Map updates

Garmin has an update loader so you can udate everytime they have new updates it is free for all garmin users just go to http:\www.\garmin.com far as the cd that came with your unit i wouldnt worry about buy a new one for a couple of years until major changes are made and new roads & Highways are added

You don't need to update every year. Think of it like the hardcopy based MapAtlas or road maps you used to cary in your car. As new roads and sections are added, you can work around it or, when it starts to affect you on an increasing level, you would purchase a new set. Garmin puts out a new edition yearly at a cost of $75. In my area, they are adding a bunch of new highways and subdivisions, so I will probably buy one next year (assuming it incorporates those changes).

How would one know if the changes you are looking for are incorporated? Is this information posted somewhere?

You can use the Mapsource Map viewer located here:

http://www.garmin.com/cartography/

Use the pull down menu to choose the maps that interest you. You can then zoom in to the area that interests you and see for yourself if the updates on the map version is worth it or if there are any updates at all. Hope this helps.

iceman2k4

You can use Garmin's map viewer as someone else pointed out. Garmin's maps use data from Navteq. Google maps and others also use the same data, so you can also check Google maps to see what the lastest data looks like. If there are errors that have been around for a while such as a road that has been there for years and it isn't in the map, then chances are the error is going to remain unless you report it. You can report map errors to Navteq through their website: http://www.navteq.com

So there isn't a list of revisions per se? You would actually have to manually search the area you are interested in.

Hi again,

Thank you for your comments. It seems as if firmware updates are free but map updates must be purchased for $75 (for my the c320). I spent some time looking through the FAQ section on the Garmin website and found the following:

(In regards to map/version updating) "When you get that Update Disk, you must install it on the same computer on which you have the previous version of that specific MapSource product."

This makes me think that I need to purchase map updates every year (rather than every 2 years) for the changes to be effective. I'm waiting for a response from customer service, but has anyone actually tried updating every other version?

Factoring in the $75 every year (in addition to the purchase price) makes me rethink if this yearly investment is really worth the convenience. After all, printing directions from Google map has historically been convenient and free (but only when planned in advance).

Thanks

You need to decide if your driving habits at the time constitute a need to update. If you travel alot then you might consider an update. If your just driving home to work than you probably don't need to. If your area is relatively new suburb with new roads and businesses going in, that would be another reason to. I travel alot across the U.S. and have found a few locations where the map hasn't been updated yet. There is a possibility that the next revision won't show these new "corporate drives". You just have to figure out your needs. Nothing is ever fool-proof. Even Mapquest and Google Earth miss a few. I know. They've screwed me before I got my GPS.

Remember, a brand new UPDATED maps is not really UPDATED as they are already 1-2 years old.

I have newest TomTom maps and they are not up to date since there is a major construction about a year ago on the I-10 EB (LA county).

First, let me say that I have not personally updated since I have only had the GPS for a few months. However, it is my understanding that the updates are actually replacements and that it doesn't matter which version you are going from as long as the GPS can handle the new version.

Will the update include accurate place information such as restaraunts and business information. I have found My garmin contains several places that have not existed for several years.

I just received an email response from Garmin, and it goes a little like this:

Thank you for contacting Garmin.

No, you can skip "steps" and be fine. Personally I own an iQue 3600,
and I update every other year. It came with v5 and I've updated to v7
and will when v9 comes about. I have just skipped 6 and 8.

You'll have that option.

You can report POI that are inaccurate.
If you fill out a report at NAVTEQ Map Reporter, you will see these categories for POI

POI is missing
POI has incorrect details
(location,category,phone number,etc.)
POI should be removed

http://mapreporter.navteq.com/dur-web-external/