Topo maps a mess of meaningless lines

Download and install Garmin Express from Garmin. Plug your GPS into your computer. The software will identify your GPS and allow you to register it, as well as provide any current updates. Install any maps from this process on the device itself.

Hello,

If you have the TOPO maps loaded to an SD card and the card is inserted all you should have to do is go to Tools > Settings > Map > Info in this menu you will find your map sets if you see TOPO make sure it is activated if not you may need to re install them to the SD.

Hope this helps!

The Nuvi 1200 only comes with US maps. You will need to purchase a Garmin microSD card with Canadian maps on it to get Ontario and Quebec. Contact Garmin.com for purchasing these maps.

I'm positive that this can be done, but also pretty sure it violates the Terms of Agreement of the purchase of the topo maps from Garmin.

hi peter, firstly the only difference you would notice with topo maps is that the unit will now display contour lines and they will only be visible when you are viewing the map not when you are in the navigation mode.

the contour lines are brown lines on the map that represent different heights above sea level.

No you can just load the topo and have the etrex directed to the card that you have installed and deactivate the pre-installed map

In Map Setup page, scroll over to blue 'ball' icon (second from right), press lower left button on side of GPS unit, use Thumb switch to scroll down to "Show None", click Thumb switch in. All maps will disappear. Press lower left button on side of GPS unit again, scroll down to "Show Topo.....", click Thumb switch in. Your Topo maps should now show onscreen.

The reason your Topo map might not have shown is because, if you leave the Navigator map showing, and then just press "Show Topo", the layer showing Topo will still be under the Navigator map. This is why I always tell it to show none, and then load whatever map I need to see onto a bare screen.

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You will need to load the MapSource software on your PC then load the maps into MapSource. After the maps are loaded and unlocked you can plug your GPS into your PC with the USB cable and load the maps.

Hope this Helps.

The device uses SD cards actually. They will not however work with TOPO maps or Bluechart. They are primarily for loading media or city street maps for other country's.

The preloaded maps are VERY generic, mostly major highways. They are not useful for geocaching.

The good news is that you can download free topo maps created by a very generous Canadian soul, Dale Atkin. The maps are free but donations are accepted. He is also working on US topo maps. I've used Ibycus and Garmin topo maps and prefer the Ibycus version.
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