Maps for Garmin based on OpenStreetMap
What can you do with the maps?
Maps can be installed on Garmin GPS's, as routable maps that will give you turn by turn instructions to go to a given place (depending on device's specifications). It can also be seen in your computer, where you can calculate your routes, using MapSource or BaseCamp Garmin software, or the open source programs QLandkarte GT or QMapShack. With the topographic maps you can also calculate profiles for your routes.
Viewing the maps in your computer:
Linux: you can use Qlandkarte GT, its sucessor QMapShack or MapEdit++ (the latter is for Windows, but works fine under wine). You can also use MapSource with wine and load maps running the auto-install file (
wine OpenStreetMap_*.exe) or copying *.gmap folder into .wine/drive_c/ProgramData/GARMIN/Maps/Windows: maps can be used with the open source programs Qlandkarte GT, its sucessor QMapShack or MapEdit++ or with Garmin software MapSource or BaseCamp.
In order to load maps in MapSource or BaseCamp, you just have to run the file named «OpenStreetMap_*.exe» and follow wizard steps. It is important not to change installation path (typically C:\ProgramData\Garmin\Maps in Windows 10), otherwise BaseCamp will not be able to read map.
Mac: you will need Garmin programs BaseCamp (to open maps, plan routes, etc.) and MapInstall and MapManager (to send maps to GPS) installed in your system. To see the maps on BaseCamp you must proceed as follows:
- Open the file you have downloaded in a “Finder“ window. Within it, you'll find a folder called “OpenStreetMap Country Type.gmap“.
- In another “Finder“ window, go to “Applications“, right click on “Garmin BaseCamp“ icon and select “Show Package Contents” option.
- “Contents“ folder will show up and, within it, “Resources“ folder. Move “OpenStreetMap Country Type.gmap“ folder into “Resources“. Once done, map will be ready to be used in BaseCamp.
Installing the maps in a GPS:
First of all, download file for GPS of the country you want from Downloads page and unzip it. You'll get a file called gmapsupp.img. The easiest way to have the map in your Garmin device is copying file gmapsupp.img in the external SD/micro SD card of the device, within a folder called «Garmin» (create it if it doesn't exist); in some models gmapsupp.img file must be copied into «Map» folder instead of «Garmin» folder (note «Map» folder may be hidden). This method is also recommeded because in case of any problem with the map, removing the card and restarting device will be enough to solve it. To copy it use a card reader (faster) or connect your device to the computer with a suitable cable, in 'Mass storage' mode (slower).
Once copied, switch on the GPS, go to Settings>Map>Map Info and enable OpenStreetMap map. The way to activate the map varies from one model to other:
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If you don't have an external card, you can use any of the free programs sendMap or Qlandkarte; you can also use MapSource or BaseCamp from Garmin. In the last cases, you first have to load the map in MapSource/BaseCamp as explained above.
Using on Android devices:
If you want to see maps from this site on your Android mobile device, you can use OruxMaps app. For that, follow the steps below:
- Download file for GPS of the country you want from Downloads page and unzip it. You'll get a file called gmapsupp.img. You can change the name to something more descriptive, such as MyCountry.img.
- Copy that file into OruxMaps maps folder, by default oruxmaps/mapfiles/.
- Open OruxMaps app, click on «Switch map» button and select previously saved file.
- For a better visualization of maps, it is recommeded to go Global settings->Maps->Garmin maps settings, and uncheck Wpt labels background, Polygon labels background and Line labels background boxes.
- Note: these maps are not routable on OruxMaps.
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Comments (84)
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Juan Rivera (San Luis Potosi, mexico)
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How can you save two different maps in sc card Garmin folder? cause any of the maps have the same name gmapsupp? is there any trick?
Admin:
It depends on your device model, as not all of them are able to read maps if the file is named different than gmapsupp.img. The way to know it is just changing the name to something different, for example mexico.img and checking if the GPS reads it or not.
ReplyPermalinkFlag0029th January 2015 8:53pm
vikki (escondido, usa)
Hi i've tried to unzip the files and the recommended Stuffit application doesn't recognize the zip files. Please advise... thanks!
Admin:
Did you try downloading the map again? Sometimes downloaded files are corrupted without a warning. I don't have much experience with Mac. You could try using another uncompressing program. If you tell me what map you are using I can check the zip file is correct.
14th December 2014 3:41am
Edgar (Cuenca, ecuador)
Hello, somebody know if the maps will work on arcgis 10? Thanks
Admin:
I don't know if ArcGIS is able to read Garmin img files. If it's able to read genuine Garmin maps it will be able to read maps fron this site also. You'll have to try.
13th October 2014 8:19pm
Donald (Lagos, nigeria)
Gent, I tried to open the gmapsupp img zip folder but it refused to open. The message I got while trying to open the zip folder was cannot open file: it does not appear to be a valid archive. Please, can you advise on this issue?
Admin:
Can you point to the concrete file you downloaded? I mean country and type of map.
18th September 2014 3:05pm
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