your time is worth getting free, high-quality maps. I use OSM-based mapping all the time here in France, as well as touring or doing day rides in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK, and in most cases it's equal or superior to Garmin's maps. My ride today was planned on RideWithGPS.com, using a mix of OSM cycle mapping and Google Maps automobile routing, then I transferred it to my Edge 800, which has an OSM-based map of France installed, and I simply followed the route, with turn-by-turn instructions. It worked like a charm.

Last edited by brianogilvie; 03-20-12 at 02:57 PM. Reason: edited a sentence that made little sense.
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Old 03-20-12, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Wheelmonkey

Anyone know anything about this that can guide me or give me some tips. I've been browsing around online, but honestly I'm kind of confused at this point.
So am I.

Unless you're technically savvy(geeky?), dealing with the learning curve required to download/install/use these free maps is a real challenge. I'm sure that once learned, it's not hard, but....

Even using Garmin's streetmap(CNNA)effectively, especially if downloading a Route or Track, takes some doing.

I just checked and the sd version of City Navigator is available on eBay for $50 and the cd for <$100. Would save you a lot of time and head scratching.
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Old 03-20-12, 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Wheelmonkey
I'd like to avoid purchasing a map for it and find a way to download something that will work for me. At this time I just want to be able to get something that displays roads around here in the Denver area. I can always expand on it later if need be.
Expect to pay some money if you want maps for your GPS. Maps through Garmin aren't all that expensive. If you go to Garmin.com, you're looking at $60, $100 or $130, depending on what you want. Those are the prices for the topographical maps, which you probably need considering where you live. If you were just passing though the area, the price would be a bit steep, but you live there and you'll do a lot of riding close to where you live.

You may be able to get a good price from other sources, so it pays to look around. Have a look at REI and Amazon among others. Both of those may be a bit cheaper than dealing directly with Garmin, but check to make sure.

I'd also suggest looking around for a GPS store in your area. If you find one, you may be able to get a MicroSD card with the maps for your area, at a reasonable price. That's what I did here to get the maps which cover my regular riding and most of my in-province touring.
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Old 03-20-12, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by brianogilvie
The OpenStreetMap based mapping is free, detailed, and easy to use if you get the precompiled maps from Lambertus (https://garmin.openstreetmap.nl) or another source (I linked to Lambertus because the maps offer custom coverage of the whole world). OK, it's maybe a little more difficult than ordering the products from Garmin--but unless your time is worth quite a lot, 15-30 minutes of your time is worth getting free, high-quality maps. I use OSM-based mapping all the time here in France, as well as touring or doing day rides in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the UK, and in most cases it's equal or superior to Garmin's maps. My ride today was planned on RideWithGPS.com, using a mix of OSM cycle mapping and Google Maps automobile routing, then I transferred it to my Edge 800, which has an OSM-based map of France installed, and I simply followed the route, with turn-by-turn instructions. It worked like a charm.
Can you do turn by turn routing on the GPS or do you need the PC to do it?
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Old 03-20-12, 08:05 PM
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Great & helpful comments so far. Feel free to keep 'em coming. I actually did find a way to upgrade to a better type of map (I think I used that first recommendation of Pluto's), but more info. from you all is always appreciated. Thanks tons!!!
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