Map Update Process for 755T and 3597LMTHD

 

It seems this might be time to adjust some of my old ways of updating maps. Like alandb and possibly others, I have both a 755T and a 3597LMTHD--the latter a recent acquisition where I'm still discovering its many and sometimes subtle differences. I've been keeping the 755T regularly updated using GarminMapUpdater (aka GMU) via the clone method, so no issues there. FWIW, I've always chosen the option to Keep Files on Computer when updating, so I have a pre-update backup of the GPS as well as the latest update itself, also backed up separately.

For the 3597, since it seems I'm now relegated to using Garmin Express (aka GE), for efficiency I presume I'll also use it to update both devices now. Many versions of GE ago, way back in the Windows XP era, GE stored its multi gigabytes of files in a different location from GMU. I haven't checked to see whether that's still the case under Windows 7 or above. Based on what I understand, I've got a few questions on the best way to update both units efficiently.

Even with certain major files common to both GPSRs, each GPS has its own unique overall set of files that will be updated. Since the Keep Files on Computer option is intended to minimize the number of full downloads to reapply an update or presumably for updating more than 1 GPS, should both GPSRs be attached to the PC during a map update? Or is the safer approach to update one at a time (assuming dual connected GPS updates are even possible)?

If updated 1 at a time, does GE recognize that the necessary files are already present--at least the core files, downloading only those additional ones needed specifically for the 2nd GPS?

Do 3597 owners with access to the full size .JCV file generally prefer installing it to their 3597 in lieu of the one placed there by Garmin's updates?

The

The JCV file supplied to owner's of the 3597 contains all the views available and therefore there is no reason for any other file. At one time Garmin made the full screen junction view file available as a separate download but don't appear to be doing that any longer. When that file was available you could replace the full split screen view file that you got with the map update with this full whole screen view file. The only difference between the 2 files was one was split screen and one was full screen.

There is also no need to use GE to update the maps on the 3597. I used MapUpdater just yesterday to update my 3597 with no issues.

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Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Map updater.

There is one issue with Garmin Map Updater on a 3597 that you need to be aware of if you use it. GMU does not handle the gmapdem.img file correctly. Sometimes it deletes the old file and doesn't give you a new one. Other times it downloads a new gmapdem file but names it incorrectly. So if you use MapUpdater, make sure you make a backup of gmapdem.img so you can restore the file if necessary.

I avoided Garmin Express for a long time because of all the reported problems with it. But I have use it the past 2 or 3 map updates and it has worked well. When you uupdate multiple devices, Garmin Express does reuse as many of the downloaded files as it can, so the install on the second device takes far less time than the first device.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

More info, if needed

alandb wrote:

There is one issue with Garmin Map Updater on a 3597 that you need to be aware of if you use it. GMU does not handle the gmapdem.img file correctly. Sometimes it deletes the old file and doesn't give you a new one. Other times it downloads a new gmapdem file but names it incorrectly. So if you use MapUpdater, make sure you make a backup of gmapdem.img so you can restore the file if necessary.

DEM warning with GarminMapUpdater
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/44415

Large JCV on a 3597
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/37552
(Scroll down to Junction View (large file) and to some extent Junction View (see also Bird's Eye Junction View))

Thanks For The Replies

I had gone back and reviewed several informative threads here on the 3597 in order to climb the learning curve faster and remembered there had been past issues with the gmapdem.img file when using GarminMapUpdater. As long as MyGarmin, WebUpdater, and GMU were working fine for all updates (map and otherwise) to my 755T, I saw no reason to switch after playing around with GE once it had been out for awhile and decided back then that it wasn't essential (for me).

I recently reconsidered my original opinion about GE when it seemed the only way I was going to get the 3597's files and maps updated post-purchase was by using GarminExpress. Did I overlook something, because if GE is the only utility for updating non-map files on a 3597, then I might as well use it for maps, too. If so, that would also drive me to start using it as the primary tool to update maps on the 755T.