Installing Maps on Garmin devices

[+bruceiow]

Hi All,

 

I have been caching for a few years on various android devices, I have found the GPS signal strength wanting on all devices up to and including my current Galaxy Note 3.

 

I want to look at buying a Garmin GPS device, but I need to make sure that I can get the maps I want on there without having to spend out the price of the unit again.

 

I use Mobile Atlas Creator to build all of my maps for my phone, including OS mapping. This software can output in masses of different formats as far as I can see.

 

Are Garmin machines open enough to allow me to bring in my own maps, or are they locked down to include only the maps they want to sell you? Any advice on what format the maps are in, and the ability to bring in new maps by plugging in to a PC or accepting a SD card would be most appreciated.

 

Unfortunately I live on an Island where there are no retailers that have GPS receivers My only option is to research online and then buy!!

 

Many thanks

[+bruceiow]

thanks - I am on The Isle of Wight UK :-)

[+Viajero Perdido]

Some phones seem better than others in the GPS department. Info comparing phone GPS abilities seems really hard to find (well, I couldn't find any), but I lucked out when I bought my Nexus 5, which is made by LG. Out in the field, caching, it seems every bit as accurate as my trusty old Garmin 60CSx. The phone gets 20+ satellites even in the forest, and typically reports an accuracy of around 3m.

 

Not long ago, I was saying they'd have to claw the 60CSx out of my cold, dead fingers. Now the thing collects dust.

 

Since you've already got the apps and maps figured out, you might want to consider staying "on the phone side". I'm happy there.

[+MartyBartfast]

I've recently started using these for the UK :-

 

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-BtzqG8Y_Z0fkwxRm5vOWNjOEdHZGlUTUYzM0p3dEFmaTVMcHowNjBsZ3RXUWh6QzVfMkU&usp=drive_web

 

I also use http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ for maps from the rest of the world.

[+bruceiow]

brilliant, thanks - I guess I would want a device with expandable memory if I were to go down these routes.

[+londontavern]

Etrex 30 will take a 'kmz' map format done using Google Earth.