Mapsource Map Update Advice

[bldrman]

I tried searching the data base for the old thread on this subject, but it must have died with the old forum. It seems that I remember that Garmin was changing the format of the updates in a way that made it more difficult to create routes. Heck, I'd just become barely proficient at doing so on a limited scale. I didn't fully understand the ramifications of the whole deal, so I just stopped updating my maps at that point. So, would you gurus mind revisiting the subject briefly to let me know what the situation is, and what a novice like me should do? I don't have any desire to study the subject a great deal to become semi proficient at continuously evolving map programs. Thanks, Syd

[OldButNotDead]

Syd,
If you make your maps in MapSource, which is what I do, there aren't any changes. They have a new program to replace MapSource called Basemap which in my opinion and others isn't all that great.
Rod

[TN2Wheeler]

I think what you are recalling is that the map segments have gotten much larger in later versions. That's not a problem with newer units that have plenty of RAM but it might be a problem with older units having limited memory.

Jim Randall

[MSTASam]

I think what you are recalling is that the map segments have gotten much larger in later versions. That's not a problem with newer units that have plenty of RAM but it might be a problem with older units having limited memory. Jim Randall

And segments is a non issue on the Zumos as the whole shooting match is there. When you download a new Mapsource you put it on both the PC and the Zumo. Then plot your route on the PC (easier) and down load to GPS. HOw ever far you are going Zumo has the maps.

[NormKern]

Syd,
If you make your maps in MapSource, which is what I do, there aren't any changes. They have a new program to replace MapSource called Basemap which in my opinion and others isn't all that great.
Rod

FWIW, the program is BaseCAMP, not BaseMAP. Basemap is the name of the mapset that's built into many gps units. It includes interstate and us national highways and not much else. The basemap is not routable, so it's pretty useless.

Norm Kern

[NormKern]

And segments is a non issue on the Zumos as the whole shooting match is there. When you download a new Mapsource you put it on both the PC and the Zumo. Then plot your route on the PC (easier) and down load to GPS. HOw ever far you are going Zumo has the maps.

More confusion of terms- MapSOURCE is a program that is installed on a PC only and uses a MapSET, also known as a Map Database. The MapSET is installed on both PC and GPS.

Zumo devices have built-in memory, identified as the "Garmin drive," plus you can install an SD (or micro SD in the Zumo 660/665) card for additional memory. Because Mapset update files always get bigger, the updates must be installed in the additional memory rather than the "Garmin" drive. This stumbling block has caused no end of confusion, as we saw with many Zumo owners at STAR.

There is a practical limit on route length as well. Going to STAR via US 36 across N. Kansas, I had a 1300 mile simple route (Start & finish waypoints with one viapoint at Hiawatha KS) in my Zumo 660. In Kansas, it would route me "off road" from us36 at times. In some cases the purple line deviated from 36 , other times not. Creating a new route that went from Hiawatha to Avon cleaned it up immediately.

Aonther quirk of the current mapsets is arbitrary routing down an exit ramp and back on the interstate. This happens most often in urban areas. Stupid!

Norm Kern

[HawkGTRider]

More confusion of terms- MapSOURCE is a program that is installed on a PC only and uses a MapSET, also known as a Map Database. The MapSET is installed on both PC and GPS.

Zumo devices have built-in memory, identified as the "Garmin drive," plus you can install an SD (or micro SD in the Zumo 660/665) card for additional memory. Because Mapset update files always get bigger, the updates must be installed in the additional memory rather than the "Garmin" drive. This stumbling block has caused no end of confusion, as we saw with many Zumo owners at STAR.

There is a practical limit on route length as well. Going to STAR via US 36 across N. Kansas, I had a 1300 mile simple route (Start & finish waypoints with one viapoint at Hiawatha KS) in my Zumo 660. In Kansas, it would route me "off road" from us36 at times. In some cases the purple line deviated from 36 , other times not. Creating a new route that went from Hiawatha to Avon cleaned it up immediately.

Aonther quirk of the current mapsets is arbitrary routing down an exit ramp and back on the interstate. This happens most often in urban areas. Stupid!

Norm Kern

At times I've had units route me off of a big road and onto small road before returning to the big road. My guess has always been that the preferred routing method was shortest rather than fastest, and going through a town or across a ramp was a few feet shorter than following the big road around the town, etc.

[MSTASam]

IMHO Google maps does better routing but they use their online PC. I've used Garmin for years and recognize that when 'eating' their routes it is wise to add a little salt.

[TN2Wheeler]

At times I've had units route me off of a big road and onto small road before returning to the big road. My guess has always been that the preferred routing method was shortest rather than fastest, and going through a town or across a ramp was a few feet shorter than following the big road around the town, etc.

Choosing "shortest route" will sometimes result in unexpected results... like unpaved roads and stream crossings where I live. In urban areas it may take you thru areas you'd rather not be. Use that option with care.



Jim Randall

[bldrman]

Thanks for the plethora of information guys! I guess I'll download the latest update to my net book and my antique 2730. It'll be interesting to see if it holds the entire mapset this time. I don't use the mp3, so all the storage should be available for the maps. If it doesn't, I may switch to my Nuvi 500. It's much lighter, and more intuitive anyhow. The 2730 is so heavy that it actually broke the ball off of a Ram mount on the way to Taos. However, it has certainly done a good job. Syd