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:
nüvi 300: | |
|
Legend HCx: |
|
|
|
|
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.
You can leave your comments on this page below:
Comments (84)
Topic: Use
Sort
RAMESH (MOROCCO, morocco)
Reply
Permalink
Flag
0
0
Are these maps compatible with TOM TOM Navigation devices?
Admin:
No, just with Garmin devices
ReplyPermalinkFlag0014th May 2014 12:13pm
Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee (Thailand, thailand)
Hi, I just download europe map, I already install Basecamp and Map manager into my MAC, I would like to export portugal, spain and france map to SD card, how can i do? do you have any instruction to do that? Thanks in advance.
Admin:
You have to open MapInstall, a software that comes with BaseCamp, enable OpenStreetMap Europe map and select the tiles you want to have in your GPS. Then just send it to device and wait until it finishes transferring data to SD card
14th May 2014 9:16am
Vas (Dundee, uk)
Thank you so much for this service! I have an Etrex for hillwalking and it worked perfectly just by putting the .img file in to the Garmin folder on the device. The problem with Garmin maps is that if you buy a new device you have to buy new maps also every time.
3rd May 2014 11:54am
SeanM (London, uk)
Hello there I was trying to use your site to download maps for Ethiopia but i'm doing something wrong because I can't seem to get it up on Garmin BaseMap I have tried to follow the instructions but i'm finding it very confusing (i am very new to this) I will happily pay for this map but i cant get it to work
Admin:
You just have to run the file OpenStreetMap_Ethiopia.exe you have downloaded and follow the installer wizard. Once done, open BaseCamp and select OSM Ethiopia under View->Map product menu. That's all.
19th March 2014 10:21pm
Trevor Lindsay (UK, uk)
I tried to put the Canaries map on my nuvi 1310. I followed the steps recommended but when I open maps info it only shows my UK map.
Admin:
It seems there's some problem with gmapsupp.img file generation. As a workaround, you can download MapSource/BaseCamp version, install it on your computer, and send the map to device. That way it will work properly. I'm working on a fix to this problem.
4th February 2014 1:55pm
Page 14 of 17