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
Devinder Sharma (Delhi, india)
Reply
Permalink
Flag
0
0
Pl. advice if India maps are competable with Garmin 2595LMT
Admin:
The maps you can download are compatible with all Garmin models as far as I know.
ReplyPermalinkFlag0022nd September 2013 8:02pm
Markus Bonsmann (switzerland, switzerland)
I downloaded the European Map with m account. When using the euoropeanstreetmapp Installation Programm, I`m asked to deinstall an existing Version. After Installation I don`t see the maps in Mapsource. What is the issue?
Admin:
If during the first install of a map (Europe in your case) you are asked to deinstall an existing version it may be there's a conflict with any other map you may have installed. That happens if they both have the same family ID (FID). In that case, I suggest you to install MapSetToolKit (you have a link in "Using the maps" page) and check registry for such conflicts.
1st July 2013 10:24pm
Julio (Rio de Janeiro, brazil)
I've unzipped the downloaded file, copied the image file into the Garmin folder, but my nuvi 40 doesn't show the map downloaded amongst its options. Did I skip anything? Thanks.
Admin:
The steps you describe seem to be correct. It should work, don't know what may be wrong. Could you give more details?
1st July 2013 6:44am
Katharina (Western Cape, south_africa)
hi
I have a garnim nüvi 40 in South Africa with maps of southern Africa - namibia, botswana, mozambique, lesotho and swasiland.
I would like to have maps for Malawi, Tanzania and Sambia.
If I get some maps with you guys are they compatible and can I put them onto my garnim?
If yes we are happy to donate :-)
Let me know how that works
many thanks
Katharina
Admin:
Hello Katharina
My maps are compatible with all Garmin devices which are able to display maps. I have currently available Tanzania maps so you can download and test it.
If you want any map not currently in my site, such as Malawi or Sambia, I can prepare them in approximately one week each one. You have more information about how it works for new maps at http://mapas.alternativaslibres.es/moremaps_en.php
13th June 2013 10:23pm
Page 16 of 17