

Garmin Mapping Software Delivery Methods Map Types Map Names Map Storage Capacity POI Installation Map Install Direct Map Install PC Map Install Mac Maps 4 Garmin GPSr

Maps

Garmin Mapping Software

Several mapping software solutions have been made available by Garmin for interfacing with 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 maps.
Use Garmin MapSource to enjoy full functionality with your Garmin Rino 5x0.
Current version download links can be found 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 online 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

The Garmin Rino 5x0 currently supports the following map formats:

IMG (*.img) Proprietary Garmin vector map
GPI (*.gpi) Proprietary Garmin Points of Interest (POI) map
GPX (*.gpx) GPs eXchange format is a universal open source XML data format used for waypoints, routes, and tracks

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
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

The Rino 5x0 is not without limitation. Consider these guidelines when selecting maps for your Rino 5x0:

IMG: A maximum of 14 maps, not exceeding 2,025 map segments in total, can be indexed
GPX: Limited to 200 total GPX files, 500 total waypoints, 50 routes and 20 saved tracks (maximum 10,000 points total)

POI Installation

Some Garmin GPSr may come from the factory pre-loaded with device specific Points Of Interest (POI) map data. This information can be unintentionally over-written and lost when new POI data is loaded to the device. Garmin may provide an *.exe installer to restore or update the device to the original data configuration. Those who wish to load multiple databases to their Garmin GPSr can do so using Garmin POI Loader software to combine and send all desired information to their device.

Garmin POI Tutorial
Garmin POI Loader software

Map Install Direct

Not all maps require installation to a host computer before being sent to your Garmin GPSr. Maps in the following formats can be copied directly to the microSD card as shown:

IMG: [microSD]\Garmin\
GPX: [microSD]\Garmin\GPX\

Map Install PC

Locate a Garmin compatible map you wish to use with your Rino 5x0 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 Mapsource

Map Install Mac

Locate a Garmin compatible map you wish to use with your Rino 5x0 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