maps for computer

 

I have an 11 inch laptop with a GPS. I would like to have US road maps on my computer that I can use offline and that I can add POI's to.
Google maps only let you download a small area. Any idea where I can download a road map of the USA?

It Depends

I am not sure about free maps for your laptop, but unless you need a map for areas that have changed significantly, you can probably get a really cheap price on a copy of Microsoft Streets & Trips, which is a lot more than just a map.

Microsoft discontinued it several years ago, so the streets are not current in some areas, but it might meet your needs. I have the 2013 edition and still use it for planning long trips, as it has some decent tools for planning multi-day trips.

When actually on the road, I use my stand-alone GPS for navigation, but a few years ago I knew a couple who used their laptop with S&T. One person drove and the other held the laptop.

- Tom -

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XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

BaseCamp

Since you have a Garmin GPS, presumably with lifetime map updates, you can use the free Garmin BaseCamp program with your City Navigator maps. Just install the CN map to both device and computer when you do a map update and the CN maps will be available offline through BaseCamp.

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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

I have that 2013 edition but

I have that 2013 edition but cannot seem to upload the poi for rest stops to it. I thought perhaps it was because it was no longer supported.

Alandb, somehow I apparently

Alandb,
somehow I apparently missed the class when talk of uploading the maps to the computer was discussed. I will reread that. Thanks. Do you know if you can locate the rest stops and Flying J gas stations on the map on the computer? I am pulling a travel trailer so stops have to be planned in advance.

No POIs

carcath wrote:

I have that 2013 edition but cannot seem to upload the poi for rest stops to it. I thought perhaps it was because it was no longer supported.

As far as I know, MS S&T doesn't allow user POIs. You can use the search function, but it's limited if you aren't connected to the internet.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Cheap GPS

carcath wrote:

Alandb,
somehow I apparently missed the class when talk of uploading the maps to the computer was discussed. I will reread that. Thanks. Do you know if you can locate the rest stops and Flying J gas stations on the map on the computer? I am pulling a travel trailer so stops have to be planned in advance.

The services listed in the program are way outdated. Locating stuff like Flying J and such is not very accurate. Rest areas really haven't changed that much in the last few years. So that search of the data base should be reasonably accurate.

BTW, a refurb GPS can be had for as little as $100. You can load the POI files for what you need and will be much easier and more accurate than trying to navigate from a 5 year old database.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

connect the GPS

You must connect the GPS to the computer for Custom POIs to be visible in BaseCamp. An alternate method is to make a clone of the GPS using a USB flash drive. However, when new POIs are loaded into the GPS the clone must be updated to see them.

Perhaps other members have a different way of doing this.

dobs108 smile

S&T allows POI

phranc wrote:
carcath wrote:

I have that 2013 edition but cannot seem to upload the poi for rest stops to it. I thought perhaps it was because it was no longer supported.

As far as I know, MS S&T doesn't allow user POIs. You can use the search function, but it's limited if you aren't connected to the internet.

POI can be installed in Streets and Trips. They are in a GPX file as seen here: http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/2595-poi-mega-file-pushpin-col...

--
Illiterate? Write for free help.

Almost a information overload

Wow!!! Thanks everyone for the information and the resources. I am going to the library and download some files on a 64 GB flash drive then come home and see what I can do with it. I also see that Windows Maps lets you download their maps for off line use. I'm thinking to download CSV as well as GPX.

About 2 yrs ago, I got the Garmin 760 with 7 inch screen and use it in my truck. I tow a camper trailer with it between Fl, MS, CA, and WA. It is a great help, but it does not show rest stops and for long trips those and campgrounds are helpful.

There is an excellent Rest

There is an excellent Rest Stop file in the POI section that is updated regularly, as well as several campground POIs. They will work on your 760.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Just Import

dobs108 wrote:

You must connect the GPS to the computer for Custom POIs to be visible in BaseCamp. An alternate method is to make a clone of the GPS using a USB flash drive. However, when new POIs are loaded into the GPS the clone must be updated to see them.

Perhaps other members have a different way of doing this.

dobs108 smile

You should be able to import the files. I know you can import hpx files. Not sure about csv.

I do this when I'm planning a trip.

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DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

Sorry

Box Car wrote:
phranc wrote:
carcath wrote:

I have that 2013 edition but cannot seem to upload the poi for rest stops to it. I thought perhaps it was because it was no longer supported.

As far as I know, MS S&T doesn't allow user POIs. You can use the search function, but it's limited if you aren't connected to the internet.

POI can be installed in Streets and Trips. They are in a GPX file as seen here: http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/2595-poi-mega-file-pushpin-col...

I'm sorry, I must have missed that class. But back when I was using it, (4 years ago) .GPX files weren't so popular and easy to work with.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

import POI

you can import custom POI's into both Streets and trips, and basecamp.
easier in ST, only thing is ST needs GPX files, you can also import the ICON for the POI file

BaseCamp is more difficult but it can be done

I use the same files that I get from the factory