Nuvi 57 Downgraded to Useless

Welcome to The Factory.

I don't have a nuvi 57 or any of that series so I can only offer suggestions. Hopefully someone with a model from your series nuvi will have more detailed info for you. Until then, try these if you want.

First, download and read the owners manual:

http://static.garmin.com/pumac/nuvi_57_58_67_68_OM_EN.pdf

Page 7 of the owners manual discusses Map Layers. I mention this as built in POIs and Saved Places (Favorites) are likely found on a Map Layer that can be and may have been disabled. Can you see built in POIs when travelling in cities on a route? If you install any Custom POIs, do icons (either a small dot or a larger default icon, unless you choose a custom icon) appear?

I vaguely also remember reading that some icons may not be displayed depending on your choice of Track Up, North Up, or 3D so you may want to try all. Of course, I expect you already know that icons may only appear at a particular zoom level or greater. All of these can be tested by going to a location with a Favorite, then zoom in and out and change your "Up" setting to see what is on the map.

This thread may offer a bit more assistance:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/44049

It seems odd to me that Saved Places or Favorites do not appear on the map in the nuvi 57 so I hope that we can find that you were steered incorrectly by Tech Support and that you can adjust your device to see them.

Good luck.

A couple of points:

1. The Nuvi series are NOT meant to be used on "poorly known dirt roads" so I am not surprised that the map is "useless". However I have used the new Drive 50 series on the dirt roads above Silverton, CO and around Durango, CO with limited success. Even with a Topo overlay you CANNOT use the device to route. Well, you can, just don't blindly follow it or you will be over a cliff in record time.

2. Favorites will show on the map but are you saying you want them to announce your arrival?

In summary, I think you are trying to adapt a device to work in a situation that the map was not designed for.

I've also owned many Garmin GPSr's over the years. It's been my experience that some units display waypoints and others do not. Some will display waypoints only when zoomed in to a preset level. I assume this is to prevent screen clutter.

Like you, I also build and use many off road files for use with topo maps. IMO, the best unit for this purpose is Garmin's Montana. It easily transfers from bike to truck and although a bit bulky, can be carried as a handheld. It is weatherproof, has a reasonably large screen and can be set to display waypoints at a pre-selected zoom level. The unit also has a powered mount with speaker for vehicle use. At >$300, it's pricey but refurbished units are available as well as used on eBay.

There are many units available from other manufacturers but there could be a compatibility issue if you like using Basecamp and Mapinstall.

I don't have your model Nuvi but you may want to check to see if you have the proper "Map Layer" turned on. Go to Settings > Map & Vehicle > Map Layers and insure that "Places along the road" has a check mark beside it. If it doesn't, tab that entry and save the changes.

Once that map layer is turned on you should see Favorites on your map screen when you have a destination entered on the Nuvi (if your model supports displaying this of course).

Like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? I had no idea they were routing on a topo!

dobs108