Ways to Gently Update Garmin Maps

All new global positioning systems (GPS) come with installed maps. Typically these maps are minimal and don't include many points of interest or up-to-date routing information. Manufacturers offer updates for these maps on their individual company websites. There is other software available for varying formats, some specific and some open for all systems to use. The main issues in updating GPS maps are determining which system your unit uses, and choosing which update is right for you.

Garmin Update

garmin update maps

Step

Determine which type of global positioning system you use. This can vary by manufacturer and the operating system installed on the GPS unit. Downloading maps for the wrong system will do nothing for your GPS maps. Also, make sure that your GPS has the capability to be connected to your computer, otherwise you will only be able to get your maps from a map disc or through the unit itself, and not for free.

Step

Search for the software needed for your particular GPS. If you aren't sure which operating system is installed on your GPS, do an internet search for the manufacturer's website. For instance, if you have a Tom Tom GPS, searching for "Tom Tom maps" or "free Tom Tom maps" will result in many sites where updates can be found for free.

Step

Connect your GPS unit to your computer.

Step

Download the maps onto your computer. Then move them onto your GPS unit by saving the map to your computer, hooking your GPS unit through a USB port and clicking and dragging the map into the "Maps" or similar folder on the unit. You may also directly download the maps to your GPS unit by selecting the unit's "Maps" (or similar) folder as the destination when saving downloaded maps.

GPS devices use satellite systems to provide global navigation at all times anywhere the information can be accessed. Windows CE is an embedded operating system designed for devices that need to utilize only specific aspects of it such as mobile phone devices, satellite systems and GPS devices. GPS device makers can decide what components of the OS they wish to use. You can load Windows CE 6 onto a GPS system in a few clicks.

Navigate to the Windows CE download page (see Resources).

Step

Download Windows CE 6 onto the computer by clicking the "Download" link. Store the download on the local hard drive.

Download and install Windows Mobile Device Center (see Resources). Complete the onscreen prompts for the installation. Save the file to the local hard drive.

Garmin Update

Garmin MapsUpdate

Step

Launch Windows Mobile Device Center Connect the GPS to the computer by attaching one end of the USB cable to the GPS's USB port and the other end of the USB cable to the computer's USB port.

Step

Click "File Management" in Windows Mobile Device Center. Locate the Windows CE 6 download and drag it to the GPS icon displayed. Wait for the transfer to complete. Disconnect the GPS from the computer.

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