Garmin mapping

topcattim

Sorry, I know that there are lots of similar threads about Garmin maps, but I can't quite find the answer to my question. I am thinking of buying the Garmin 800 while it is on special here but I can't quite work out what is going on with the maps. It looks as though this package has CityNavigator microSD card for the whole of Europe, which is what I would want (to allow the occasional cross channel holiday trips).

Am I right that this bundle does include maps for all of Europe?
And I think that this is not the same as OS mapping, but that it is perfectly good enough?
And if I didn't go for the bundle and tried to buy the components separately, what would be the practical difference between trying to get the mapping on DVD or on SD card - clearly a DVD doesn't fit in the device , so how do the maps get loaded?
And do you get updates to the maps for free, or are they paid for?
And is there anything else that I should be asking about?

Dorset_Boy

Yes they do cover the whole of europe, and yes they have proved fine for me in the UK and France.
Correct, OS maps are different.
No you don't get updates as far as I know.
Bundled costs represent a big saving on buying the maps separately later IIRC.
Maps are on a micro SD card so you can download info from PC / DVD using this.

Mad_Malx

Was looking at very same bundle with similar thoughts today. Find the ad with screen showing OS mapping a bit misleading.

Europe maps are ok for driving, but no contours or relief at all I think. For same mapping in car you have to pay for any update after first few months.
I was thinking more about the trail bundle (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=58077) which gives proper UK OS mapping I think, plus a cadence sensor (not really bothered about HR and don't like wearing senor).

Mad_Malx

Dorset Boy wrote:

Maps are on a micro SD card so you can download info from PC / DVD using this.

I thought the SD maps were locked to the device and cannot be used on PC?

topcattim

Dorset Boy wrote:

Yes they do cover the whole of europe, and yes they have proved fine for me in the UK and France.
Correct, OS maps are different.
No you don't get updates as far as I know.
Bundled costs represent a big saving on buying the maps separately later IIRC.
Maps are on a micro SD card so you can download info from PC / DVD using this.

Thanks Dorset Boy. Helpful answers.

topcattim

Mad_Malx wrote:

I was thinking more about the trail bundle (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=58077) which gives proper UK OS mapping I think, plus a cadence sensor (not really bothered about HR and don't like wearing senor).

I think the Performance and Navigation bundle does have cadence?

Gizmodo

Mad_Malx wrote:

Dorset Boy wrote:

Maps are on a micro SD card so you can download info from PC / DVD using this.

I thought the SD maps were locked to the device and cannot be used on PC?

Yes, Garmin supplied maps are locked to that device only, I've tried.

You can download Open Street Maps and put them on your PC or you can just use a web site to plan your routes and then you don't need anything other than a Browser and an Internet connection. I have downloaded OSM to my PC, used them once and never used them again.

bigpikle

Still available cheaper elsewhere and then download free maps - no need to pay that much!

Handtec

rnath

FWIW I got the bundle with OS maps (which I find handy for hillwalking etc), but use Open Street Maps for road cycling. They're free, work great and I can't see any disadvantage over Garmin's own maps:

http://talkytoaster.info/ukmaps.htm

Mad_Malx

topcattim wrote:

Mad_Malx wrote:

I was thinking more about the trail bundle (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=58077) which gives proper UK OS mapping I think, plus a cadence sensor (not really bothered about HR and don't like wearing senor).

I think the Performance and Navigation bundle does have cadence?

Sorry, didn't express myself properly, Performance does have HR and cadence. Needed a semicolon.
I meant I would probably get the trail bundle, (no HR or cadence); and maybe add the cadence sensor. I would end up with OS mapping plus cadence sensor for about the same price as Performance, and do without HR sensor and Europe mapping (or use OSM for europe).