Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Free OpenStreetMap Maps to BaseCamp for Garmin Devices

In this comprehensive tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing free OpenStreetMap maps onto BaseCamp for your Garmin nuvi, Drive, or DriveSmart devices. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful installation and make the most of your mapping experience.

Step 1: Accessing OpenMapChest

To begin, navigate to openmapchest.org. This website is the primary source for downloading free OpenStreetMap maps. You’ll find various countries available for download, but for this tutorial, we will focus specifically on the United States.

On the homepage, you can choose to download a specific region or the entire United States map. For comprehensive coverage, opt for the download labeled as Download Map for BaseCamp.

Step 2: Downloading the Map

Once you’ve selected the United States map, you will be prompted to download a torrent file. Ensure you have a torrent client installed to proceed with the download. This file will typically be around four gigabytes, so make sure you have a stable internet connection to handle the download.

Step 3: Installing BaseCamp

Next, you need to download BaseCamp from garmin.com/basecamp. You can also search for Garmin BaseCamp on Google. Once on the Garmin website, scroll down to find the Download Now button. There’s no need to register; simply download the software.

After downloading, install BaseCamp on your computer. This software will serve as the platform for managing your maps.

Step 4: Preparing Your Memory Card

For optimal performance, use a 32GB memory card, as older Garmin devices support this size best. If you have a memory card inserted into your computer, format it to ensure it’s ready for use. Right-click the memory card in your file explorer and select Format.

Ensure that the file system is set to FAT32. This is crucial, as Garmin devices are designed to work with this file format.

Step 5: Finding the Installation Folder

After installing BaseCamp, you need to locate the installation folder for your maps. Open BaseCamp and go to Maps and then Manage Map Products. Here, you will find the location where maps are stored: ProgramData\Garmin\Maps.

This folder will exist even if no maps are currently installed. Make a note of this path, as it will be essential for the next steps.

Step 6: Extracting the Downloaded Map

With the map downloaded and BaseCamp installed, it’s time to extract the map files. Use a program like 7-Zip to handle the extraction process. Right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select 7-Zip followed by Extract Here to extract the contents into the ProgramData\Garmin\Maps folder.

Once extracted, the folder structure should include a file named OpenMapChest United States.gmap. Ensure that your map files are correctly placed in this folder before proceeding.

Installing Maps to Your Memory Card

Now that everything is set up, insert your memory card into your computer. Open BaseCamp and navigate to the Maps menu, then select Install Maps. Your memory card should automatically appear in the options.

Select the OpenMapChest United States map and proceed to install it. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the map and the speed of your computer.

Managing Map Tiles

During the installation, you will be prompted to manage map tiles. This step can be tedious as you must select the appropriate tiles without exceeding the four-gigabyte limit imposed by the FAT32 system. Use the pan feature to navigate through the map and select the tiles you need.

For the United States, you will likely need to split the map into two separate installations: one for the East Coast and one for the West Coast. Carefully select the tiles for each region and ensure that they do not exceed the file size limit.

Finalizing the Installation

Once you have selected the appropriate tiles for both regions, click Continue to install them onto your memory card. This installation process will create a folder named Garmin on your memory card, containing the file gmapsupp.img.

If you plan to install both regions, remember to rename the first file to gmapsup1.img before running the installation again for the second region.

Check the map settings to ensure that the newly installed maps are enabled. This step is vital to ensure that your device can access the maps. If everything is set up correctly, you should be ready to go!

FAQ: Common Questions about Map Installation

1. What should I do if the maps do not appear in BaseCamp?

If the maps do not show up in BaseCamp after installation, double-check that you’ve placed the map files in the correct folder: ProgramData\Garmin\Maps. Ensure that BaseCamp is closed when extracting the map files, then reopen BaseCamp to refresh the map list.

2. Can I use a larger memory card than 32GB?

While larger memory cards may work, it’s recommended to stick with a 32GB card or smaller due to the limitations of the Garmin devices and the FAT32 file system. Using larger cards may lead to complications during installation.

3. How do I uninstall the maps?

To uninstall the maps, navigate to the ProgramData\Garmin\Maps folder and delete the OpenMapChest folder. Ensure to perform a permanent deletion to free up space on your computer.

4. Why do I need to split the map into two files?

The Garmin devices are limited to recognizing files up to 4GB due to the FAT32 file system. Therefore, for large areas like the United States, you need to split the maps into two separate files for proper installation.

5. What if I encounter an error during installation?

If you encounter an error, ensure that your BaseCamp software is up to date, and that you are following the installation steps correctly. Check the format of your memory card and ensure it is set to FAT32. If issues persist, consider reinstalling BaseCamp.