Free routable maps for Garmin

Less than 2 gig files exist for download if you're willing to pick area (east coast and west coast, for example). You could get ones smaller than 1/2 gig up to 1.8 gig. Look up the longitude for the area that you are interested in and go here and find maps that include it in the range given:
http://daveh.dev.openstreetmap.org/garmin/Lambertus/latest/
There is some overlap. So if the area that you care about is in an overlap area you can pick either overlapping set depending on which area you feel it is more likely that you may travel in.

You also might want to be sure that you are running the most current firmware for your GPS. I don't know about your model, but I had the same 2 gig limit for my 250. After letting Garmin update the firmware I am now able to run the full 4 gig map, and also now have the option to have a second map file on the same microSD card and select between them (in my case I can keep a topo map on the GPS receiver as well and use it when that comes in handy without having to swap memory cards).

I see the smaller files, but how do I determine what area the title of file covers?

As already said, by longitude. What is the longitude of the area that you are interested in having a map for?

Also, when you looked at the names, one was README. Did you consider that it might be trying to help? It explains this, no need for me to retype that here.

Ok, what is a "README".

In the directory that I directed JanJ to
( http://daveh.dev.openstreetmap.org/garmin/Lambertus/latest/ )
are files. Along with the files with the long names (those names are long because they contain the longitude ranges covered) is the README file. Files named README or readme.txt are typically used in distributing software and related files to help document what the user is given.

Below is the content of that file:

------------------------------------------

Which file do I use?

First step: determine the size of map set you want. If you
have a 512MB card or want to use up ~500MB of space on your
device, look at the files with names starting with "500MB".
These files should not _quite_ fill up a 512MB card. This
is so that you have room for a bit more stuff, like track
logs.

I have a 4GB card, which is large enough to hold the entire
US. There's only one "4000MB" file, so I'm done.

If you are using a smaller card, you next need to consider
your location so that you can download a piece of the map.
I've cut them up into longitude swaths. Let's say I have
a 1GB card, so I'm looking at the "1000MB" maps.

I'm at about -122 longitude. I have three choices (in the
04/30/2010 set):

[ ] 1000MB-lon_-84.20_to_153.85.gmapsupp.img 02-May-2010 15:48 1.0G
[ ] 1000MB-lon_-96.86_to_-82.66.gmapsupp.img 02-May-2010 15:47 1.0G
[ ] 1000MB-lon_-165.45_to_-94.83.gmapsupp.img 02-May-2010 15:47 1.0G

-122 is between -165.45 and -94.83, but not in any of the
others. So, I would pick:

"1000MB-lon_-165.45_to_-94.83.gmapsupp.img"

You'll also notice that the maps overlap a bit. Let's say
that you are unlucky and you sit right at the point where
I picked to chop up the "2000MB" maps. Let's say that it
it at the Indiana/Illinois border. Maybe you live in IN,
but shop in IL. It would be really annoying to need two
cards just for a trip to the store. So, I guarantee that
the maps will overlap by at least a hundred miles or so.
It should make picking a map a bit easier.

Does anyone have the free download for the City Navigator® North America NT 2013 Map Update for Kenwood Split DVD

Good reference.

this is very helpful information.

very nice free map thx op

Do these work with a 3790?

Yes, they will work with the 3790.

Be aware that the routable street maps for North America will not be better that the preloaded City Navigator maps.

But if you are looking for maps for areas other than the preloaded maps or for a different type of map such as Topo maps, you will find lots of good options at GPS File Depot and the Open Street Map sites.

thanks for the info.

Great stuff

this is useful info.

Great thread

Plenty of good info in this thread.

Thanks to all.

http://osm.pleiades.uni-wuppertal.de/openfietsmap/Iceland/

Has good maps, for GPS in .img and for Garmin Mapsource/Basecamp, They have all the street level roads and names, and contour lines for the topography.

Thanks for the tip. There is a chance that I may be going to Iceland on business in the near future, and if that happens I plan to take a few days vacation to do some sightseeing while there. This would be a real convenience if that happens.

- Tom -

Just got my new nuvi. This is great info.

Thanks so much.

Although I have lifetime maps, this will be awesome news to friends that dont. Thanks!

so if one has access to garmin maps, should we stick to garmin maps or is there a benefit for using these maps over garmin in the USA?

If you have access to current Garmin City Navigator maps (such as a lifetime map subscription) stick with Garmin. I use OpenStreetMap on my Garmin Oregon handheld because I don't have a map subscription for it. The City Navigator map on my nuvi is better tho.

Although the OSM maps are very good, I believe you give up things like Junction Views, Lane Assist and Active Lane Guidance if you use them in place of the Garmin maps.

There is a benefit in using them if they cover areas not covered by your "Garmin" maps.

This might include other countries or for GPS units that do not include full coverage of the US (or whatever country your "Garmin" maps cover).

Also, if a user is interested in other types of maps such as Topo maps.

The only negative I can think of is: there would not be any POIs in the IMG file.

Perfect for overseas or foreign travels that I do once in a blue moon. I do downloaded and installed the Japan map for our recent trip to Japan. I did not have to use it even once though. My wife and I had a great time.

I have not tried these, but it sounds interesting.

Just got an open map working, thanks! I wonder if these will surpass Garmin maps in accuracy and updating.

That has not been my experience, but I haven't downloaded a new version for about a year. On the map I have (USA), address lookup is very crude ... it can sometimes get you to the right street, but may be miles away from the actual address.

These maps are typically great for devices that do not come with preloaded street maps such as handheld Garmin units.

Typically, street routing is needed less frequently on these types of GPS units.

The Open Street Maps will probably not ever surpass the Garmin maps for dedicated auto GPS units, however.

I know you don't post often anymore MM, but as always, I appreciate your informed and concise explanations.

Thanks, alandb. I appreciate that a lot.

I try to contribute when I feel that have something to useful to add to the discussion.

how can i get a map for india and put it into garmin gps?

Go to the link in the very first post in this thread.

Under the steps for choosing an area, use the dropdown menu to select India.

Read their help file for more instructions.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Garmin.OpenStreetMap.nl:M...

thank you

"routable OSM maps" - yup they're routable but what precisely people are using to create those aforementioned "routes" (i.e. GPX file) has not been shared on this thread?

There are now a number of alternatives in your other thread at:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/46125