User Created Garmin GPS Topos (Free)

[michaelb]

I have been using a nonmapping Geko for years. One of things holding me back from buying a mapping GPS was knowing I was too cheap to spend $200 on topo maps for the US and Canada.

But now it appears that someone/some group (posting as ibycus) has legally figured out a way to create topo maps for Garmin GPSs and install them using the Garmin software as onboard maps. Over the past year there has been a movement to generate free topo maps for the US and Canada. The maps are created using the public domain topos released by the US and Canada. The project recently released a version for the NE (2/7/09). Is anyone using these? Has anyone tried them out?

Northeast topo:
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/103/

Canadian Topos:
http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/

example thread on groundspeak discussing:
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/ind...owtopic=189762

They also have done street maps for the US, but you don't get auto routing. If the maps are free, that makes a huge difference in the overall cost. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[AndyF]

Hmmm? An executable file that you download from an unfamiliar source offering something for free that normally costs money. Sounds like a good ploy to download a virus. I don't know that it is but I'm not going to be the first to try it.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Yes, I've played with them a bit.

The CA mapset has far greater level of detail than Topo 2008. Alas, there are no labels, so ... not particularly useful.

The NH mapset seemed the same as the Topo 2008.

The Yosemite mapset covered too small an area to be particularly useful.

Those were the only 3 mapsets I've played with.

All three intergrate well with Mapsource, and you simply select with the drop down menu which mapset to use, including the commercial version.

Personally, I think these public domain mapsets are in the early stages overall, but will likely compete in the coming years with the commercial version.

If you don't have Topo 2008, then first go to the Garmin website and download the view, Mapsourse. As Doug Paul has pointed out numerous times, it's in the public domain. Then go to the site MichaelB referenced, and see for yourself.

 

[Shardik]

Canadian Topos:
http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/

example thread on groundspeak discussing:
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/ind...owtopic=189762

Andy,

Along with a few other members here ,I have used the ibycus site quoted above and have also been on the Forums here:
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/
They are both ok.
The ibycus one is basic,but really not so bad for general use.

As for the first one with the Northeast Topos, I will also wait for someone else to check in .
Their Forum looks interesting and may be a source of information.
http://forums.gpsfiledepot.com/index.php

Dave


Thanks Kevin,
Our posts crossed , and just saw your reply.

 

[DougPaul]

If you don't have Topo 2008, then first go to the Garmin website and download the view, Mapsourse. As Doug Paul has pointed out numerous times, it's in the public domain. Then go to the site MichaelB referenced, and see for yourself.

Mapsource updates are available at no cost, but they are not in the public domain. Some users have figured out how to use Garmin's training center (also no cost, but not public domain) to install Mapsource without cost--normally installation of a Mapsource update is possible only if you already have a (purchased) copy installed on your machine.

Note: Mapsource is the software, the maps are the data. (Garmin sells the two packaged together.)

USGS Topo data has been placed in the public domain. (But modified copies of it, such as sold by Garmin, may not be in the public domain.)

<Standard caveat>
I am not a lawyer, but this is my understanding of the issue.
</Standard caveat>

I have not played with user-created maps myself.


People have been making Garmin-compatible maps for quite a while. Info (and more maps) at http://mapcenter2.cgpsmapper.com/.

 

[Trail Bandit]

If you want a free Garmin compatible map for St. John, USVI, it is available at www.trailbandit.org where there are also available for free, several maps and aerial photos. The Ossipee Mountains map will be there soon. If there is enough interest in a Garmin compatible map for that area, I will do it, but it is a lot of work so I will need a good show of interest.
Sometimes, people care enough about an area that they just make a map and give it away.

 

[Whiteman]

Northeast Topos Seem Fine

I will admit that I am still in kindergarten with regard to downloading maps, sticking in the little flags, and uploading to the Garmin (though it looks like it worked).

I decided to live on the edge and try the free Northeast Top Maps mentioned above. A concern was expressed about viruses. After downloading and before executing the executable, I did the heavy duty scan, and it was "all clear." Six hours later I don't see that I am infected and everything seems normal. The map has trail references, but the trails are not mapped. Otherwise they look like pretty nice maps.

So I plan on wandering up Carter Dome with my new toy and my new map on Sunday. Maybe I'll see you there.

Cheers.