Top site free Garmin GPS maps

There seem to be constant questions re. Garmin GPS maps for developing countries and out-of-the-way-places, and the Mapsource maps simply don't cover them well...

Recently I discovered this site which I believe is the best to find free Garmin GPS maps from all over the world: http://garminmapsearch.com/
& easy to use, too!

Hummm .. does not list them all ...

My first look is usually http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php

Considering most people use cgpsmapper to make the garmin maps ..

from my site

Free Garmin GPS Maps
Caribbean Map Project: GPS Maps for Central America and Caribbean


ViajerosMapas: GPS Maps for Peru, Bolivia, Chile. I have not download them so I don't know if they are any good.


Proyecto Map Ear: GPS Map for Argentina. Very detailed!


Projecto Tracksource: GPS Map for Brasil. Very detailed!


GpsXchange: starting up with cool concept of exchanging tracks waypoints etc.

Free Maps for Venezuela
http://www.gpsve.net/poll/index.php
They work only with Garmin GPS
They are excellent, very detailed (they even have every street name on every city and small to medium sized town)....good for both on road and off road.... They have lots of info like gas stations, hotels, pharmacies, hospitals, airports, liquor stores, supermarkets, etc, etc.
They are updated with new data at least once per month.
Although do not rely too much on the autorouting function, use common sense.

Thanks guys... I needed alot of this stuff!

So, how does the garminmapsearch work with Garmin mapsource?

+1

Does anyone know if this will work with the Garmin 60CSX

I have no idea how to use these garmin image files? I think i have the one i want, but I have no idea how to load it on the GPS.

Help?

If you are using a Garmin handheld or chartplotter download some freeware called Mapupload and it will put the img file on the gps. Be sure to click the "add to existing maps" button or it will wipe out any other maps you have on the unit.

Here is the link http://www.mapwel.biz/down.htm

If you are using a zumo, then simply rename the file gpmapsupp.img and place it on the SD card or the unit itself. On the zumo you can only have a total of 2 supplemental maps (gpmapsupp.img) one on the unit itself and one on the SD card.

I'll give it a shot tonight. Thanks.

Hi,
for those still looking for free Garmin GPS maps...
There is this site mapsntrails which has pretty much the largest collection of GPS maps from basically everywhere.
They also included mapcenter (with preview for the maps), as well as OSM maps and many "self-made maps" from different users.
That's the only site I ended up using, cause they really combine everything!
http://www.mapsntrails.com/en

Cheers and greetings!

P.S. And for those who don't know how to install maps on your gps or how to deal with img files, they also have some instructions on there as well as links to nice tools

Hi,
actually I just saw that Mapsntrails also has a mapsearch which is a lot better than the gpsmapsearch.
You can find it here.
It shows the boundaries of the map as well as a preview.
I love it!

http://www.mapsntrails.com/en/garminmapsearch

I have a garmin 2610. I am going to Mexico at the beginning of August (Copper Canyon, Chihuahua, to be specific)

I have 2007 city navigator and the 2008 update installed.

I see BICIMAPAS (sp?) seems to be the favorite and there are several free downloads.

Can someone steer me to how I get these into my Garmin?? I've never had much luck getting anything free from garmin.

Thanks in Advance
Tom

I don't think you can download the Bicimapas map for free, or at least I don't know where.

I use the Mexico GPS Atlas, bought online from Bicimapas:

http://www.bicimapas.com.mx/English.htm

Very good map on and off road. It's routable (turn by turn) by I wouldn't trust this function 100% as been the best ROUTE you can take in any given location.

I also use the E32 map:

http://www.cartografiagps.com/

Very good detail for off road and street level in urban areas. Not routable.

Hope this helps

thanks for the fast reply OZZ

I guess I'm sort of resigned to buying them, but I still don't know how to load them into the Garmin.

I'm afraid I will buy the BICIMAPAS dataand then can't use the it.

Will BICIMAPAS open in the Mapsource program that garmin provides?

Tom

Yes, you can open it up in Mapsource if you buy the online downloaded version. Once you install it, you go through the unlocking proceedure invloving mapsource. After you can see it in Mapsource, you go through the uploading proceedure to transfer it to your GPS. Make sure your GPS is able to accept maps, I know some GPS's don't allow maps to be uploaded. Also, go through the Bicimapas site to make sure their map is compatible with your GPS. If your GPS is not mentioned, send them an email with specific questions, they have pretty good support.

In Mapcenter2 for example, I have had no problems running the Installer versions of some of their map downloads on Mapsource and transferring the maps to the Garmin. Many maps however, seem to have only the Source or Binary type files available for download.

How do I work with these types of files, if at all? Thanks.

Thank to all who contributed.
I just downloaded from http://www.tracksource.org.br/
The site is in Portuguese but the maps work fine, downloaded installed in Mapsource and uploaded to my Garmi 60Cx, works fine. Remember to rename the existing gmapsupp.img before uploading. If you have the memory you can keep the files on the GPS and just rename when you need them.

Now trying Venezuela map, then look for Colombia .. all soon to be destinations.

Hi Barefootrider,

Check out GPS maps of South America. I need to update the list as I just found and finished using a map for Ecuador that was excellent.