Maps for Garmin?

[divingbiker]

I didn't want to hijack the Garmin warning thread, but I have a question. I already own the City Navigator map software, which I got for my Garmin 60csx, and I'm assuming I can use it with an Edge 705. Does anyone know how to do this?

I remember having to register the maps so they could be used with the 60csx, so I'm guessing I can't just take the microSD card and use it in the 705 without doing something to it. I'd prefer not to have to buy another card, but I guess they're cheap enough that I will if I have to.

My recollection of the process to get the map software into the 60csx is that it was extremely frustrating, not very well documented, and unintuitive, and I'd hate to relive that. This is really the only thing keeping me from buying the 705 (despite all the warnings).

[dachshund]

I believe you can copy the City Navigator maps to the 705. I have to admit I wouldn't mind having maps on my Garmin, so I'm considering the 705.

See this thread at montionbased,
http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index.php?topic=9604.0

If you have City Navigator loaded on your PC, you'd have the option of creating courses, etc., and loading them onto the 705. You can also pick and choose maps to load. It seems the 705 has a 2GB limit, and I take this to mean that if you buy a larger capacity card, that you will only be able to use 2GB of it.

You apparently can't swap the cards from one device to another.

So it seems that you get the best bang for the buck by having the DVD version, a 2GB SD card, and sweating through the procedure of loading maps to the 705. There's also a 2009 update to this software available. And it sounds like the base map that comes with the 705 is inadequate. Figures, doesn't it? Or obviously you can buy the 705 with the preloaded card for an extra $100, but I don't think you'd be able to create any courses on your PC and load them up.

And of course, the usual disclaimer is that I could be wrong. The motionbased forum is a good place for research, though.

[OakLeaf]

I can't answer your specific question, but you can create routes and courses on mapmyride.com and upload them to the 705. You don't need the MapSource application to do that. You do need it to be able to view the maps in Training Center. But as long as you have an Internet connection, you can view your routes plotted on Google Maps in SportTracks.

If I'd realized that MapSource wasn't included with the 705, I would've bought City Navigator separately rather than bundled. But the only time you'd really miss it is when you're offline, which is rare for most people nowadays.

[teigyr]

This might not be the place to ask this question but you seem like a savvy group.

I am looking at getting the 405. DH, who rides more than anything, would probably get the Forerunner. I believe that's the bike version of the Edge? Unless I'm backwards.

We were talking about GPS for the cars. We rarely drive anywhere we haven't been before but it happens. Does anyone use the bike Garmin if they travel in the car? I kind of like the talking car versions but then again DH grew up in Seattle so he doesn't get lost and we generally take public transport if we travel. I'm the dork that gets lost kind of easily but it's rare that I drive any route that isn't normal for me.

I have to admit though last time we were in Boston it would've been lovely (though we were on foot from our hotel) to type in "pizza" and know where to go.

[SouthernBelle]

Can't answer most of these Qs as I have a 305, but the edge is the bike version. Though I understand people use their Forerunners on their bikes.