Garmin Map Updates for your Nuvi GPS or Handheld GPS Device
July 27, 2011 by Blog God
Filed under best gps for geocaching, geocaching, GPS, gps devices
Garmin Map Updates Explained
Garmin Map Updates
Whether you own an in-car Garmin Nuvi or a handheld outdoor GPS for Geocaching there are a number of different official Garmin map update options available from Garmin. In this short overview we are going to explain to you what the different Garmin map updates are and how you can download them. Some are free GPS maps, and some will require a payment – all of them though are 100% official and will be compatible with your Garmin product.
Garmin Map Updates for Nuvi Automotive GPS
The Nuvi range of in-car automotive navigators are the most popular in the World, being responsible for millions of car and truck journeys every day. The maps on the Nuvi always come pre-installed as software so over time it is possible that the maps become out of date and need a refresh.
There are a number of options available for people wanting to update their maps, the most affordable being the nuMaps Onetime update which retails at just under fifty dollars. By downloading this option you will instantly have the latest version of the City Navigator NT mapping software on your GPS.
Free Garmin Map Updates
Occasionally it will be possible for customers to download free Garmin map updates; however this type of install is only available to Nuvi GPS products within the first 90 days of it receiving a satellite signal. To see whether you are eligible for a free Garmin map update you will need to register and login at their myGarmin customer website.
New Garmin TOPO Maps for Handheld Outdoor GPS Products
Garmin also produce outdoor GPS products including the popular Colorado and Dakota Series, and have recently released their new top-end models which go by the name of Montana.
If you love the outdoor life and are a fan of Geocaching then you will occasionally want to install new maps – this is particularly relevant if you are traveling to a new National Park or an area previously not included on your GPS handheld.
The most popular type of map download for Geocaching devices are the Garmin TOPO maps which offer detailed mapping including elevations, geographical points, and terrain contours. The TOPO map updates come in two different varieties – TOPO 24k and TOPO 100k.
If you require very detailed mapping then you should download Garmin TOPO 100k maps as these are just like using a more traditional paper-based map at 1:100,000 scale. These map update downloads include items such as:
· Conservation Areas , National Parks, and Forests
· Roads (For example, local roads, interstates, state highways, and trails)
· Water Locations
· Points of Interest (aka POIs)
To download new Garmin TOPO maps navigate to the official Garmin website and access their mapping section from the top black navigation bar. They have a handy map finder tool that lets you type in the Geocaching handheld GPS you own, and asks you where you are going to use it. The online system will then display all the different Garmin map update options that are available to you.
Not sure what maps you already have installed? If that’s the case all you need to do is register the handheld GPS on the myGarmin website and the dashboard will tell you what maps are loaded once you connect the device to the PC or Mac using your compatible USB cable.
It really is very easy to download and install Garmin map updates, and we would always recommend you go down the official route – as this will ensure you do not compromise the software on your GPS and will probably keep any warranties you have intact and up to date – which is great for peace of mind.
Check List For Handheld GPS For Geocaching!
Honestly, there is no single best handheld GPS for geocaching, what might be ideal for one person, may not even be of the slightest consideration to the next.
However, if pricing is a consideration, Click Here For The Best Price On A Handheld GPS For Geocaching
But, having said that, there are a number of geocaching features that would be important to literally everyone when thinking about purchasing a handheld GPS for geocaching.
1. Is the screen easy to read? Look for a good-sized screen with good contrast on your portable handheld GPS. For bright sunlight readability, you’ll want a screen that has trans reflective properties.
2. Does the GPS device lock onto satellite signals with speed and accuracy? Will the unit continue to receive guidance through heavy cloud and tree cover, while in your pocket or backpack, or through the windshield of your vehicle?
If so, you’ll need the GPS to have 12 parallel channels, and you might want it to be WAAS-enabled so you can pinpoint your target caches with greater accuracy.
3. The best GPS for GeoCaching should be lightweight and relatively small so it will be easy for you to carry. Ideally, it should be small enough to fit into your jeans pocket.
4. Can you easily make sense of the information you receive? In order to find caches easily and avoid getting yourself lost, you’ll want your handheld GPS system to be capable of marking at least 500 waypoints (significant points along the way).
5. Is the unit waterproof? The best handheld GPS units for geocaching are waterproof. Often, while geocaching you’ll run into foul weather, and while plastic baggies can certainly help, you’ll want the GPS itself to be watertight; in fact, you can count on its getting wet at some point in your treasure hunting adventures, so you’ll definitely want it to have the waterproof feature.
6. Does the handheld GPS for geocaching have a respectable battery life? Where this is concerned, the longer the battery life, the better, but also the bigger and longer lasting the battery, the heavier the handheld GPS device.
If the weight of the unit is of concern to you, then, you might consider taking along some extra batteries. One thing is for sure, when you’re in the thick of the cache hunt, you sure don’t want your portable handheld GPS to quit on you.
7. How rugged is it? Part of the fun of geocaching, especially the camping and hiking variety, is that you’ll be out climbing and going through brushy undercover. You can be sure that your GPS will be banged around.
Here are a couple of handheld GPS for geocaching units that will easily fill the bill:
From almost anywhere, this small lightweight unit will lock onto several satellites. You’ll have no worries if you run into inclement or wet weather, heavy tree or cloud cover, or if you have to put the device in your pocket or backpack.
For a wallet saving GPS, the 201 is a terrific little basic GPS. It is sturdy and performs very well in geocaching expeditions. You can count on the 201 to give you quick and accurate directions.
It doesn’t display detailed maps. But, it does clearly map out the route, and it shows clear landmarks and way points so you’ll always know where you’ve been.
As you can tell, the best GPS for geocaching is the one that fits your particular needs.
Any handheld GPS for geocaching that has the features mentioned in our check list should give you many years of fun, excitement and dependable accurate service.
