Garmin Map Usage Limitations
 |
    19 years
|
@Boyd or anybody else that knows. I am adding some additional maps to my Garmin 3597. I did a search and ran across this. Do you think this is still accurate?
The Garmin nüvi 3597 can store multiple .img map files on a microSD card (formatted to FAT32 up to 32GB) placed in a Map folder, but it can only use and display multiple detailed map segments/regions up to a combined hardware limit of around 2,025 to 4,096 total map sections at one time.
microSD Card Storage Details
Capacity Limit: Supports microSD cards from 4GB up to 32GB (FAT32 file system).
File Organization: You can store multiple .img map files on the card inside a folder named Map (created on the root of the microSD card).
Naming Flexibility: Unlike older Garmin units that required a strict gmapsupp.img naming convention, newer models like the nüvi 3597 can read multiple custom or secondary map files with customized names as long as they end in the .img extension.
Map Usage Limitations
Active Maps: While you can store multiple map files, you can only enable and check specific map sets at a time under Tools > Settings > Map > Map Info.
Segment Caps: The device reads detailed mapping segments up to the system ceiling (typically restricted around 2,025 to 4,000 individual map tiles/segments total across active files). Exceeding this density can cause slower map rendering or failure to draw extra segments.
What is the source of that search?
As I've said before, I don't use Garmin devices and don't follow discussions about them anymore (where would I, since gpsreview and gpspassion are long gone?) But back when I did follow this stuff, Garmin very clearly said that automotive devices did not have segment limits. Have they said something different since then? No idea, you could try e-mailing Garmin support, I guess (not sure how interested they will be in helping with 3rd party maps, but you could try).
Your quote is a bit more nuanced however.
"it can only use and display multiple detailed map segments/regions up to a combined hardware limit of around 2,025 to 4,096 total map sections at one time."
The thing that stands out to me is the "at one time" part. That implies there is no global segment limit, but there is a limit to the segments in maps that are enabled. That would be different from outdoor devices, where the total number of segments in all maps on the device must be less than the limit. Then again, I might be reading too much into that statement. Probably, you will need to just try and see what happens
The 2025 number was the segment limit for older Garmin handhelds, such as a the GPSMap 60csx and original eTrex series. When Garmin introduced the Oregon series, they raised the segment limit to ~4000. So, if your quote is some kind of AI summary, it might be confusing this with the Nuvi. OTOH, they certainly could know something I don't.
In your other thread, I suggested that you use a free app called Javawa Device Manager to gain insights about your Garmin devices. That could tell you how many segments you're actually dealing with, among other things.
boydsmaps.com
The nüvis, especially the
The nüvis, especially the older ones, used to have a map segment limit of about 3000. This map segment limit was cumulative: if multiple maps are installed and the total number of segments in all maps total exceeded 3000, portions of maps may not show. For example, my ancient 200W at the time was trying to use its included maps as well as an old map, US Roads and Recreation 2.01. The R&R mapset had over 3000 segments to begin with, and combined with the included maps, not every segment would display.
I haven't tried using the original version of R&R since. Not only because it was pretty much out of date for a lot of its amenities, but because I had someone create a version of the map using fewer segments. In time I ended up extracting the points of interest from the map and created a POI file from them. I lost interest shortly after creating it, and a necessary cleanup to remove duplicate entries caused by having multiple copies of the POIs - caused by the old map repeating the POIs for each data layer - never happened.
Today, the map segment limit is likely not going to be much of a concern with the Drive and DriveSmart units. But I admit I haven't tried it either.
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams