Alternate source for map updates for Garmin Nuvi

So I ended up downloading and installing from the instructions at https://www.openmapchest.org/instructions/. The full map of USA is 3.6GB so you better have a fast connection or be prepared to let it run a while. First I installed it as gmapsupp.img on my SD card and the Nuvi recognized it as a second map along with the primary map I had. Then I got brave and moved it from the SD card to gmapprom.img on the GPS itself and overwrote my old map. It works fine in both cases. It is larger than the old maps so I had to clear off some voice, text and help files from the unit to make room. I also can access the new map from Basecamp when it is connected. The maps are a little different than the Navteq ones from Garmin, colors look different and POIs are different. Some gas stations that are near my house are in my old map but not the new one, weird. I have a lunch ride this weekend so I'll give it a real world test.
 
I don't mean to hijack your thread Ashley but nowadays you can get brand new Garmin Nuvi's with lifetime maps for less than $150. and some even less than $100. I don't know your finances but it seems to be worth it just to eliminate the frustration.
No offense, just my .02

Skip
 
skipcurt said:
I don't mean to hijack your thread Ashley but nowadays you can get brand new Garmin Nuvi's with lifetime maps for less than $150. and some even less than $100. I don't know your finances but it seems to be worth it just to eliminate the frustration.
No offense, just my .02

Skip
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Skip, I know, I know... I now have two old Nuvi 765T. They are one of the few that do everything I want. map/route/mp3/audio out/cheap. One day I'll upgrade to a Zumo but just can't justify it.
 
Smash said:
We use the 765s as well. Only ones besides the $$$Zumo $$$ that has A2DP Bluetooth to work with our sena headsets.
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Interesting, it is my understanding that the 765 bluetooth does not work with headsets. I've always used hard line out to mixer. Are you saying I need to try harder:)
 
Can't vouch for the US maps, but happily using Europe Street route-able since several years now http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Computerteddy
(actually had to since Garmin cancelled map compatibility with my trusty Quest-I :wink: )

Using identical mapsets on PC and GPS brings perfect routing results.

Only con to find is that [address search] on the GPS is not provided with OSM.
 
Ash,

I have used this resource for open source maps very successfully http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

Primarily I have used it for downloading topo maps for hiking in countries outside the USA, but you can also download routable roadmaps.
 
Ashley said:
Hmm, good to know. Poking around some more last night it does seem to have many fewer POIs as well.
Click to expand...
Again, don't know about the quality of US maps there, but in the EU versions its quite the opposite with a lot more POIs, especially in the non commercially [being paid for] segment.
Like small B&Bs or pubs, entered by hikers or MTB-riders, which would never make it into the NAVTEQ (now HERE) database due to not having contributed to their revenue...
Thus you'll also find public water fountains, restrooms, phone-booths a.m.m. entered in OSM maps...
In shopping malls even down to individual stores (likely contributed by bike-couriers & parcel-services), whilst a Garmin WP only shows [Market/Mall] there...

So on the PC (& netbook) I run both, CityNavigatorNT and OSM route-able, utilizing the search modes in one, the final route calculations then in the other.
 
So I rode 500+ yesterday with the openmaps installed. As mentioned before there are a lot fewer POIs such as gas stations once you get off the beaten path (like the places I ride, central Florida, central Georgia). Also, the maps don't seem to have the speed limits for most roads listed. One would think this wouldn't be a big deal but apparently they help calculate your ETA based on esitmated travel speeds. Over a 238 mile one way trip my ETA was off by over 2 hours at the start (compared to the route loaded on another same model Nuvi with Garmin maps) of the trip and got progressively better later in the trip. Due to these two things I think I'll be going back to the NAVTEQ maps from Garmin. For others this may be a non-issue but the way I use this GPS it matters. YMMV
 
Ashley said:
So I rode 500+ yesterday with the openmaps installed. As mentioned before there are a lot fewer POIs such as gas stations once you get off the beaten path (like the places I ride, central Florida, central Georgia). Also, the maps don't seem to have the speed limits for most roads listed. One would think this wouldn't be a big deal but apparently they help calculate your ETA based on esitmated travel speeds. Over a 238 mile one way trip my ETA was off by over 2 hours at the start (compared to the route loaded on another same model Nuvi with Garmin maps) of the trip and got progressively better later in the trip. Due to these two things I think I'll be going back to the NAVTEQ maps from Garmin. For others this may be a non-issue but the way I use this GPS it matters. YMMV
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Ashley -

I too have 2 Nuvi 765Ts. I upgraded 1 of them with a new non-Garmin battery and Lifetime Maps. For $80 I think that the maps are a good deal:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001P...etime+maps&dpPl=1&dpID=31lhZgQsiOL&ref=plSrch

I also used silicone and Gorilla tape to waterproof.

Ray
 
STraymond said:
Ashley -

I too have 2 Nuvi 765Ts. I upgraded 1 of them with a new non-Garmin battery and Lifetime Maps. For $80 I think that the maps are a good deal:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001P...etime+maps&dpPl=1&dpID=31lhZgQsiOL&ref=plSrch

I also used silicone and Gorilla tape to waterproof.

Ray
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Ray, do you ever have random reboots on your 765Ts? Both of mine will reboot for no reason while riding along. Seems to do it more often when playing music but will do it when not. Always comes right back up to where it was navigation in the route but it's annoying.
 
Ashley said:
Ray, do you ever have random reboots on your 765Ts? Both of mine will reboot for no reason while riding along. Seems to do it more often when playing music but will do it when not. Always comes right back up to where it was navigation in the route but it's annoying.
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I have experienced the same issue, or perhaps a similar one. It isn't exactly a random reboot, it seems to happen when I press a certain spot on the screen. It only happens when I am touching the screen, but not every time I touch the screen (i.e. I can't recreate it on demand).
 
Ashley said:
Ray, do you ever have random reboots on your 765Ts? Both of mine will reboot for no reason while riding along. Seems to do it more often when playing music but will do it when not. Always comes right back up to where it was navigation in the route but it's annoying.
Click to expand...

Gizmo said:
I have experienced the same issue, or perhaps a similar one. It isn't exactly a random reboot, it seems to happen when I press a certain spot on the screen. It only happens when I am touching the screen, but not every time I touch the screen (i.e. I can't recreate it on demand).
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Oh good, I'm glad it's not just me. I have experienced the same with both of my 765Ts and also my 785T. Right now, I only have one working, the other two quit after trying to update them! :mad:
 
Gizmo said:
I have experienced the same issue, or perhaps a similar one. It isn't exactly a random reboot, it seems to happen when I press a certain spot on the screen. It only happens when I am touching the screen, but not every time I touch the screen (i.e. I can't recreate it on demand).
Click to expand...

Come to think of it that is what happens with me more often than not. When zoomed and I hit the lower left corner to go back is when it occurs. Random heat related too. Maybe it's trying to tell me something. Hmm, 660 or 590, that is the question.
 
Ashley said:
Ray, do you ever have random reboots on your 765Ts? Both of mine will reboot for no reason while riding along. Seems to do it more often when playing music but will do it when not. Always comes right back up to where it was navigation in the route but it's annoying.
Click to expand...

Sorry, Ashley - I just noticed your question. I do experience the occastional random reboot and it does seem to be related to using the BACK button.

Also, I just purchased another 765T on Ebay and then Garmin Lifetime maps on Jet.com for about $115 total. Again, I will "waterproof" the unit with silicone and Gorilla tape.

Ray
 
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