Getting maps onto my GPSMAP 62s (total tech newbie)

[+K9RangerEcho]

We just bought a Garmin GPSMAP 62s. After doing a lot of reading, I was able to get a load of local caches loaded onto my GPS, but am completely stumped as to how to get maps onto it. The base map that was in the GPS is completely inadequate. The unit is supposed to be able to handle Satellite imagery.

After reading loads of different advice, I've loaded iCaching (my computer is an iMac), Basecamp, Garmin communicator plug-in, GPS Babel per instructions, and still can't seem to find a way to get a map into the darn GPS. I am confused by all the technical terms (overlay,etc.) and am now ready to rip my hair out.

Is there anyone who can give simple instructions on how to do this? Is it possible to get a map with satellite imagery like Google on it? Or just regular line maps?

Can anybody help?

[+gpsblake]

Try this. Go to http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ or www.gpsfiledepot.com

 

Download the maps you want, kind of self explanatory. I think openstreetmap it will send you a link when your maps are ready. I wouldn't recommend downloading let's say the entire US unless you want to wait a long long time. I do one or states at a time myself. Anyhow when you have downloaded the files, do this.

 

Then COPY the img file to your x:\garmin\ directory where x is your Garmin device. You should rename the .img file to whatever you want.

 

Alternative method. You can also do this if you want. Openstreetmap will send you a link that will allow you to easily upload to BaseCamp, then allow you to upload to the unit that way, if you choose.

 

Then to see your new maps, go to the map screen, then MENU button, then SETUP map.

 

Then go to Map Information/Select MAP... Then enable the map you want while disabling the maps you don't want.

 

I haven't used an SD card, someone else can ring in on that but I think it's just copying the img to your SD card. Satellite imagery I am not sure about, haven't tried it.

 

Good luck.

Edited April 11, 2014 by gpsblake

[+andyakashrek]

Yep good explanation. If sd card is used the steps are almost the same, all that is needed is to create the folder. Eg x:\garmin where X is the drive name.

[+K9RangerEcho]

Tried that. The file is downloaded as a x.img, but is zipped and nothing will recognize it, not Basecamp and not the GPS.

[+gpsblake]

Tried that. The file is downloaded as a x.img, but is zipped and nothing will recognize it, not Basecamp and not the GPS.

 

I hate to ask a dumb question but you did unzip the file? May I ask what the name of the file is?????

 

Here is how my file directory looks like.

 

I have several maps loaded.... SC Topo, Metroguide 8, the Openstreet map in the x:\garmin file

I just switch from map to map I as need them.

 

Good luck