Mapsource

That is a very good question I would like to know the answer to that myself!

Is a program that for the Nuvis 6xx and below, will allow you to manage your 'favorites' on your unit - as in you can hook it up to your computer, and retreive the favorites, manipulate them, and put the new version on your unit.

For other models - one can do routes on the computer, and upload them to the GPSr; and also manipulate waypoints on routes, and for some units, you can upload map segments to them.

You can also use it to preview what the GPS should give you for routes...and peruse the built-in Pois via searches, and even construct & save gpx files you can load as custom POIs.

I got mapsource by emailing Garmin support, saying I heard I could manage my 'favorites' on my Nuvi, and wanted to know how I could go about getting it. They replied, requesting my address, and they shipped it to me, gratis.

Thank you very much that helps !!!

Another way is to get a hold of any old MapSource product, like Topo, World Map... Run setup from the cd which will install an old version of MapSource. Then you can upgrade it from a Garmin download.

Norm
Nuvi 660

I emailed Garmin on Friday requesting information regarding the availability of Mapsource for my nuvi 660 which I had just purchased. Today, Monday, I received an email from Garmin informing me that mapsource had been mailed to me. I must admit that I have been receiving great service from Garmin in both the general questions area and from technical support.

This is an interesting story. After reading several threads on the subject of obtaining a free copy of Mapsource, I sent an E-mail to Garmin from MYGarmin. I received a reply as follows:
Thank you for contacting Garmin International,

The Nuvi is a preloaded unit as such it does not come with a DVD copy of
the mapping. We would be happy to order you a disk with the mapping
information on it. Our replacment disks are $15.00 + shipping. Please
give us a call at 1-800-800-1020 Monday-Friday 8am-7pm CST.

With Best Regards,

James P
Product Support Specialist
Automotive Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-397-8282 (fax) Att: James P
www.garmin.com

Today I called the toll free number and after waiting about 10 minutes I was connected to a tech support person. I stated that I wanted to get a copy of the Mapsource program to manage my Favorites on my PC. The young lady said no problem and put the order in for me and gave me an order number for the DVD.

Thanks to all especially Motorcycle Mama in Virginia for the feedback on getting the copy.

I thought about getting one, but haven't yet. I really don't use my favorites except for a temp. holding place. I am not sure what else I would use Mapsource for.

I may not use it for much either but I figure if the company wants to give it to me for free, I'm going to getit and see what I can do with it.

It's even a toll free number so there is no cost for waiting on the phone until you get a representative.

I use Mapsource quite a bit in planning long distance trips where I want to go off the beaten track a little. I plan out possible routes and modify quite a bit to get driving times/day into reasonable chunks. Then I select where I want to overnight, visit places etc and put those points into my waypoints for uploading to "Lila".
Anyway, in short, I use it to plan !

Like going to Tucson & Cottonwood AZ in Dec for a couple weeks.
Going out one way - returning another !
Better-half doesn't fly !

you can do as follows:

First, download and install a copy of Garmin’s free Training Center software,
http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-99...) Once this software is installed, you can download and install the MapSource update file
(http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209), and the full version of MapSource will be up and running on your computer

I have got a mapsourse software on my computer.

I don't know why Garmin doesn't just tell new owners when they register that this is available instead of having to contact them and then have them mail a DVD. It seems it would be much cheaper for Garmin to do the internet route. Go figure!

Nuvi 350, you can't transfer routes from Map Source to the nuvi, right?

So when you do a 'transfer' from the Nuvi350 - then you'll have the map detail instead of just the base map?

Also, if I understand correctly, you can't download routes to the 350, but you can manage waypoints?

Thanks again!

Ted

...the only map you'll have at this point, is a basemap.

Thanks garminnorthland. The technique you offered worked great. I did not get a copy of Mapsource with my 660 and have been interested in trying it out.

With this technique, do you still need an unlock code?

Your Nüvi/Streetpilot/Zümo came with an unlock code, which will work with Mapsource.

The bit you're missing is the actual map data to unlock! You can't just copy the GMAPPROM.IMG from the unit to the PC - it's supplied in a different format for use with Mapsource.

And the map data is the data contained on the mapsource cd/dvd. Is this right?

yes

Thanks. Just a little more knowledgeable on my nuvi than I was yesterday !

It's my understanding the update disk is free and will be sent to you free. However, depending on how recently you purchased your gps and are eligible for a free update, you have to purchase the unlock code from Garmin to download the free disk they sent you. This will cost about $70.00.

Right!

Right!

I had a similar experience to FREDL's.

A coworker of mine got a copy of Mapsource after emailing Garmin and explaining that he wanted to manage his favorites. Of course they sent it to him for free.

I wanted to do the same thing, so I emailed Garmin and told them I wanted a copy to manage favorites etc and they told me it was $15.00. We went back and forth several times, each time I asked why some people got it for free and some of us were charged $15. The Garmin person kept ignoring the question but at one point said that the software normally costs $140.

Being reasonable I decided I would pony up the $15 and I emailed her back and asked how to order it. She said I could email her my credit card number and she would send it to me, or I could call the 1-800 number and order it that way. Not wanting to put my credit card number in an email, I called the 1-800 number and the person there just sent out the software without any charge.

I do appreciate Garmin's customer service. It does make me wonder though why some are charged and some are not. I was certainly willing to pay the $15, but am glad I got it for free! I received it in the mail yesterday and haven't had a chance to use it yet.

I received my Mapsource disk two days ago and just entered my original unlock code to unlock the program after installing it on my PC. If you are out of warranty, it may be that you will have to buy the unlock code but I don't think Garmin would send you the disk if you are out of warranty.

Just to confirm what others here have found - don't try to be lazy with Garmin. I tried emailing about the MapSource DVD - got the standard 'It's $15.00' response. Telephoned tech support - it's on it's way - no charge.

Hi Ted1964.

My same experience. I did the same routine you did and got the file on DVD for free in about 4 days.

Garmin really has to get their "act" (I would really like to say something stronger but MISS POI is right, this is a family friendly site) together. Either it is free with an new GPS or all should have to pay the $15.