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 most of 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.
In retrospect, I think the price for Garmin maps is too high. There are some as good, or better, alternatives available at no cost online. This product is overpriced for what it is. I would recommend other software. – Garmin Map Review on Amazon
Why These Free Maps?
So let me start by saying there are a lot of ways to get free Garmin GPS maps, and a lot of different methods to install them. You could create whole websites devoted to the subject, and people have (see below). This article focuses on installing my favorite free Garmin GPS maps for hiking in the USA, using OpenStreetMaps. If these don’t work for you, try exploring the other map services that I have listed below.
The Garmin Oregon 450 Handheld GPS Receiver is fully compatible with the state-of-the-art MyTopo Terrain Navigator and Terrain Navigator Pro topographic map software.You can now transfer the beautiful Terrain Navigator Pro raster maps to the Oregon 450, as well as waypoints, tracks, and routes. Garmin ®, the Garmin logo,Oregon, and BlueChart. United States and/or other countries. Oregon 450 and 450t. Oregon 550 and 550t Tips and Shortcuts. Touch or to scroll and see more choices. Touch to return to the previous screen.
You can also create your own highly-customized maps and download them to your Garmin device.
OpenStreetMaps are the Wikipedia of maps. The public contributes to, confirms, and edits the data on the map. This curation goes for hiking trails too. The maps are regularly updated, and over the last few years have seemed the most accurate in my experience. You can even become a contributor if you like.
The free hiking maps that I’m recommending are great because:
Video Instructions
If you have a newer GPS device like a Garmin Fenix 5x Plus or are on Windows, there are some special instructions below.
New Guide Notifications
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Ip software free. Download the Windows 10 Idea VPN applicationStep 2:After selecting another country click the Connect word inside the circle to connect to the virtual private network.Step 3:If you do not want to use the Idea VPN, click Disconnect Yes to disconnect.So with Idea VPN, we can surf the web without disclosing information, hiding IP addresses on computers to secure IP addresses more securely. Click United States to select a different connected country location. After downloading, open the application to use.Currently the application supports server connectivity in the United States and the UK, the default connection in the United States. Previously blocked websites are now quickly accessible.See more:. The application has no ads and the interface is very simple.
Which Garmin GPS devices do the maps work with?
First off, the Garmin unit you have might have maps already. You probably know this, but if you’re shopping for a GPS, go to the Garmin website page for the unit. If it maps come with the unit, it will say it has “preloaded topo maps.”
If you already have a unit and want to find out if these free maps work, go to the unit’s page on the Garmin website, and then check out the “specs” section. There is a line for “ability to add maps,” if you have a check there, you’re good to go.
Downloading the Free Garmin GPS Maps![]() ![]()
The first thing you’re going to want to do is visit the GMapTool website, specifically the USA OSM Topo Routable page.
Then pick the region you want, and download the appropriate map package (link way at the bottom of the page). The files are pretty big. The download might take a while.
Installing the Free Maps on Your ComputerGarmin Oregon 450 Review
The instructions are different for Mac and PC. The map website has a link for installation instructions, click on that. My instructions cover the installation on a Mac, but I have some general that fill in the gaps for installing on Windows below .
For the Mac, you’ll need three (free) programs to install the maps. You can download and install these programs while you wait for your maps to download.
You can set a green screen with Chroma Key, use color correction and start or stop your live stream at specific geographic locations. When it comes to the advanced features, vMix has all of them and then some. Best streaming broadcast software for mac. The multi view feature enables you to use multiple camera positions to show different angles of your broadcast.PricevMix comes in 6 different packages - Basic, Basic HD, SD, HD, 4K and Pro.
That’s it. The maps are on your computer. If you’re not already using the free Garmin Basecamp tool, I highly recommend getting it. It will allow you to browse maps, create tracks, and is invaluable in planning hikes.
Installing the Free Maps on Your Garmin GPS
Once your map is downloaded and installed, you’re all set to install them on your GPS unit.
Installing on Newer Garmin Devices From Mac
So Garmin changed the way that the GPS devices communicate with computers. If you have Windows, you should be all good (see below). If you have Mac, there’s a wrinkle.
Garmin switched to the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) to transfer files, which makes the Garmin appear as a “media device.” And of course, Apple doesn’t support it. But I’ve found a solution. It’s not the most graceful one in the world, but it works (confirmed on a Fenix 5x Plus).
That’s it. Go to your map settings and turn the OSM map on and off. Free phone management software mac pro.
If you work at Garmin, please update MapInstall to support MTP! They’re too big-time to listen to my feedback, so if you know anyone at Garmin, please bug them.
Tips for Windows Installation
The directions on GMapTool site aren’t very descriptive for Windows. Here are some tips from fellow hiker Dave T. on how to install the free maps on Windows.
Garmin Oregon 450 Manual
If These Free Garmin GPS Maps Don’t Work For You
There are other free maps for your Garmin GPS, and again, they might have different instructions for installation. Check the website where the maps are offered for directions on how to install them.
If you’re having trouble finding the GMAP folder, this tip has helped some folks (thanks to Liz S!).
Some Final Thoughts
I recommend planning your hike and creating a GPX file beforehand. Most Garmin GPS units are too small for anything more than impromptu navigation planning. I have a tutorial on how to plan a hiking route for your Garmin GPS here.
And I could use your help. I don’t download these maps every day, so if these directions don’t seem up to date, please contact me and let me know. I’ll update the directions here accordingly.
Lastly, a note if you’re having tech issues. Unfortunately, I can’t help everyone who emails me. I recommend posting your question online in the Garmin Reddit, the Garmin Forums, or in a Garmin group on Facebook. That’s probably you’re quickest path to success.
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