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.
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Comments (21)
Topic: Big Maps
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JOSEPH FOODSON (delaware, US)
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yes is all good.
ReplyPermalinkFlag1023rd October 2021 8:20am
Im trying to add parts of europe maps as above using mapsource, but I can't see the option to create it on a memory card in my Garmin Nuvi as a gmapsupp.img. When I try and upload it it sees the Nuvi but not the additional card. Am I missing something?
Admin:
When you connect device to the computer it must detect both the nuvi unit and the card. Make sure they are both shown under "My computer". Alternatively, you can send gmapsupp.img to device (rename original gmapsupp.img first) and then move to SD card.
2nd September 2021 10:58am
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