Most GPS devices today are supplied with pre-installed maps. So you can start your cycle tour straight away. Even Garmin is equipping more and more devices with a routable CycleMap or TopoActive map. So why more maps? The map should match the planned outdoor activity and your own preferences.
Card offer as a selling point
Garmin is also so popular because of its wide range of additional maps. It doesn't matter whether it's an outdoor navigation system or an Edge bike computer. The map should always be perfectly matched to the planned activity. The range extends from Garmin's own expensive topo maps to inexpensive maps costing just a few euros to the many free maps that are maintained with great attention to detail by a dedicated community. Most of the maps are based on OpenStreetMap, a kind of Wikipedia for geodata. Anyone is invited to add information from their area to the global OSM map. In return, anyone is free to use the data. The question remains: "Is an expensive additional map worth it or is a free OSM map better?"
Expensive does not always mean good
First of all, a realisation from experience: the more expensive card is not necessarily better.
But which card is the best? Clearly, it depends on the intended use.
Leisure cyclists, mountain bikers, world travellers or athletes, everyone has different requirements in terms of road surface and routing. Trekking bike riders have it easy here, as "good" routes cover a broad spectrum for them. Another important decision criterion is the routing capability and its quality. And the map should also be visually appealing. However, you don't have to commit yourself to one map. With all current Garmin devices, it is possible to keep several maps in the device at the same time.
Only one active card
Make sure that only one card is active. Otherwise there may be problems with the display.
Getting a free OSM map onto your own Garmin device is not really difficult. In the workshop, we explain two ways to transfer the map from the Internet to the GPS receiver - step by step.
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 4/2017. You can download the issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play ) or in the DK-Shop order.
