You will need three software packages:
- The POI Loader for Mac, released on Dec 19th and no longer in beta. Not required, but nice to have.
- MapInstall for Mac, also released on Dec 19th.
- MapConverter for Windows, released on September 18th.
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This fall, Garmin quietly released several Mac applications. Some are still in Beta, yet they seem to work. If you use Parallels Desktop to manage your Garmin GPS, this may set you free from Windows altogether. After a few downloads and a two hour map conversion process, I can manage my GPS on my MacBook.
You will need three software packages:
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How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I'm a longtime Mac guy (but not nearly as knowledgable under the hood as most you) and I just got a Garmin for Christmas. What does it mean to "manage my GPS"--loading custom maps, etc?
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
Depends on which Garmin you have. I have a Quest, which only has 115K of memory, so I have to swap out map sets depending on where I am traveling.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I've been using Garmin GPS units on the Mac for a long time now.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I agree, after 3 GPS and 9 years of Garmin I've stopped using them. They used to have it, they have a lot of my money over the years, not just on the GPS but also on the too regular costly upgrade CDs. They are now inferior and I say spend your money elsewhere!
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I agree. My next GPS will not be Garmin unless they make good on their word. Requiring Windows to convert their maps to work on a Mac is NOT Mac compatibility. WHAT'S THE POINT?!
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I haven't heard a lot about this, but for anyone looking for a GPS and who's on a Mac, looks like TomTom has Mac support...
http://www.tomtom.com/plus/service.php?ID=17 Would love to hear from any Mac TomTom users? k.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I just downloaded the new POI Loader which wouldn't install on my PPC iMac G5 (OS X 10.5.1) because the installer saw the beta version as a "newer" version. Even after deleting it and associated preferences, the new version still wouldn't install.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I agree that the Garmin Mac applications are useless and create unnecessary overhead and duplication of large map files. In my experience the best is to run Parallels or VMWare fusion on an intel mac and handle all Garmin activity in a Windows environment. Apparently Garmin is a good hardware company but not very user friendly regarding their software and not responsive to user comments.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
theboyk Nailed it. Garmin sucks and lies. They have great hardware but 2 years dorking us around on waiting for a real App....Get your head out of the cornfield. I use Parallels desktop (windows XP)on my MacBookPro OS 10.4.11 and I use a USB card reader to load and unload maps. I DONT plug the GARMIN 60 CSX into the mac. The card reader is much faster (but still takes for ever) but doesn't crash like USB into the garmin. Too bad that 2 years after the Press Release I have to buy Parallels and a copy of XP.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
kenscott30, thanks so much for the tip about using a card reader instead of plugging the GPS unit in directly. I use XP via Parallels on my MacBook sometimes when I need to do stuff like this. Unfortunately, it was crashing (XP, not the Macbook) everytime I tried to update the map set in my little Garmin i3. I was thinking something was screwed up badly, until I read your hint. I tried a card reader and everything loaded flawlessly. A big relief. I didn't even know using a card reader was possible. Thanks again!
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
Has anyone found a GPS provider that has Macintosh software?
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I agree it isn't a complete set of utilities. Complaints about Garmin's promises aside, frankly if I wanted access to more software, I'd be using Windows, not a Mac. I prefer using the Mac, so I've switched to Mac only on my Garmin for adding my locations prior to my road trips -- I'm happy to create my POI's in Google Earth, convert the KML files, and then transfer them to my Garmin.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
Efs, that's not really a good argument.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I don't understand. I've been using Garmin's WebUpdater app for ages (it's been in beta all that time I guess) and it works fine to upload the newest data and voices to my GPS. What more would I need? What is the nature and source of the maps you're talking about "converting"?
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
There have been some questions about other GPS units with more Mac-friendly software. I've been using a TomTom One for about 6 months now, and while it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, it's solid, reliable, small enough to be easily portable, and HAS A DECENT MAC VERSION OF IT'S SOFTWARE. Granted, like the Garmin, and I imagine most other GPS makers, the Mac version isn't up to the Windows version in terms of version number and such, but it works! I don't know of ANY GPS maker that has full featured Mac software, but there are websites out there that may be able to answer this, like http://www.gpsreview.net
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
As a TomTom owner myself I am somewhat disappointed with the Mac version of their software. They have released a software update for their devices which includes a new feature called "MapShare" which you cannot use with the Mac software. They also have a service which gives you a free map upgrade if your device shipped with an outdated version or close to another upgrade becoming available. Mac users are excluded from that. Also from promotional offers which only work through the Windows version of the software. I think TomTom and Garmin users with Macs are equally hosed and are well advised to resort to VMWare and the Windows version. TomTom support has also made it very clear that they are not comitting to upgrades of the Mac version of TomTom HOME.
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
I've been using MacGPSPro for some time with 60csx and find their software excellent, the company responsive and maintains the product well. While it doesn't load Garmin's proprietary maps, they sell topos which do work at competitive prices.
This software also is useful for showing a moving map display on the laptop, using the connected Garmin as a receiver - actually nearly any receiver, including the hocky pucks, can be used this way. www.macgpspro.com
How to convert Garmin GPS maps for OS X use
Since Garmin has released their preview of Bobcat there is more need to do the Map conversion. Here are some caveats I've seen mentioned and experienced them myself.
During the Conversion process on the PC several have received errors during the compression stage from bsdtar. If you remove the bsdtar directory MapConverter will just create the *.gmapi folder which can be copied to the MAC, eliminating the need to uncompress it. MapManager will be able to install it just fine. If your MAC hard disk is formatted with the case sensitive option enabled the Garmin apps will not be able to recognize them. The maps are in ~Library/Application Support/Garmin/Maps Right click (control click) on the package file (*.gmap) Choose view Package contents. The file Info.xml name needs to be changed to "info.xml" Then the maps will be accessible by Bobcat and MapInstall. Garmin posted a new page with all MAC software here: http://garmin.com/macosx There is a link there ot a .pdf with instructions for the conversion process. |
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