Copying Garmin Topo Maps

[renogeorge]

I have the Garmin 24K Topo maps on disc. Can I legally make copies of these discs for my own use? For the record-- I have NEVER cut the labels off of mattresses and I don't want the FBI after me for doing something illegal with Garmin's high priced, but not lockable, Topo maps

If it's legal, HOW?.

[WoodButcher]

I believe the 24k maps use the same unlock code system as the City Navigator maps. So if that is the case, make as many copies as you want because the cd/dvd isn't unique, but the unlock code is.

[FatChance]

Garmin 24K topo maps are not locked to a particular device.

According to GPStracklog.com (HERE) the Garmin 24K topo maps in DVD and uSD formats are not locked and can be used on multiple devices:

"Garmin recently finished rolling out their new TOPO US 24K map sets. They are available as downloads and on micro-SD cards, with larger regions available on DVD. All three formats can be purchased directly from Garmin as well as various retailers. The new product offers several advantages including routable trails and detailed highway coverage, and the DVD and micro-SD formats are not locked to a single device, so you can still use them if you buy a new unit."

FWIW, gpscity.com says the same thing...

[renogeorge]

OK. I already have the Topo disc and it appears to be legal to make a copy as a backup. In trying to copy the North Central Topo, I am running into a problem with the file being too large for a single DVD. This is probably my general lack of computer knowledge as opposed to a GPS issue. But how do I get the backup copy made? Compress? Multiple DVDs?

I tried compressing the Garmin files but the compressed file was merged in with the un compressed and I couldn't isolate it and burn to disc When I try to burn to a blank DVD, I get a message that the file is too big for the DVD. I never get an option to use a second disc.

I am using a PC running Windows 7, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for all the help!!!

[250senuf]

Buy some double layer DVDs (8.5 gb) as long as your burner is capable of using them. I don't know about being able to spread the data over multiple DVDs.

[WoodButcher]

Originally Posted by FatChance

Garmin 24K topo maps are not locked to a particular device.

According to GPStracklog.com (HERE) the Garmin 24K topo maps in DVD and uSD formats are not locked and can be used on multiple devices:

"Garmin recently finished rolling out their new TOPO US 24K map sets. They are available as downloads and on micro-SD cards, with larger regions available on DVD. All three formats can be purchased directly from Garmin as well as various retailers. The new product offers several advantages including routable trails and detailed highway coverage, and the DVD and micro-SD formats are not locked to a single device, so you can still use them if you buy a new unit."

FWIW, gpscity.com says the same thing...

Thanks for checking that out. I knew the sd version wasn't locked since that's what I have.

[wbbnm]

I cut the labels off mattresses and I always make backup copies of those expensive discs I get from Garmin in case something goes wrong with the original.