Here’s an interesting one, the guys over at OpenStreetMap now have a map that is compatible with the Garmin Edge 605 and 705 (and other non-cycling specific Garmin nav units). I won’t replicate all the instructions here, simply head over to the download page and either download the ready made map (link near the top of the page) or follow the instructions to make your own map.
Since the recent Garmin Edge 605 and 705 firmware update it’s now possible for multiple maps to co-exist in the same storage area, for instance you can have City Navigator and Topo maps on the storage card. Previously you had to put one map on the internal memory and the other on the Micro SD card. So if you now put your map(s) on the storage card, you can then put the gmapsupp.img file from the link on this page onto your internal memory. I couldn’t figure a way of putting the open map in the same memory area as my other maps as you have to call it ‘gmapsupp.img’ which would clash with the already existing one.
The UK map has routes from the National Cycle Network on there, but unfortunately autorouting is not possible, but then just how much do you want when it’s free 
Not a bad solution for someone who is having to live with the free base map until funds allow an upgrade.
Tags: map, open street map, openstreetmap.org
Hello,
I have been downloading the various maps at openstreetmap.org and I wonder if anyone is able to give me some feedback to compare the level of details between Garmin City Nav NT and the the OSM maps?
In short is City Nav NT worth buying?
In particular is there anyone with City Nav Europe who could give me a low level snapshot of the San Marino or Rimini in Italy please -so I can compare?
Also I am a little bit confused as I thought that you could save multiple maps on the garmin edge 705 and load the one you want to use?
Instead, as I understand, you have to rename the map file *.img that you want to use to gmapsupp.img
Is that correct?
Thanks!
Chris
Chris,
OSM maps don’t compare to City Navigator, but aren’t bad considering the cost. Crucially, OSM doesn’t support autorouting.
My advice is always to buy City Navigator.
I have 3 different maps on my Edge – City Navigator and Topo on the SD card and OSM on the internal storage.
Dave.
Hi Dave,
I wonder if you could help me with the following questions?
If I buy City Navigator DVD, will I need to buy a scandisk microSD card to allow for space for the maps I will download on the Garmin?
Is the NT version only available with SD cards or in DVD as well?
Finally the lastest version of City Nav is v9 not 2008 isnt it?
I would like to buy the DVD to be able to map from the PC and upload on the garmin as you suggested in another post.
Many thannks for any help or pointers you might give me!
Cheers
Chris
Hi Chris,
You will need to buy a Micro SD card, but not necessarily a Sandisk branded one. Just don’t buy anything bigger than 2GB.
The NT version is available on DVD, here is just one of the retailers offering it (others are available) http://www.gps4less.co.uk/shop001/product.php?xProd=1983
On version numbers, City Navigator NT Europe is v10.0
Cheers,
Dave.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your help! As mentioned in one of the post, Garmin have not made it specially easy to understand exactly what you need and you site is the most helpful I have found around!
Cheers
Chris
I tried putting Topo DVD maps onto Euro City Navigator SD card after upgrading the firmware and overwrote the City Nav! An expensive mistake I feel. I was using Mac software (MapInstall)but I didn’t think that should make a difference.
Was so annoyed that I ordered City Nav on DVD straight away – at least I’ll have a ‘safe’ copy by having DVD versions.
Any thoughts on where I might have gone wrong anyone?
Cheers
RicH
RicH,
I’m guessing that the SD card containing City Navigator didn’t have enough room on it to co-exist with Topo, and maybe MapInstall didn’t check for space before simply overwriting whatever was already on there.
This is one more disadvantage of the SD card version of City Navigator, you aren’t provided with the means to make good any mistakes. Best thing to do is to back up SD card versions in case of overwriting mistakes.
Dave.
Amen to that – DVD from here on in!
Great site by the way. Most useful yet in getting to realise the potential of the 705
I am interested in buying City Navigator on DVD should I buy Great Britain or Europe. Is the level of detail on both the same?. There does not seem to be much difference in cost.
The info you provide is very useful
http://sites.google.com/site/talkytoasteruk/ukmaps
Found this – apparently its routable open streetmaps. Has anyone tried this with the edge 705? Im thinking of buying one but i ride offroad and so the garmin mapping isnt going to be that much use to me I dont think as apparently the coverage of bridleways etc is very patchy. If I can update the maps myself though I can add bridleways, i would also use the streetmapping sometimes I guess..