GARMIN & Mapsource

Truckster,

Yes it is the base map that is loaded onto the GPS unit. You can upload and download maps into the units but you cannot restore the original Aust Base Map without shipping the unit back. This appears to be a bit of a flaw in the GARMIN units so my email was to alert those who use the affected units - being all GARMIN mapping GPS systems.

It would be nice to be able to download maps for the units alas Garmin do not allow you to do this and the mapping file format is not available for others to use. As stated earlier I think is poor and will limit the potential for the Garmin maps. This also means that the new Australian City Road MapSource system release from Garmin (in conjunction with WhereIs, UDB and Garmin) will cost many hundreds of dollars and does not cover the outback areas. When I asked the question of Garmin about the production of outback maps I was told that it was not on the production schedule as they have been working strongly on city maps (Great for the user of this site). I then asked if we could work out a relationship between outback mapping companies and ourselves to produce a series of maps and was basically told that Garmin would not be releasing the software or file formats to any other group in Australia. Maybe the Magellan units are worth a look at. I actually really love my Garmin but this limitation seems silly and non productive for the outback travellers.

David

Burnie,Please confer with Ian Lyndquest from GME GARMIN Support, as I had to send back my equipment to him for reprogramming. This is the basis of my post it actually overwrite the basemap. Upon booting the unit after this overwrite all Aust data information was gone and there was no way I could put it back without shipping to GME. David

Which unit do you have and how old is it ?

Again, the Garmin basemap is not user overwriteable (source GME and Garmin).

Perhaps you had some GME written data in the user memory.

Rod,

I have also got your question sent to me however I have been so snowed under, coupled with interstate trips. I have not yet had a good look at the new MetroGuide however I am aware that it is built on the same database as the whereis information (www.whereis.com.au). I will be checking it out soon but as to when I am unsure. It appears to be very very lacking in the outback areas and I am not so sure as to how good the maps will be outside of the cities. For in the city use I think it appears to be excellent.

In terms of memory cards I always work on the principle of more is better in terms of memory. I think it comes down to the cost. I have a 16MB card in my system at the moment however I would like to have a 64MB card.

Will provide more details when I have them to hand.

Regards
David ;-)