Topographical maps

[jimmystewpot]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if it is possible to load topographical maps onto the Zumo 550? I looked on the product compatibility section of the garmin web page and it does not seem to be updated. Given that it shows that maps i have loaded and working are not supported.. Here is the product web page : http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/topogb.jsp Has anyone got any experience with topo maps on the zumo 550?

Regards,

James

 

[andyclift]

They are not listed for my Streetpilot either but they install OK and I guess they work with a Zumo. Looking at the list I don't think it's a case of not working with a Zumo, just that it is not considered good kit for the purpose. Most of the stuff on the list are hand held backpacking type GPS. Mind you, I think the Topo maps are pretty crap and prefer to use OS map and compass and my old Garmin 12.

If you are really keen on using GPS off road Memory Map software using OS digital maps is best - but that WILL need a different GPS.

You could download a topo map from a torrent site, just to try before buying of course.

 

[zdaveuk]

Yes the topo map works with Zumo 550 just instal it on mapsourse then transfer it to the Zumo 550, you can when installed on the zumo select or deselect it so when you dont need a topo map on zumo you dont need to have it shown as it can be a bit of a clutter on the map when you are in mountainous areas.

 

[Jazbee]

I've got Memory Map Navigator OS maps which are great. Is there any way of saving parts of these (on an SD card) and loading onto the Zumo 550? I know that they can be downloaded to other Garmin devices.
I've also done this in the past on a PDA with built in GPS but maybe a bit outside what the 550 was designed for?

 

[andyclift]

As far as I am aware none of the Garmin's designed for vehicle use can use Memory Map files. The principle of operation is different and different programs are needed to read the maps.

Memory map uses simple graphic maps which do not allow "routing", i.e. fix a start and destination and the route follows the roads. All that happens in Memory Map is the map "picture" is related to lat/long co-ordinates so when you click on the map the program knows the co-ordinates of the click so all you can do is link points by straight lines. You can make of scan your own maps and use them in Memory Map, all you need to do is fix two or three points on your map and "tell" Memory Map the co-ordinates. The vehicle designed Garmin's don't have the software to handle this. They use memory efficient vector maps (Europe on Garmin is about 1 Gbyte, UK on 1:25000 OS is about 12Gbyte!!

The only road type GPS I know that can do both is a Road Angel or as I do, use an Ipaq PDA which has Tomtom, Garmin and Memory Map software installed so I can pick memory Map for a walk in the Hills or Garmin and Tomtom to get there but none of the programs read the files of the others and although both the Tomtom and Garmin have full European Mapping installed I can only get most UK outdoor areas in Memory Map

 

[ECM]

Hop over to www.zumoforums.com and find my extensive collection of topomaps you can download for arround the world