

Delivery Method Map Types Map Names Map Install [USB] Map Install [PC] Map Install [MAC] Unlocking Maps Garmin Custom Maps Garmin BirdsEye Maps Maps 4 Garmin GPSr

Maps

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Please visit GPSrChive > How To... > Maps for more current information.

Delivery Method

Garmin maps are available in a variety of formats. They may be purchased on DVD/CD ROM, on a pre-programmed microSD card, or downloaded directly from the Garmin website. Many excellent non Garmin maps are also available from multiple sources.
Tip: Read An Introduction to using Garmin GPSr with paper maps to learn how both can be used together.

microSD Card: Pre-programmed microSD cards are ready to use immediately out of the box. Simply unpack the card and insert into your compatible GPSr device. These maps are not locked to a specific device which allows you to move the card between multiple units as desired. BaseCamp can be used to view mapping detail on your computer from compatible pre-programmed microSD cards. Mapping data from the microSD card cannot be copied.

DVD/CD ROM: Maps purchased in this format will require a computer to use. The installation process will install the maps and BaseCamp application to your computer. BaseCamp can then be used to send maps to either your device or microSD card. Please note that most mapping products in this format are locked to a single device and they are non-transferable.

Download: Maps purchased in this format can be downloaded directly from the Garmin website. Downloaded maps can be sent to either your GPSr unit or microSD card. All maps in this format are locked to a specific device and they can only be used on the device that they were locked to. BaseCamp can be used to view downloaded mapping detail on your computer.

Map Types

BaseCamp currently supports the following map formats:

IMG (*.img) Proprietary Garmin vector map
KMZ (*.kmz) User created raster map (not locked to device)
JNX (*.jnx) Garmin BirdsEye high resolution satellite raster map imagery (locked to specific device)
GPX (*.gpx) GPs eXchange format is a universal open source XML data format used for waypoints, routes, and tracks

Map Names

These are the default map names used by Garmin GPSr. Do not use these file names when saving your maps.

gmapprom.img | Primary or Pre Installed Map
gmapprom1.img | Secondary Map
gmapbmap.img | Device Base Map
gmapoem.img | OEM Installed Map (can not be disabled in Map Settings)
gmapsupp.img | Map written to device or uSD card by MapSource, BaseCamp or MapInstall
gmaptz.img | Time Zone Map
gmap3d.img | Primary 3D Buildings Map
gmap3d1.img | Secondary 3D Buildings Map

Map Install [USB]

Not all maps require installation to a host computer to be available in BaseCamp. Maps in the following formats can be copied directly to a GPSr, microSD card, USB Drive (Virtual GPSr) or other removable media as shown:

IMG: [Device]\Garmin\
KMZ: [Device]\Garmin\CustomMaps\
JNX: [Device]\Garmin\BirdsEye\
GPX: [Device]\Garmin\GPX\

Map Install [PC]

Locate a Garmin compatible map you wish to use with BaseCamp and download the Windows version to your computer.

Install Map to PC

If the downloaded map file is a *.zip archive, you must unzip the file to extract the *.exe map installer
Close any open mapping software programs (Map Source, BaseCamp, etc.)
Run the *.exe map installer
When prompted, choose map installation options as desired
For best results, do not change the default map installation directory
Allow the installer to complete the map installation
Exit the installer
Open BaseCamp and select the newly installed map from the drop down menu to confirm availability

► Send Map to GPSr with BaseCamp

Map Install [MAC]

Locate a Garmin compatible map you wish to use with BaseCamp and download the Mac version to your computer.

Install Map to Mac

If the downloaded map file is not in *.gmapi format, double click the file to launch your default archive utility and extract the map from the compressed archive
Double click the *.gmapi map file, invoking Garmin MapManager
The selected map will be displayed under "Install these map(s)?"
Select "Install", and then "Close" after installation is completed
MapManager will display a list of all Garmin compatible maps installed on your computer
Close MapManager
Open BaseCamp and select your new map from the map menu to confirm installation

► Send Map to GPSr with MapInstall

Unlocking Maps

Some Garmin map products need to be unlocked before you can use the detailed map data.
If your product needs to be unlocked, you will find an unlock code or a product key/coupon code with the packaging.
- Unlock Code
  - An unlock code is 25 characters and is printed on a yellow piece of paper or on the product packaging.
  - It unlocks all maps associated with your map product.
  - Unlock codes are included with Garmin devices that also include mapping software.
    1. In BaseCamp, click Utilities > Manage Map Products.
    2. Select the Unlock Regions tab, and click Add.
    3. Enter your 25-character unlock code
    4. Enter a comment (optional).
    5. Select OK.
    6. The unlocked map product will appear in the list on the Unlock Regions tab.
- Product Key
  - A product key/coupon code is 8 characters and is printed on the Unlock Certificate.
  - It unlocks a map region of your map product.
  - Product keys/coupon codes are included with software that is packaged separately from a Garmin device.
  - An Internet connection is required for the following procedure.
    1. In BaseCamp, click Utilities > Manage Map Products.
    2. Select a map product from the list, and click Unlock Online.
    3. The Unlock Maps page loads in your Web browser.
    4. If the Garmin Communicator Plug-in is not installed on your computer, follow the instructions on the Unlock Maps page to install the Garmin Communicator Plug-in.
    5. Connect your GPSr device to your computer.
    6. Click Find Devices.
      - Select your device from the drop-down list, if necessary.
      - The unit ID of your device appears in the Unit ID field.
    7. Enter the serial number found on your device.
    8. Enter the 8-character product key/coupon code found on your Unlock Certificate.
    9. Click Unlock Map.
Newer map products may have additional requirements for unlocking. Follow the unlocking instructions included with your map product.

Garmin Custom Maps

Do you have a paper map you want to use with your Garmin GPSr? Perhaps you have downloaded a local or state park map in PDF format and wish you could somehow get it into your Garmin GPSr? Converting paper or digital maps into custom maps you can use with your Garmin GPSr has never been easier!

► Garmin Custom Maps Tutorial

Garmin BirdsEye Maps

Annual subscription based service providing unlimited access to Garmin satellite imagery and/or detailed USGS/NRC topographic raster maps for use with your Garmin GPSr and BaseCamp.

BirdsEye Satellite

Transfer an unlimited number of satellite and aerial image segments to your device with free BaseCamp software.
High-resolution sub-meter color satellite imagery captures the world in brilliant clarity and detail.
Allows you to layer the Garmin vector maps on your handheld (such as TOPO 100K, TOPO 24K or City Navigator®) with BirdsEye Satellite Imagery for a real-life view of roads, buildings and terrain.
Makes it easy for hunters to perform preseason scouting, determine placement of stands and locate game pinchpoints.
Helps hikers and campers find trails/trailheads and clearings for camping areas.
Lets geocachers determine the terrain type around a cache and identify parking areas close to the caches.
Allows travelers to view tourist hot spots and landmarks from an aerial view to make excursions memorable without getting lost

BirdsEye TOPO

Provides highly detailed 1:24,000* scale raster USGS maps and 1:50,000 scale raster NRC maps.
Features an unlimited amount of downloadable raster maps for 1 year using BaseCamp software.
Layer Garmin vector maps (TOPO 100K, TOPO 24K, City Navigator) on your Garmin GPSr for a 'birds eye' view of roads, buildings and terrain.
Displays parking and camping areas, trails, points of interest, water sources and more.

BirdsEye Select

Highly detailed (1:25,000 or 1:50,000) raster map imagery
Coverage for Germany, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Austria, Italy and Switzerland
Each single purchase allows you to select and purchase custom sections (a set amount of square kilometers per region) of BirdsEye Select raster imagery for transfer to your Garmin handheld device.

► Garmin BirdsEye Tutorial