Free Garmin Maps

[jethro10]

When I got a 605, the base maps were horrible.

You can pay wads of cash for better maps.
But by accident I found Open Street Maps (OSM) could be fitted
http://www.openstreetmap.org/

Here is some details
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_Map_On_Garmin/Download

These can be routable or non-routable.
All I use them for is off roading, and the bridalways, lakes etc. are perfect.
I load routes from connect.garmin.com and follow them round, imparting local knowledge in me without being local! and it's such a weight off my shoulders, just going riding and following the little purple line without worrying about where I am or getting lost.

My wife kindly sorted it, and we use the pre-made maps by this kind gentleman.
http://talkytoaster.info/ukmaps.htm

So far my experience has been perfect, no problem at all.
I've used the on-road routeable option a little bit and it seems more than good enough.

Just incase someone wants to explore a cheaper option.

Jeff

 

[zacklaws]

There's also these ones which I find a bit better as the "talkytoaster" ones can try to direct me across country where there is no track or roads at all, when I stick only to roads:-

http://garmin.na1400.info/routable.php

 

[jethro10]

The more the merrier. I'll try those soon, thanks.

I didn't even know you could do this and nearly bought the Garmin maps - i hope others see this and find it useful.

Jeff

 

[fossyant]

I've got the garmin maps for the road, and have recently downloaded the open maps for MTB - will give it a try soon - they look pretty accurate for my area with bridleways etc.

 

[pshore]

Fossyant, do you mean OpenMtbMap ?

I use that and it is even better than TalkyToaster in my opinion because you have offroad routes marked in different colours. The in-GPS routing is very good too. Its setup like you would expect for a bicycle, avoiding trunk roads completely. (This has actually caused me one routing issue at a staggered junction whilst crossing a trunk road)

If you are a road/touring bike rider, there is VeloMap which is the same as OpenMtbMap but with the routing tuned so it won't send you on some knarly MTB trail.

There is a version of the OpenCycleMap around somewhere but it is not updated very often. I found that very useful when doing a multi day tour along NCN routes.

 

[fossyant]

Yes OpenMTBmap - use this on the Garmin mapsource software, but have an openmaps with contours on the 'spare' SD card.

Well impressed. Last time I looked at open maps was 12 months ago - much improved.