Memory Map, Mapsource, GPSmap 60CSx and Zumo550

[LiquidLAN]

Sorry guys, few questions, but hopefully it should all be pretty simple.

I was lucky enough to get a Zumo 550 for Christmas upgrading from a Quest, all seems to have gone fine, but when I registered the unit I got the option for upgrading to CN2009, I've gone for the download option, but I'm having no joy, keep getting corrupt files - I've raised it with Garmin and hopefully they can resolve it, just wondering if anyone else has had the problem and found a solution yet?

Second question, I bought a GPSmap 60CSx off ebay pre-Christmas, it's only got the world basemap on it, works fine, but I'm wondering whats the best option if I want to get detailed mapping for off-road stuff? I've spoken to a few people who all use Memory Map, but having looked on their site, I seem to have to go for either a 1:50000 map or buy a bespoke 1:25000 for the area I want (Salis Plain, and surrounding). I'm used to using the OS Explorer maps and that's the scale I "think" I need, but it looks an expensive option on MM.

I've looked on the OS site and they seem to do the country in three maps - seems good value for money...

What do you use?

 

[cookie]

unless memory map is different now, you can't install it on a 60Csx. i had it at one time, but lost it when my hard drive got accidentally formatted

i could upload recorded tracks to memory map on my PC, but that was it.

i use city navigator 09 and the (pretty much useless) garmin topo gb on my 60Csx.

 

[roddy]

you still can't put memory map on 60csx due to the way the programs work, basically MM is a image of an OS map that you transferr the selected area to your device like a PDA, where as the 60csx draws the image on the screen, so the map info isn't compatible.

Having said that I use a 60csx for my hillwalking I create the route in MM and transfer this to the 60csx and using the TOPO GB maps from Garmin you can view your route and gradient lines on the screen, I carry a paper map as a back up in case something happens to the GPS. Though the info on the TOPO maps aren't as detailed as OS maps in all honesty you don't need that level of detail, when out walking as long as you can read gradient lines you won't go wrong.

regarding scale I find the OS maps in 1:50000 is a good scale for off roading/walking (I've never been off roading with an engine but I used to do a bit mountain biking) it's detailed enough without you getting swamped with detail.

HTH

 

[jjshed]

And you can print OS maps with MM, just choose the area you want and print it onto A4 waterproof paper for backup.

 

[LiquidLAN]

Cheers for the feedback guys, though I'm not sure I'm much further forward At least I know its probably not worth paying for a bespoke memory map map...

What I want is something that will show byways, particularly around here. City Navigator is pretty good at sending you down declassified roads so its got a couple of the tracks but thats about it

I had a look at Wattons list of free map sites, there's one there that has a free GB topo map, but from what I picked up from scanning through, it was only a Topo map, with a few key point

Guess I'll have another hunt about and see what I can find

Thanks again guys

 

[LiquidLAN]

just been directed to this link on the Garmin site... I see what you mean about the GB Topo Map

 

[Hew]

You need to load your Garmin 60 with a Garmin mapping program.
Garmin Topo was easily available as a download and it does not need an unlock code.
I was fortunate that when I bought my Garmin a second unit unlock was allowed for the city navigator so I was able to load that onto my unit and can use it as a route finder as well. Handy for petrol stations even if half of them are closed
It is unfortunate that memory map cannot be loaded and displayed onto Garmin products as it can onto Road Angel. However a track drawn on Memory Map can be transferred to your Garmin unit. If you imagine drawing a line of your intended route/track on an OS map well this is what you do on the memory map on the screen and then transfer that to your garmin unit. On the Garmin unit you use trackback to follow the track you have drawn.
I have found that tracks drawn using the 1:25000 series to be bang on whereas when drawn in the 1:50000 series the track is often shown as being the other side of a hedge and makes it difficult to follow in new areas.
I hope this is some help

 

[Mav]

The memory map application is intended to work on Window Mobile hardware, PDAs for eaxmple. If you find a PDA with GPS capabilities that will give you GPS tracking on a map visual that will show you byways. There are a couple of units specifically designed sold to support this - one of which is the Road Angel 7000. I'm in the process of trying to get that one set up (I bought it second hand so it's proving a challenge to get the software updated :-( ). You can get more info on that unit on the MM site.

HTH