Garmin GPS software for the PC?

[DVad3r]

Hey guys,

GPS noob here.

I just purchused a Garmin nuvi 550 GPS and want to know if there is any PC software I can install where I can make routes and upload them into my GPS? I was expecting a CD to be included with the unit but I was pretty suprised when there was nothing...

Any advice?

Thanks,

 

[DVad3r]

Come on brain's of Anandtech!!! There must be an answer to this!!!

 

[heymrdj]

You didn't get the Mapsource application on a Disc? That's ok it's probably old. You can get the Mapsource program from their website. The software should also be on your GPS when you plug it in by USB.

Here's the downloads: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download.jsp

Go to mapping programs, and select the new Mapsource (may 13,2010), and install it. You'll need to have your GPS plugged in and give it the GPS's SN number to get them to sync up the maps (so you can route on the computer, be reminded this process will use 256MB-2GB of space on your hard disc), and then you'll be ready to work.

 

[DVad3r]

No I didn't get a disc. I downloaded the latest map source version but that's only a patch? It tells me it can't find map source installed on the system...

 

[heymrdj]

Have you plugged in the GPS and looked at the nuvi software provided on it? That's the way I acquired mine. I'm reading that if your model didn't come with it on the GPS for install or on a separate CD you don't get it without buying a Gamin map pack.

 

[pontifex]

i think i got some sort of pc map software when i downloaded my free map update. i never used it though.

 

[heymrdj]

i think i got some sort of pc map software when i
downloaded my free map update. i never used it though.

That's probably the MapUpdater software that allows you to write the maps to your GPS or a SD card after unlocking them with the tool via your GPS SN.

 

[DVad3r]

Wow...

I just got an email from Garmin that I sent a few days ago inquiring about map software, here is what I got:

Dear Mr. so and so,


Thank you for contacting Garmin International.


For your unit you can go to mapquest.com and create a route here and send it over to your Nuvi.

With Best Regards,


Chris G.

Product Support Specialist


Garmin International

913-397-8200

800-800-1020

913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Chris G., Associate #5675

www.garmin.com

Pretty sweet or what?

 

[DVad3r]

Well, that didn't quite work out as I expected. I made a route on map quest and uploaded it to the GPS. It worked but, the route that was uploaded was not the same on the GPS as the one I made on map quest. It calculated a different route alltogether...

Anyone know why?

I think I might return this GPS, without being able to make routes on my PC and upload them, the unit is pretty much useless to me, because there is just no way I'm spending massive amounts of time fumbling around the GPS screen making routes there when it could take 1/20 of the time on PC.

 

[heymrdj]

Give this a shot: http://freegeographytools.com/2007/garmin-mapsource-for-free

You might have to go up to Transfer in Mapsource and select receive from device, checkmark maps, and let it download a copy of the maps from your GPS to your hard disk.