Mapsource is a program from Garmin, that allows you to generate routes manually with detours etc, on your computer, then upload them to the GPS unit. Very very handy program, makes life much easier.
Problem I found though, was my Garmin 255W came with the map preloaded & didn't contain the map Disk to use on the computer.
I use "Tracks4Australia 1.20" I think it's a free set of maps. It's good for roadtrips, but I think it's distance measuring is a bit out for the type of drawing it uses. You'll see if you use it.
Does anyone else know of other maps or how you can get City Navigator for MapSource if you already own a preloaded copy?
Mapsource used to come with the StreetPilot 3 but I think you now have to buy it from Garmin.
If you already have the program you can purchase map updates form Garmin and load them into MapSource. (I have 4 maps loaded into Mapsource). I don't think there is any advantage in having more than the latest maps loaded, just too lazy to remove old maps.
As stated previously, the program gives you many more options for planning your holidays etc to use the roads and areas YOU wish to use.
John
Tracks4Australia seems to be intended for 4WD and other offroad use. There is apparently a free and a paid version. I believe the paid version just has better graphics with pretty much the same content.
I received a Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx for christmas and it came with a cut-down version of Mapsource called "Trip and Waypoint Manager." It seems to do much the same as mapsource for waypoints etc but not a whole lot else.
I've been talking with a few of the 4WD guys at work and they recommend shonkymaps over Tracks4Australia but you have to pay for that one, but its cheapre than the pro version of Tracks4Australia.
I have had Map Source for a number of years and has been extremly helpful. My Nuvi 760 and 765 both have a tracking feature which automatically downloads tracks and waypoints. I regularly download this information as I have an earthmoving business. very helpful when data is needed to verify kilometres and hours worked. it also updates whenever I purchase a map update
jadams683 wrote:
Hi from a newbie,
Could some one please explain map source as I have seen it mentioned on here a few times.
Thanks
With MapSouce You can also customise your speed settings for calculating. Not sure on which models you can do this, but it is handy just go to the Edit>Preferences - when the device is connected to your computer
I found by using the default settings i always took longer - by adjusting it back by 5km hour for each road type my arrival times became more accurate for trips
I am not a speed hog I just like to cruise.
I have been told that the Nuvi do not come with MapSource and the few that I have talked to didn't know that you can this software.
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