Install maps with a .gmap directory

To install the maps in Mapsource/Basecamp there are two options, to do it through a .IMG map or to do it with an executable that installs the maps, although with the .IMG you lose some data associated to the map, neither everybody has access to the map installer or can trust in that map installer so that it doesn’t install «something else». There’s a third way, to install a .gmap directory, you’ve all map data exactly as with the map installer and without touching the registry…the only catch is that have to do it manually.

Where install the .gmap directory

This is the first important point because depending on where we place the .gmap directory we will be able to use the maps with Mapsource and/or Basecamp and with the option -or not- of exporting the installed maps to the GPS or a memory card.

Pathway	Program (export option)
C:\Program files (x86)\Garmin\Basecamp\Maps	Basecamp (No transf).
C:\Program files (x86)\Garmin\Mapinstall\Maps	Mapsource (Transf).
C:\ProgramData\Garmin\Maps	Mapsource (Transf). Basecamp (Transf).

The last option in ProgramDatais the most useful if we install there the directories .gmap we will be able to use the maps indistinctly in Mapsource and Basecamp, both with option to transfer maps to a GPS or memory card.

How to install with a .gmap directory

When it comes to installing a .gmap directory the method is very simple: copy «bluntly» the directory in one of the three locations mentioned above and you’re done!

When you run Mapsource/Basecamp it will detect the maps by himself.

How to install with a map installer

Here we would have a map installer (.MSI), USB drivers…but what interests us most is that it contains a complete .gmap directory, so to install it you only need to copy «bluntly» the directory in one of the three locations mentioned above and you’re done!

When you run Mapsource/Basecamp it will detect the maps by himself.

Installing the maps this way without running the installer (.MSI) avoids that this could be an attack vector and that some virus could get into it, especially if we don’t trust the source that offers the maps.

Vídeotutorial

English subtitles available!