Maps for Garmin based on OpenStreetMap
Using big size maps
Some maps, such as the one of whole Europe or United States of America, exceed the size admited by the installer (2 GB) or even memory cards (4 GB), so installation, and specially transfer to GPS device, requires several steps that are detailed below.
Installing maps on the computer:
Linux: process is quite similar to the one described at Using the maps. The only difference is that downloaded file is a zip file and after uncompressing it you get several files called MapData_Country-X.zip. If you have wine installed on your system, you can then run the installer (file OpenStreetMap_Country.exe). Otherwise, you'll need to also uncompress files MapData_Country-X.zip.
Windows: first step is uncompressing downloaded file. Any unzipping tool can be used, but some users have reported problems when using Windows built-in unzipping tool. In case of problems, it is recommended to use 7-zip to uncompress zip files.
After uncompressing you'll have something like this:
Next you just have to run the installer (file OpenStreetMap_Country.exe) and follow wizard steps.
Mac: the process is the same as described at Using the maps.
Sending maps to GPS:
Memory cards file system has a limit regarding maximum file size allowed. This limit is 4 GB, so it is not possible to install whole Europe map in a single file. So it is necessary to select which parts of the map you want to have in your device and send them to the GPS without exceeding that limit. In the following section the way to accomplish this is described, using free Garmin software MapSource or BaseCamp (MapInstall). If our device is able to read several maps at the same time (see FAQ), after transferring one part of the map we can rename the file created in our device and repeat process to send a new area.
MapSource: once the map is installed, start MapSource and activate the map:
Next you must select tiles you want to send to device, using MapSource Map tool. Check total size of all tiles doesn't exceed 4 GB:
Finally, mapset must be sent to device:
BaseCamp: along with BaseCamp another program called MapInstall is installed. That's the one we'll use to send maps to device. Open MapInstall and activate Europe map, as shown in the image below:
Next you must select the tiles you want to send to the device by left clicking on them (right click to deselect), having into account that total size is lower than 4 GB (or the free space in the memory card):
Once tiles are selected, click Continue button and finally click Install.
You can leave your comments on this page below:
Comments (8)
Topic: Big Maps
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Charles Allen (BuckeyeLake, US)
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I don't find the download for the United States map
ReplyPermalinkFlag0021st October 2020 1:03am
Larry Butler (Newtown Square, US)
I should have said: Is it possible create a .img file from part of a map without using MapSource or BaseCamp? That is, to create a .img on Linux.
Admin:
MapSource or BaseCamp are the easiest ways on Windows. MapSource can be used on Linux under Wine (that's how I use it). You can also use mkgmap, but it requires learning how to use its command line instructions. And you can also use GMapTool. It has a user inferface and also command line.
22nd January 2020 2:45am
Larry Butler (Newtown Square, US)
It doesn't seem to be possible to install MapSource or BaseCamp under wine.
Anyway, I have moved to Windows to make it simpler. I installed OpenStreetMap_USA_Topo.exe but Basecamp doesn't show any new maps.
Would it be possible for you to produce a few .img files for regions of Europe or USA with contour lines? The reason I decided to make a contribution was because I wanted to simply download a .img file without having to make it myself.
Admin:
I answer you by email
24th January 2020 8:59pm
Ricci (Rostrenen, France)
Am I doing something wrong? Perhaps I downloaded the wrong maps but each time I ask for an address specifically, the Garmin can't find it. It did find one for me in the UK Midlands, but none that I asked for in France or Spain. What am I doing wrong?
16th July 2019 1:04pm
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