Garmin 60Cx and Mapsource
 

Just bought the 60Cx. I am in Argentina. I only have the world base map that comes on the unit, which has more detail than I was expecting (low expectations). The thing that is confusing me is the MapSource CD-rom is loaded on the laptop and the detail on its map is WAY less that what is in the hand-held.

Should I load the handheld maps into the laptop before I route out a trip so I have the detail I want, or am I thinking too much? I am assuming there are no maps to "unlock", so I think I have all the mapping that is available in the laptop (MapSource) unless I move data from the handheld.

Thanks,

Matt

There is a drop down box in the tool bar at the top of mapsource which allows you to select lowest, low, medium, high and highest detail on the PC . Are you sure you have it set to highest on that option ? You should set it to highest and then you'll see the same detail on the unit as the PC.

Thanks for the info. I did change the setting to highest, but the detail is no better on the laptop. On the handheld, I can see the street my house is on and all other streets in my area. On the laptop, the only thing the map has are the main arteries. If I zoom in, all I get is vast blank spaces.

The info is not very clear, but I am thinking the MapSource CD only has basic info and the handheld was loaded with the mapping that is sold aftermarket on the World Map CD for my region (Americas).

All that being said, how do I possibly get the detail into my laptop?

On my Mapsource on my computer across the top toolbar you can select the detail from lowest to highest. It's in a text box with an arrow next to it.
click on the arrow.

Did that, detail in handheld is still much better.

There is another drop down box at the top allowing you to change which Map Set is used. Try playing with that.

You are very lucky: my world map only has very little detail and if I ride along a coast road it usually shows me riding in the sea. But, in Yemen it's better than nothing, which is the alternative.

For alternative maps, check out the smellybiker maps. They aren't perfect, but they cover all the world pretty well.

-ted (currently in La Paz, Mexico, 2-up on a DL650)

Ok. What did not come on the CD is the base map on your GPS - turn off the base map in your GPS and see if the GPS map detail now dissapears ..

What I think is that your base map has better detail than the world map .. in your area.

Frank,

I agree with what you are saying. I want to get the detail from my handheld into the laptop for trip planning purposes and to see on the big screen what is on the tiny screen (I'm an old fart.) Do you know how I can peoceed?

Thanks.

To my (limited) knowledge .. you cannot do it .. You may be able to buy a more detailed map and use that .. City Navigator , Metro guide ? .. but you cnnot get the base map off your gps onto your PC..

Found a website on my Welcome screen of my handheld and went there. Lo and behold it is the company that supplies Garmin the detailed map of Argentina installed on my 60Cx. They offer free downloads if you have MapSource, so now my laptop matches my handheld!

Thanks for your help,
Steep

Free .. as in anyone can 'have' it? Link?

Matt
What you are using is MAPEAR a GPS Community Project and NOT a Garmin product.

As a member of that community I was posting about some time a go. You can read about on: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-amerika-20602 and also on GPS map software for South America? - ADVrider

The maps made by Bob or “Smellybiker” use an old version of Mapear for Argentina and others parts of SA, because we let him use. So better have both hehehe!!

On the other hand and on depends off my limited knowledge, come to visit me again and I will give you a little free Mapear course. Bring yours toys. (my 60CS its on fix)

Regards

Javier…
DakarMotos.com

Javier,

Thanks for the offer. I will try and get by there next week. We are finally heading out on our first decent moto trip to San Carlos de Bariloche next Saturday.

Garmin must be buying the map of Argentina from Mapear, or just taking it from their website, because it was loaded on my handheld out of the box.

Matt