Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals




Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By dlh62c

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
Advice on Maps for Garmin Montana 650

Afternoon,

I purchased a new Garmin Montana 650 last week; I have a query regarding purchasing maps and the use of MapSource.

I'm planning a trip from the UK to Australia and I would like to plan overland routes using MapSource and upload them to my device.

I have a copy of Mapsource without any maps installed or unlocked and my Montana appears to be loaded with 'Worldwide Autoroute DEM Base Map NR v5.01'

I was hoping to use the basemap from the device in the mapsource software and then use open source mapping downloads. Is this possible or do I need to purchase a map from Garmin so Mapsource works?

Do I need to purchase this:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=662

Or could I buy the European maps and would this give me access to mapsource with a worldwide basemap?

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=6299

Regards

John
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Since no one else is coming up with possible answers, you could look in this thread --- somewhere around post number 79 onward might be what you want to know.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ontana-57846-6
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Since no one else is coming up with possible answers, you could look in this thread --- somewhere around post number 79 onward might be what you want to know.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ontana-57846-6
Fantastic; thanks for the link.

Just what I was looking for; I'll give it a go and see how I get on.

It looks like I'd be better off using Basecamp as I've never used Mapsource before [so I've nothing to re-learn] and it looks like MP is no longer supported?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Forget about using Mapsource, your time would be better spent learning Basecamp. You're find that planning with BC will become an obsession. Think of BC as a database of your data.

An example would be how I built my database of RoadRunner magazine routes, sorted my year, month, then the route's imported gpx file.

A good source for routable maps is here: Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap

Below are links to some BC basics, keep in mind that the information may not be current with the latest versions of BC.

http://garmin-mapsource.wikispaces.com/BaseCamp (http://garmin-mapsource.wikispaces.com/BaseCamp)
How To Open Maps In Garmin BaseCamp - GPSFileDepot

daryl

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlh62c View Post
Forget about using Mapsource, your time would be better spent learning Basecamp. You're find that planning with BC will become an obsession. Think of BC as a database of your data.

An example would be how I built my database of RoadRunner magazine routes, sorted my year, month, then the route's imported gpx file.

A good source for routable maps is here: Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap

Below are links to some BC basics, keep in mind that the information may not be current with the latest versions of BC.

http://garmin-mapsource.wikispaces.com/BaseCamp (http://garmin-mapsource.wikispaces.com/BaseCamp)
How To Open Maps In Garmin BaseCamp - GPSFileDepot

daryl
Thanks for the advice; Basecamp it is ... however I'm still having problems showing the OSM maps.

I downloaded the .exe file [tried in in both Explorer and Google Chrome] and installed it. It shows in the software but doesn't actually show the map.

Any ideas:

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Download the zipped image file from OSM, not the exe file. Then unzip it.

Rename the *.img file to something descriptive like. Missouri.img and place the file inside the 'Garmin' directory you create on the SD card installed in the gps. You can add several if you wish. When you connect the Motana up via a USB cable to a computer and start BC. BC will see those maps when it starts.

Having the maps installed on the sd card will allow you to run BC on multiple computers. The maps will move with the Montana.

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
I'll give that a go but should it work the way I've tried it also? I downloaded a single OSM tile (of Rome) and that successfully loaded?!

I've tried the UK map on two computers installed with BC now and it doesn't work on either.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
Daryl,

I'm assuming I can drop the .img file straight into the device memory direct also rather than onto an SD card? (I haven't got one yet)

The only problem with this method is that I have to have the GPS device hooked up to my computer to see the maps and do some route planning? Is it possible to transfer the maps the other way? I.e. from the GPS back into BC?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
Whooooo .... successfully uploaded the UK map by downloading the .img file.

First track laid!

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Laverick View Post
Daryl,

I'm assuming I can drop the .img file straight into the device memory direct also rather than onto an SD card? (I haven't got one yet)

The only problem with this method is that I have to have the GPS device hooked up to my computer to see the maps and do some route planning? Is it possible to transfer the maps the other way? I.e. from the GPS back into BC?
Yes you can, but make sure its into the 'Garmin' directory. You're need to rename the OSM gmapsupp.img file you unzipped to UK.img otherwise you will overwrite the gmapsupp.img file that's already there. Older Garmin units won't allow you to rename the file.

On the microSD card I have a directory called 'My OSM Maps' and that's where I park them. I can drag and drop them into the 'Garmin' directory on the microSD card when I need them.

There's nothing wrong with having the gps connected to a pc when you do your route planning. I do it all the time. I use a Garmin 62s. It has a 8g microSD installed. This is where I keep my OSM maps and my gps project files. I'm using the gps as a mass storage device. I'm running BC on two desktops and a netbook, this allows me to move between any computer any anytime and work on any gps project using BC's Backup/Restore function.

I use the microSD card to store manuals, photos and other documents as well.

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/O...armin/Download

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Laverick View Post
Whooooo .... successfully uploaded the UK map by downloading the .img file.

First track laid!
Be careful!

Using BC can become an obsession.

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Leeds
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlh62c View Post
Yes you can, but make sure its into the 'Garmin' directory. You're need to rename the OSM gmapsupp.img file you unzipped to UK.img otherwise you will overwrite the gmapsupp.img file that's already there. Older Garmin units won't allow you to rename the file.

On the microSD card I have a directory called 'My OSM Maps' and that's where I park them. I can drag and drop them into the 'Garmin' directory on the microSD card when I need them.

There's nothing wrong with having the gps connected to a pc when you do your route planning. I do it all the time. I use a Garmin 62s. It has a 8g microSD installed. This is where I keep my OSM maps and my gps project files. I'm using the gps as a mass storage device. I'm running BC on two desktops and a netbook, this allows me to move between any computer any anytime and work on any gps project using BC's Backup/Restore function.

I use the microSD card to store manuals, photos and other documents as well.

OSM Map On Garmin/Download - OpenStreetMap Wiki

daryl
Hi Daryl,

Can I pick your brains again?

I've uploaded two or three OSM maps now and it is abit of a pain that they're all called 'OSM World Routable'

How can I change them so the device displays an easier to distinguish name? I downloaded JaVaWa which works if using an .exe file but not if downloading an .img [and I obviously can't get the .exe to work anyway as discussed].

I've read the wiki-link; but if I'm honest it's a bit over my head.

Any suggestions?


What if I have an existing gmapsupp.img file?

Some Garmin devices/applications support more than one img file. Try naming your openstreetmap img gmapsup2.img or gmapprom.img.

When tested on an Oregon 200 (firmware 3.42) and GPSMAP 62S (firmware 2.80), eTrex 20 (firmware 2.30), it will load any .img files in the Garmin directory. The nüvi 1xxx and 3xxx series will load any .img file in the Map directory. You don't need one named gmapsupp.img at all. (in fact, if you don't want the device to see a map for testing purposes, you need to move the file out of the Garmin directory or rename it so it won't end with .img)
When multiple ".img" files are installed, it is difficult to differentiate them in the on-device menu when they all have the default "OSM Street Map" name set in the ".img" file header, but it is relatively simple to change the on-device name:

Open the ".img" file in an editor that can handle binary data.
Edit bytes 0x49-0x5C to assign a new name using ASCII printable characters.
Pad unused characters at the end of the name with spaces.
In some map files, 0x5D is a space character, but it is not part of the name field.
Additional map descriptive text may be placed in characters 0x65-0x82.
Unused characters at the end of the field are padded out with spaces.
The descriptive text may not appear in the list of maps on-device. For example, on the eTrex 20, the descriptive text only shows up when the map name is selected.

Some devices may not display the entire descriptive text field. For example, the eTrex 20 seems to display only characters 0x65-0x73.
On some devices, when both name and description fields are populated, a space is either needed at the end of the name field, or at the beginning of the description field. For example, the eTrex 20 needs a space at either 0x5C or at 0x65 to be sure the two fields are separated by a space on some screens. Lack of a space in one of these locations can cause the name to truncate due to line-wrap issues.
Character 0x83 is also technically part of the description text, but a null character (0x00) is always required at this position.
Save the edited ".img" file.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
I never have more than two OSM maps visible in the GPS and BC. So having the 'OSM World Routable' title hasn't bothered me to much. You can get an SD card and store the OSM maps your not using there under a directory called 'My OSM Maps'. Then drag and drop them into the 'Garmin' directory as you need them.

You can rename the image files to something more descriptive like, UK.img, Spain.img or Egypt.img for each country you downloaded.

The GMAPPROM.IMG is the preloaded map file.
The GMAPSUPP.IMG is the supplemental map file.

daryl
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Useful free Garmin maps beddhist Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 60 5 Apr 2013 14:20
Digital maps. mudandsmoke Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 12 20 Jan 2012 14:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:20.