How To Get Free Garmin GPS Maps - Handhelds, Watches, Basecamp
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
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The good news is that if you own a Garmin GPS device, there's a way to get free Garmin GPS maps. And in most cases, the free maps are much better than the expensive Garmin maps. I'm a big fan of Garmin GPS devices, but I always found it disappointing that they charged extra for maps. Garmin doesn't publicize it, but their GPS units are setup to take any maps in the correct format. Here's how to get and install these free hiking maps in an easy, step-by-step process.
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Are you in search of free OSM maps for your Garmin device and Garmin BaseCamp? Look no further! I'm thrilled to bring you this comprehensive video that will walk you through the entire process of acquiring and installing those coveted OSM maps. By following the instructions in this video, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of detailed and up-to-date maps right on your Garmin device.
With the help of OSM maps, your Garmin device will become an indispensable tool for all your outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid hiker, cyclist, or geocacher, these maps offer accurate navigation and a wealth of information. Imagine being able to explore new trails and routes with confidence, knowing that your Garmin device is equipped with the most current and detailed map data.
But wait, it gets even better! Not only will you gain access to high-quality maps, but you'll also learn how to integrate them seamlessly with Garmin BaseCamp. BaseCamp is a powerful software that allows you to plan and organize your adventures, create custom routes, and share them with fellow enthusiasts. With the combination of OSM maps and BaseCamp, you'll have an unparalleled toolkit at your disposal.
In this video, I'll break down the entire process into simple and easy-to-follow steps. You'll learn how to find reliable sources for free OSM maps, download them onto your computer, and then transfer them to your Garmin device using Garmin BaseCamp. I'll also share some tips and tricks to ensure a smooth installation process.
So, are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Garmin device? Join me in this exciting video, and let's embark on a journey to equip your Garmin with free OSM maps. Get ready to take your outdoor adventures to the next level with accurate navigation, detailed maps, and the confidence to explore new territories like never before. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your Garmin experience - watch the video now!
If you're having trouble finding the GMAP file, try this tip from Liz S: help.openstreetmap.org/questions/40523/importing-maps-to-basecamp-mac/41030
HikingGuy.com are they free?
You did an amazing job. I have had this etrex 20x for two years and now will finally be able to use it fully. Thanks for doing this.
Awesome, thank you, glad it was helpful!
Many thanks for sharing! I had tried loading maps several times on my own with no success & was ready to give up until using your step-by-step instructions. Great job explaining everything and pointing out the different programs like Garmin Map Mgr & Map Install that are necessary. I know this takes lots of time to prepare. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Awesome, so glad it was helpful. It's a labor of love so knowing that it's helpful is helpful to me! Happy trails, Cris
You have no idea how helpful this is. Saved me a lot of time. Very straightforward, simple, and clear instructions. Thank you for making this
Awesome, that's music to my ears. I do these to help other folks out so glad it's working. Happy trails, Cris
This worked great for Garmin Montana 680 and windows 7. I'm very excited that the 3d view works with the free map. Map is very detailed and has a lot of my trails already on there. Thank you for sharing.
Many thanks. Just installed brazilian maps on my 20x and they worked great.
Much more detailed than default ones.
Thank you for this video.
Awesome, glad it worked out for you!
Great video and info. I hated using Garmin maps, always had to get a key code from them when I upgraded my computer. This was by far easier and better!
What is the Windows / PC equivalent for Garmin MapManager? It seems to only be available for Mac?
Yes i would like to know that as well? the viedeo does not explain how to manage the maps on windows once the ZIP file have been unpacked.
Thank you so much for this video! saved my old Garmin 60Csx. I had bough the Topo 24k SD Card, but it did not work with my older GPS.
Thanks for this, very helpful. I just finally got one of these...so I'm a little behind the times.
Thank you so much I just purchased a Garmin etrex 20x and thought it came with a topo map but found out that its $100 from amazon and disappointed to say the least. this made my whole day and my new purchase so much more enjoyable.
This is music to my ears and why I do these videos, so thanks! Glad it worked out.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!! No one else ever explained this process in such great detail! Again thank you so so much
Glad it was helpful! 👍👍
Superb instruction video. I'm not really good at computers and stuff, but with this video was able to install maps as well in basecamp as on my etrex 32x. Thanks a lot hiking guy!!
Great to hear! Glad it helped.
Maybe it's a difference in the menu/version of MapManager, but an extra step was to go to the top menu of MapManager and under "File" -"Install map", point the program to the location of the downloaded map file; it could not find it automatically on the hard drive. Otherwise, without this complicated install routine I could never have figured out on my own. Thanks so much!
That will help folks, thank you for posting!
Awesome tutorial, you're a life saver, sir. Thank you so much!
These videos have been a lifesaver! Thank you so much for taking the time to create them!
Thanks, glad they helped!
I would have given up on Garmin had it not been for your video. Thank you!
Awesome, glad it helped! Thanks for letting me know.
Great tutorial! Thank you so much, very easy to follow!
Great Video
I used a PC and a Garmin Oregon 600. I had some issues around the 5 Min mark but was about to go to Garmins Map Install and the Map poped up and worked at that. A little different but your video was still veryyyy helpful
thanks
I really love Garmin, but trying to understand the eco system is so confusing. Thank you very helping me out.
just picked up the 60csx for 60 bucks to play around with thanks for this video
nice, great buy on a solid GPS....
Looks like ive got a lot to lern here. Just starting out and a bit lost even before I hit the trails.
Finally a video that helped me get a great map from my mac onto my 64s nice and easy. Thanks!
Awesome, glad it helped!
What type of map did you select to download? I have the 64 sc but dont know what format.
Great video. Thank you so much for teaching me how to install maps on my Garmin.
You're welcome! Glad it worked out for you!
Your video helped me so much ! Thank you
Great job explaining man! Thank you!
Supper helpful. Did what I was clueless about. Thank you.
👍👍👍
Sooo Grateful to you! Worked like a charm!
👍👍👍👍
Important and get detailed review instruction set...Thanks
Nice and in deep tutorial. Great work. Thanks
Glad it was helpful! 👍
i've got a 60csx...part of why i love it is to the ability to hack maps and add free ones...
the only thing I'm tired of with the the 60csx is the oldschool screen
are there ways the garmin etrex 35 for example can be map hacked?
Yup, you can send custom maps to the eTrex too. I have a 32x that I'm testing now.
A big help, Thank you very much.
👍👍 glad it was helpful!
I have the US Pacific OSM Topo that is 2 years old. How do we update to the latest?
I think you just need to download the latest mapset from the website and reinstall.
HUGE help! many thanks hiking guy =)
👍👍👍
Thanks. Your explanation was clear and helpful. Cheers.
Cool, glad it helped, thanks and happy mapping...
Thanks! Did the install of Mountain OSM Topo and Pacific OSM Topo. The Pacific maps have NR stamped all ofver the maps when you zoom in. sort of a mess. Does the NR mean "not routable"?
I believe it means "nature reserve" and is used for parks. Mess around with the detail level / labels and I think they will go away
This video is a tremendous resource! Thank you so much!
thank you thank you, glad it came in handy!
so i did the install exactly as specified from the video, i do have windows however. I used the website to get the file from as well as other websites for topo maps. Not one will show up on the device. it just spent all that time installing and doesnt show up? it shows up in basecamp so the file is good. Its just whenever I go to load the map on the 20x all it has it was is already on there.
I am having the same exact issue. Garmin told me they cant help either because they only help with problems with garmin maps or devices :/
Have you done an updated version on this topic? Or a newer article? I'm having a hell of a time trying to get maps into basecamp & my 67i (i'll probably ask you a few questions around this topic, under different related videos.
Awesome instructions! Thank you very much!
Glad it helped!
Thank you! Very well done and informative, not to mention saving us lots of $$$
Cool cool, thanks for the note and glad it helped!
Very helpful, thanks!
Been trying to do this for years, and thanks to your video finally figured out what I was doing wrong, thanks for the video. However now when I run a search on the GPS, it gives me to much, for example, running a search for man made features gives me every power pole on the road. Anyone know how to whittle down search features? It’s really clogging the amount of time it takes the GPS to find what I am looking for.
Ah great, glad the video did the trick. In regards to the POIs, it's a good question. I've never modified the POI data before, but maybe something like this would help > support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=tlyZwzclJf87AoIEoelDa5
@@Hikingguy read the articles, thanks I’ll give that a try and let you know how it works.
Great tutorial Thank you
Chris, thank you so much for all you do for the hiking community. Question, for hiking, are these better than the maps that come installed on the Fenix 6X Pro? I'm looking for maps like the AllTrails maps where I can click a trial then follow the route. Thanks in advance.
The F6 maps should be fine for all listed trails. The OSM maps are good for smaller / older / use trails, which you generally don't get on the Fenix. In the old days (like a few years ago) the Garmin maps were much worse and OSM maps were a must. Today the Garmin maps are great for 99% of hikers.
Cant get this to work on inReach Explorer +, the device doesnt appear when prompted with "Please select the device you want to install maps on" - "GARMIN" pops up momentarily when syncing my explorer to my computer, but goes away after it's done syncing. Any idaes?
Yea, unfortunately the Explore is the only model that's a Garmin but not a Garmin. It's just a facelift on the original Delorme unit, which Garmin acquired. Unfortunately you're stuck with the maps that you can download within its ecosystem. I talk about nav with it here, might be helpful > hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/in-depth-garmin-inreach-explorer-review/
Just bought a 32x as an impulse by as I want to do Yosemites diving board. Any tips?
Thanks!
So I just did this, thank you. I found they are very slow and power shuts down on my BMW Nav Vl while using them. I'm wondering if the Garmin ones work any better?
hi good video but i don´t know why when i have a route it stays at 80% calculating route.
Great video. Question on 24k. Are the Gmaptools 24k? Is 24k that better for the amateur hiker?
It's kind of tricky because the 24k descriptor is something used on raster charts, and these are all vectors. To get to the heart of your question though, the Garmin maps generally have better topographic detail, but the (free) OSM maps have much better trail info, so generally I go with the OSM version (unless I'm bushwhacking).
@@crishazzard3129 Cris thank you very much!
Can you copy the files on a MicrosSD and just plug that into the unit?
I’m trying to do this on windows. Downloaded the mountain region osm map, unpacked the file, but I am stuck and confused at the instructions for running the batch file. Not sure what that even means and base camp isn’t yet recognizing that the downloaded map file is even on the computer,
I tried and tried with no luck. Downloaded what was said. Bought the Keko program/app. Even did it on a Mac like the example. I got as far as clicking on the option with map. Nothing. I give up. Easier just to pay Garmin and be done with it. Thanks for the effort but no luck for me.
Sorry to hear that. It does work, but everyone has a different setup with their machine. Hard to say what the exact issue is.
Great video man, I need help in finding some detailed maps of Pakistan for my Garmin gpsmap66i I just got my device and don't know how to navigate on it and I'm planning a long hike to Himalayas next week..
try this > garmin.openstreetmap.nl
@@Hikingguy sir, thank you very much keep up the good work..👍
Hi friend. Thanks for this nice instructions. But can you give me a link for map manager for windows
Check out the link in the article for Windows instructions
Very useful information. Thanks. It appears, however, that elevation data is not part of the free OSM maps. This renders these free maps of less value than topographical maps that have contour lines marked with elevations, especially if they are shaded to show relief. This information can be critical to hikers and backpackers, for example. I was hoping to avoid purchasing more of Garmin's 24K Topo maps (I have the West and Southwest on CD), using the free maps instead, but the free maps just aren't adequate for my purposes (backpacking and hiking) because of the absence of elevation data. I've read there may be ways to get elevation data and combine it with the free maps but it seems very complicated and/or time consuming.
OSM maps have contour lines, just not embedded elevations - if you device has an altitmeter, which most do, it will display that as the altitude - I haven't had a problem getting good info from OSM maps
Appreciate all your helpful videos. However, following these instructions does NOT cause the map to appear on my Garmin Montana 700i. I see it in Basecamp and can select it and work with it. I can also see it on the "Garmin" drive on my device from my Mac, but it will not show up as an option when selecting maps on the device. Is there any source or forum that discusses the 700i specifically? I suspect (like all Garmin products) it is a one-off with unique issues.
Excellent! Thank you very much for doing this video!
Hi I really enjoy your channel ☺ Keep it up!
Awesome video! Very informative. Do you know of anywhere that I might be able to find smaller maps to use? I really only need my county but the whole state would work.
Thank you.
Check the links at the bottom of the article - you can get state maps on one of the sites.
I did this download exactly the way you set it up. However my map is not on my device. Any ideas? Thanks
Awesome instructions!
Great video, but was wondering if anyone can help. I have a Garmin eTrex 20xt and I loaded a 64 GB SD card into the unit. I downloaded a Topo map from the GMap Tool. When I go to go to load the map it tells me the unit cannot download the map because there is not enough memory? How to I get the unit to recognize the SD card so that I can load the map directly to the SD card and not the units internal memory?
If you bring up the MapInstall program (see the screenshot here: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/how-to-get-free-garmin-gps-maps-for-hiking/ ) it should show you what maps are taking up memory and what you have left on the device.
i tried it today 24 sept 19 and it says blocked that it could give me vires, where do i go next
Maps doesn't show up when trying to load via sd card. Does the unit need to be updated to the latest firmware?
Does it work with garmin forerunner 255?
Hey great page ☺ Keep it up!
Can't get it to extract/unzip from 7-zip for my windows platform. Do you know where I can find instructions for windows? Thanks for everything you do!
Did you read the article in the link? There are Windows instructions there.
Should I only use “specific” maps on my gps when I hike, or can I enable them all. For example, should I disable city navigator when wanting to do a hike? Sure need some advice - I am a newby. TIA
Yup, they get grouped by the type of map on your device, and you can only pick one at a time. The map selection is in the settings somewhere, it depends on the device.
HikingGuy.com Thank you. I have learned a lot by watching videos from the experts. I thoroughly read my manual, but was unclear on several issues. Thank heavens for those willing to share their knowledge.
👍👍👍@@darlenerothenay6251
Great video, thanks. How does the detail compare to the Garmin 24K. OSM is saying that it has 25m contour lines. Not sure how that compares to Garmins 24K
I think OSM maps are vector, so they scale with your screen. 24k means that one inch on the map is equal to 24,000 inches (2000 feet or 609.6 meters) in the real world.
Can you recommend the best maps that Garmin has for purchase? Specifically, the maps version(s) with the best info for hiking. I downloaded the 'US South Central Region' map from the gmaptool website and I've found that it doesn't include the trail for the Eagle Rock Hiking Loop in the Ouachita National Forest. That issue, coupled with the fact that I can't get maps from the gmap site to load to my Mac (though I was able to download and install with my girlfriends Mac), I've decided to purchase the Garmin maps. There are several different versions of the Garmin maps which all have different content. If you have any experience with the Gamin maps I'd really like to hear your thoughts on the best ones for hiking. Thank you!
Your best bet for Garmin hiking maps are their 24k versions specific to a region (TOPO US 24K [region name]). But here's the thing, it the trails aren't on the Open Street Map, they probably won't be on the Garmin one. The Garmin ones do have a nice level of detail, but whether it has the trail on it, the only way is to purchase it and see. You could also try calling support or sales, maybe they can look it up. Wish I had a better answer here.
Hi do you have any Topo GB Pro maps or Topo France Entire country maps :-)
Thank you so much!! These instructions worked perfectly for me.
So map manager is only needed for Mac .
Hi, I only noticed too maps for the United States and South America etc.. but not for Canada. Any chance you know where I can get maps for Canada?
hello
can you please help me to find a free way to download the Mediterranean Sea, Southeast - Marine Charts for garmin 66 , objectif fishing amateur activity , thanks
It there a video explaining how to install from a windows system
I have written instructions in the article in the link under the video.
Many, many thanks!
i just got used oregon 600 for 100 bucks, did i make a mistake ? can't find basecamp mobile app for android anywhere... also got device with to usb cable... that's why i try to find basecamp app, but as far i can find it was discontinued ? What the point than of having bluetooth on garmin oregon 600 :/
Basecamp is only on desktop Mac / Windows. I'm not sure if there's a way to transfer OSM maps via Bluetooth to an Oregon...
@@Hikingguy thanks for answering, what i can do with bluetooth at all ? I read something that there is some other app "copy of Basecamp" for android, but I can't find the name for it. Wondering why this device have BT if I can't do anything with it.
@@WildMechanic Not positive but I think Bluetooth is for transferring between devices and you need to connect to a desktop with Basecamp to transfer data. I'd take a look at an online manual to confirm.
Any links for Canadian maps? Heading to the Canadian rockies next week!
Give this guy a try: garmin.openstreetmap.nl
Is there a satellite image that you can download or just topo maps? Someone plz reply. Thanks
Just topo as far as I know, but sites like CalTopo and Gaia GPS have good sat photos
Nowadays, can Basecamp install the maps? Or are the two other Garmin apps still needed?
Any idea if this is possible for the epix pro? MapInstall doesn't see the watch.
I did it with a Fenix 6 a few years ago, I think I used Android File Transfer because the watches use MTP now instead of looking like a normal drive
Do you have to update these maps? If so is it a matter of just redownloading and repeating the steps? Thank you so much for your tutorial, I am loading the maps now!
Good question, yup, you have to manually update them, and it's just redownloading. Glad the guide came in handy!
Do you have instructions for Windows? I do not see a Map Manager for Windows.
Here's the blurb from the GMapTool site:
Maps are archived with 7-zip www.7-zip.org/
Unpack the map in a convenient place on HDD. For Windows Vista or newer to install click at batch "install_MAP.bat", where "MAP" is the name of downloaded region. Batch will create symbolic links from Garmin directory to the map. Installation process doesn't copy any files, program on PC will use your unpacked files.
Install batch automatically unistalls previous version of the map without removing map files.
For older Windows you can install map manually. In this case you need to copy whole *.gmap directory to a valid Garmin maps directory. To find valid directories run "maps_windows.bat".
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Can this be used to install Canadian Canoe trail maps as well? if not, do you recommend any sites?
Check out the link at the bottom of the article for more map resources
show how to do this on windows pc im lost
Thanks for the helpful tutorial! I picked up an etrex 20 and am just getting started. Any idea where I can find a good map for Yoho National Park, Canada? Heading to the region in July. Best Regards. Liked & Subscribed!
Check out the links at the bottom of this post. GPSFileDepot might be your move. hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/how-to-get-free-garmin-gps-maps-for-hiking/
it appears not to be my move =( Tried it, but I haven't successfully found a good map yet for the area.
Seems like I followed the steps, but there has to be something I missed here. I downloaded and thought I installed the map on the garmin 64s. Says i did. Tells me how much room i have left on the device. Says that i have the map installed. When i boot the garmin up, it's not there. Any tips?
When I open base camp. I can access the newly downloaded map. When I have my garmin plugged in, it shows me what is installed onto the garmin. The map isn't showing up on the device. In map installer, its telling me that it's installed on the device. I uninstalled and reinstalled. Says successfully installed. But it's no where to be found. It's on my computer, but I can't get it on the garmin for some reason.
when you plug it in why does it not start charging, i am scared that if i plug my gps in it will try to charge the lithium batteries and explode
I believe it will only charge if you have the battery setting to NiMH. It won't explode (famous last words...)
I have no idea how to work my gps but will this work with a garmin etrex 30
yes it will work - and > hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/in-depth-garmin-etrex-32x-review-how-to-guide/
Hi!! Nice information . One question... I'm living in Germany for the next 3 years , Do you know if I can get free maps here?
Thanks in advance!
Check this out: www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/country/de
Thanks for the video ... really straight forward. I just got my 64s and downloaded basecamp. Followed all the instructions for the Pacifc and Mountain maps and everything seemed to be fine. Under "Maps" it shows both Topo maps and they are checked. Under installed maps it shows both are installed. It took about 20 minutes to send both to the GPS and said it was fine. But when I go into Setup --> Maps --> Select Map it's only showing the default maps which i have disabled but doesn't display an option for either of the new ones, only the default ones that came on the GPS. Thoughts appreciated.
This might be obvious, but make sure you scroll down on that maps page, the default maps could be the ones on top (this happened to me on the 66i). The other thing to do is plug in into a computer and look in the /GARMIN/ folder on the device. You should see the maps in there and you can confirm they're on the device. If they're on there and you're not seeing them, maybe a reboot too.
Thanks for the response, I figured out what the problem was. I was doing everything correctly but my micro SD card in the 64 ass was 128 GB. The maximum you can use is 32 GB. So I just removed the SD card and put the map in onboard memory. New SD on order. Thanks again
I’m having the same issue on a etrex 30 with a 64 GB card. I just need to get a smaller memory card?
Same with the 64ST, memory card was to big, had to pull memory card and save to GPS, guess Ill need to purchase a smaller card. Just got use to always buying 128G cards for drones and gopro’s
Great tutorial, I was successful with adding maps to my 66st, however, when I search in basecamp, I don't get the "named trails" result that you did. Is that something special you added? (It's shown on the right hand screen at around 7:35). I ask as one of the things I want to be able to do is search for a trail so I can create a route around it (much like you did). Any idea?
I think the search should for all the entities in your map file. Maybe make sure you have the OSM map selected and not the (basic) world base map that comes with it.
Do you have a micro sd card in the etrex or are you loading that map right on the device hard drive?
Loading the map onto the device's internal storage.
Can this be done using a chromebook?
Good question - I don't have one so not sure
Really great thank you
I just got a Oregon 700 and Garmin has blocked all these free maps.
What's the error you're getting? I just loaded some free maps on a GPSMAP yesterday.
Hello, so I have a Garmin nuvi 250 and I was wondering if is there any way I can download the map on it. I am in Canada, so I would need a Canada map. I usually go hiking in the rocky mountains region
Not sure about the Nuvi, I haven't tried. If you have it this process is free, so you mind as well give it a try. There are free maps for Canada and the Rockies.