Jun 14, 2010 Maps for a Garmin GPSMAP 60csx. Discussion in 'GPS 101 - Which GPS For Me' started by salute, May 28. Joined: May 14, 2009 Oddometer: 165 Location: Utah. Hey everyone-I am new to the GPS world and I just purchased a GPSMAP 60CSX I bought this to use on Backroads, scenic backways, dirt roads, forest service roads and trails. I live in Utah. Here are some of our favorite tips to get the most out of your Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx GPSwith EasyGPS and ExpertGPS, our full-featured mapping software: If you're a geocacher, EasyGPS lets you download geocaching GPX and LOC files directly to your Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx. GPSMAP 60CSx Owner’s Manual i IntroductIon About thIs MAnuAl IntroductIon Thank you for choosing the Garmin® GPSMAP® 60CSx. The GPSMAP 60CSx uses the proven performance of Garmin GPS and full-featured mapping to create an unsurpassed portable GPS receiver. Compare the contents of this package with the packing list on the box. Sep 20, 2011 My lovely wife bought me a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx for my birthday. She bought it used. I'm learning, but I have no clue how to set it up. I have a Apple MacBook Pro. I downloaded the Garmin BaseMap program and tried loading caches on the GPS but can't get it to load. Software on GPS is up to date, version 4.00.
The good news is that if you own a Garmin GPS device, there’s a way to get free Garmin GPS maps. And in most cases, the free maps are much better than the expensive Garmin maps. I’m a big fan of Garmin GPS devices, but I always found it disappointing that they charged extra for maps. Garmin doesn’t publicize it, but most of their GPS units are setup to take any maps in the correct format. Here’s how to get and install these free hiking maps in an easy, step-by-step process.
In retrospect, I think the price for Garmin maps is too high. There are some as good, or better, alternatives available at no cost online. This product is overpriced for what it is. I would recommend other software. – Garmin Map Review on Amazon
Why These Free Maps?Garmin Gpsmap 60csx Free Maps
So let me start by saying there are a lot of ways to get free Garmin GPS maps, and a lot of different methods to install them. You could create whole websites devoted to the subject, and people have (see below). This article focuses on installing my favorite free Garmin GPS maps for hiking in the USA, using OpenStreetMaps. If these don’t work for you, try exploring the other map services that I have listed below.
In the Calendar app on your Mac, choose Calendar Preferences, then click Accounts. Select the account, click the Refresh Calendars pop-up menu, then choose an option. If you choose Push, the account is updated automatically when you make a change on any of your devices that use the same account, or when someone makes a change to a shared calendar in that account. Google calendar not refreshing on mac calendar app. When you create an event, check which calendar it's being added to. If it isn't being added to the Events calendar, you may not see it in the Google Calendar app or at calendar.google.com. Open the Google Calendar app. In the bottom right, tap Add. Next to the Event calendar icon, make sure it says Event.
You can also create your own highly-customized maps and download them to your Garmin device.
OpenStreetMaps are the Wikipedia of maps. The public contributes to, confirms, and edits the data on the map. This curation goes for hiking trails too. The maps are regularly updated, and over the last few years have seemed the most accurate in my experience. You can even become a contributor if you like.
The free hiking maps that I’m recommending are great because:
Video Instructions
If you have a newer GPS device like a Garmin Fenix 5x Plus or are on Windows, there are some special instructions below.
New Guide Notifications
- - - Which Garmin GPS devices do the maps work with?
First off, the Garmin unit you have might have maps already. You probably know this, but if you’re shopping for a GPS, go to the Garmin website page for the unit. If it maps come with the unit, it will say it has “preloaded topo maps.”
If you already have a unit and want to find out if these free maps work, go to the unit’s page on the Garmin website, and then check out the “specs” section. There is a line for “ability to add maps,” if you have a check there, you’re good to go.
Downloading the Free Garmin GPS Maps
The first thing you’re going to want to do is visit the GMapTool website, specifically the USA OSM Topo Routable page.
Then pick the region you want, and download the appropriate map package (link way at the bottom of the page). The files are pretty big. The download might take a while.
Garmin Gpsmap 60csx Software For Mac FreeInstalling the Free Maps on Your Computer
The instructions are different for Mac and PC. The map website has a link for installation instructions, click on that. My instructions cover the installation on a Mac, but I have some general that fill in the gaps for installing on Windows below .
For the Mac, you’ll need three (free) programs to install the maps. You can download and install these programs while you wait for your maps to download.
That’s it. The maps are on your computer. If you’re not already using the free Garmin Basecamp tool, I highly recommend getting it. It will allow you to browse maps, create tracks, and is invaluable in planning hikes.
Installing the Free Maps on Your Garmin GPS
Once your map is downloaded and installed, you’re all set to install them on your GPS unit.
Garmin Gpsmap 60csx DriverInstalling on Newer Garmin Devices From Mac
So Garmin changed the way that the GPS devices communicate with computers. If you have Windows, you should be all good (see below). If you have Mac, there’s a wrinkle.
Garmin switched to the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) to transfer files, which makes the Garmin appear as a “media device.” And of course, Apple doesn’t support it. But I’ve found a solution. It’s not the most graceful one in the world, but it works (confirmed on a Fenix 5x Plus).
Garmin 60csx Manual
That’s it. Go to your map settings and turn the OSM map on and off.
If you work at Garmin, please update MapInstall to support MTP! They’re too big-time to listen to my feedback, so if you know anyone at Garmin, please bug them.
Tips for Windows Installation
The directions on GMapTool site aren’t very descriptive for Windows. Here are some tips from fellow hiker Dave T. on how to install the free maps on Windows.
If These Free Garmin GPS Maps Don’t Work For You
There are other free maps for your Garmin GPS, and again, they might have different instructions for installation. Check the website where the maps are offered for directions on how to install them.
If you’re having trouble finding the GMAP folder, this tip has helped some folks (thanks to Liz S!).
Some Final Thoughts
I recommend planning your hike and creating a GPX file beforehand. Most Garmin GPS units are too small for anything more than impromptu navigation planning. I have a tutorial on how to plan a hiking route for your Garmin GPS here.
And I could use your help. I don’t download these maps every day, so if these directions don’t seem up to date, please contact me and let me know. I’ll update the directions here accordingly.
Garmin Gpsmap 60cx
Lastly, a note if you’re having tech issues. Unfortunately, I can’t help everyone who emails me. I recommend posting your question online in the Garmin Reddit, the Garmin Forums, or in a Garmin group on Facebook. That’s probably you’re quickest path to success.
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