Maps





Garmin Mapping Software
  • Several Garmin software solutions are available for viewing and managing maps installed on their GPSr devices:

    • MapSource: Compatible with serial port Garmin GPSr models. Limited functionality with USB port GPSr models.
    • BaseCamp: Compatible with USB port Garmin GPSr models. Limited functionality with serial port GPSr models.
    • HomePort: Compatible with Garmin GPSr models supporting BlueChart marine map products.
       
  • Use MapSource with the Astro 220 series, and BaseCamp or HomePort with the Astro 320 and newer.
  • Download links are available in Software.
  • Tip: Read An Introduction to using Garmin GPSr with paper maps to learn how both can be used together.

 

 

 


Delivery Methods

Garmin maps are available in a variety of formats. They may be purchased on DVD, on a pre-programmed microSD card, or downloaded directly from the Garmin website. Many excellent non Garmin maps are also available from multiple sources.
  • 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. City Navigator maps in this format can be updated by purchasing a map update, when available.
  • 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. City Navigator maps in this format are not eligible for map updates and mapping from the microSD card cannot be copied. To obtain updated content, a new card must be purchased.
  • 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. City Navigator maps in this format are not eligible for map updates. If you wish to obtain updated content, a new download will need to be purchased.
 

 




Map Types

Common Garmin map formats include:
  • 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)
  • FIT (*.fit) Flexible and Interoperable data Transfer files save date, time, distance, calories, speed, ascent, descent and other data
  • GPX (*.gpx) GPs eXchange format is a universal open source XML data format used for waypoints, routes, and tracks
  • GPI (*.gpi) Garmin Points of Interest (POI) files provide location and other information for popular destinations
 

 

 


Map Names

Common *.img map names used by Garmin. Do not use these file names when saving your maps. See Garmin Vector Map ID for more examples.
  • gmapprom.img | Primary or Pre Installed Map
  • gmapprom1.img | Secondary Map
  • gmapprom2.img | Additional 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 microSD card by MapSource
  • gmaptz.img | Time Zone Map
  • gmap3d.img | Primary 3D Buildings Map
  • gmap3d1.img | Secondary 3D Buildings Map
     

 

 


Map Storage Capacity

Your Garmin GPSr is not without limitation. Consider these limits when selecting maps for your device:
 
    Astro 220 Astro 320 Astro 430 Astro 900
IMG Segments 2,025 3,000 3,000 3,000
KMZ Tiles (JPEG) - 100 100 100
JNX Files - 250 250 250
FIT Activities - - - -
Courses - - - -
Points per Course - - - -
GPX Files - 2,000 2,000 2,000
Waypoints 1,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Geocaches - 5,000 5,000 5,000
Routes 200 200 200 200
Points per Route 250 250 250 250
Saved Tracks 20 200 200 200
Points per Track 500 10,000 10,000 10,000
Archived Tracks - 2,000 2,000 2,000
Active Tracklog 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
GPI Files - 20 20 20

 

 

 


Map Install Direct

Not all maps require installation to a host computer before being sent to your Garmin GPSr. Compatible maps in the following formats can be copied directly to the Astro or microSD card as shown:
  • IMG: [GPSr]\Garmin\ or [microSD]\Garmin\
  • KMZ: [GPSr]\Garmin\CustomMaps\ or [microSD]\Garmin\CustomMaps\
  • JNX: [GPSr]\Garmin\BirdsEye\ or [microSD]\Garmin\BirdsEye\
  • FIT: [GPSr]\Garmin\Activities\ or [GPSr]\Garmin\Courses\
  • GPX: [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\ or [microSD]\Garmin\GPX\
  • GPI: [GPSr]\Garmin\POI\ or [microSD]\Garmin\POI\
 

 

 


Map Install PC

Locate a Garmin supported format map you wish to use with your Astro 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 MapInstall
    ► Send Map to GPSr with BaseCamp
    ► Send Map to GPSr with Mapsource

 

 



Map Install Mac

Locate a Garmin supported format map you wish to use with your Astro 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

 

 

 


Garmin Custom Maps

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

    ► Garmin Custom Maps Tutorial

 

 

 


Garmin BirdsEye Maps

The Astro series includes unlimited access to Garmin satellite imagery via Map Manager. Additional map products are available with subscription.

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 24,000 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.
  • Enables geocachers to 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 24,000, City Navigator) on your 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

 

 

 


Garmin POI

While many *.img maps will include unique POI destinations, individual users may wish to have access to additional POI destinations.
  • All Garmin GPSr are limited to a relatively small number of waypoint destinations, but most can index an unlimited number of POI destinations.
  • Pre-compiled POI files may include restaurants, safety camera locations, fuel stations, or other favorite tourist destinations.
  • User created Custom POI files can include any unique information deemed useful.

    ► Garmin POI Tutorial

 

 



Maps 4 Garmin GPSr