Updating maps; sticking to Mapsource.

[NickTredger]

In all innocence I bought and downloaded SA TOPO 2013 because some years back I bought and had loaded a Topo South Africa software on disk onto my PC as well as my GPS. I recently had a computer crash and had to download all the software again but could not find the Disk that I had bought. I do a lot of mapping and data capture for work as well as printing maps and must have the map on my PC, so this new software that I have downloaded is useless for me, and it was not clear on the website that I could not use the downloaded version on my PC???!!!.

What can I do? I must have a PC compatible one!

Please help with the way forward – I can’t waste R1,500!

Nick T.

[Jan Horn]

Nick please give us a bit more information on what version of TOPO you bought. The Garmap version was discontinued in 2012. If it is Garmin TOPO Southern Africa 2013 PRO and you downloaded it using either Garmin Express or Mapupdate there is option available to have it installed during the download on both the unit and your PC. You can also do it afterwards. On Garmin Express plug you unit into the computer and click on "Device" Take the advance option and in the "reinstall or change map" section. In the dropdown window take the "PC only " option and click on reinstall. The map should then download and install on your PC for use with either Mapsource or Basecamp.

[NickTredger]

Hi Jan,
Thanks for the prompt response! Originally I had "Garmap Africa Series 2011 SA Topo and Rec" which was perfect for my needs, but as I said I lost it with the motherboard crash. So I downloaded "TOPO Southern Africa 2013 PRO" believing it would give me the useful things I need - Farm descriptions etc. When I failed to move it across to my PC I contacted Product.Support@garmin and got the following reply: "Unfortunately the map that you have purchased is not PC compatible, you will only be able to view maps on the PC whilst the device is connected." Hope that can be overcome!
Thanks, Nick T.

[Jan Horn]

I know that what I described above work for the City Navigator map sets I cannot vouch for the map you purchased. If you have uncapped bandwidth available. You may give it a try. The earlier versions of Garmin express did not have the option to install the maps on you PC and you had to access it through Basecamp on a computer. What you can do however is to get someone to make you a copy of the Garmap version you originally had on your PC. There is no copyright on the data on the DVD and it is perfectly legal to make a copy for someone. It will still be unlockeed for your unit so you should be able to install it on your PC that way. You can download the unlock code and GMA file from the Garmap Website. If you give us an idea where you are situated some one living close to you may be able to help you out, or I can make you a copy and mail it you. I have all the DVD's form around 2008 onwards up to when it was discontinued.

[fugglefeet]

Hi Nick,

If you do get stuck not being able to get a copy of the "Garmap Africa Series 2011" DVDs (i.e. the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Editions), follow this link to the forum's ftp server and download the folder of the one you had:-

ftp://www.gps-users-forum.co.za/pub/

Hope this helps

Darryl

[NickTredger]

Thanks so much Jan and Darryl!

I live out in the middle of nowhere on a Game Reserve, and our Wi-Fi/cell signal is marginal. It took me almost 7 hours to download TOPO 2013, so I am doubly irritated that I can't use it after all that. As a result, Jan I would really appreciate it if you could mail me a DVD - I am not sure which edition I had, but I do have the code written down although the original disk has vanished during our last move. I went into my account and only the new one (which I can't use) is registered - I don't know why it does not list my previous ones, because it recognised my unit when I went on??? All very frustrating!

Nick T.

[Jan Horn]

Without the 25 digit unlock code and the GMA file the DVD would be useless to you. The detail of the new topo download would be on the Garmin website while the Garmap Topo & Rec would be listed on the Garmap.co.za website. You will have to sign onto your Garmap account to get the information. There is an option to have the GMA file Downloaded to the PC. Give it a try an dif you can get that data we can take it from there.

[NickTredger]

Hi Jan,
Please excuse my confusion, I am very much the end-user! This is my status:
I do have the 25 digit code in front of me.
I do not remember which 2011 Edition I had - 1st, 2nd or 3rd? Is that critical?
I have signed in to my account and there is only the latest download listed there.
What is a GMA file?

Nick T.

[Jan Horn]

Nick all the releases of the various maps for a specific year for a specific device share the same 25 digit unlock code and
gma file. Garmin introduced the GMA files as an additional security measure to prevent pirating. During the unlock process the gma file is stored on the pc and downloaded to the GPSr. The GMA file is needed to unlock the maps for use on both the GPSr and the PC. Just to clarify TOPO Southern Africa 2013 PRO is marketed by GARMIN and will therefore show up on your GARMIN registration. GARMAP TOPO & REC was marketed by GARMAP and to view its details you need to log onto garmap.co.za using your email address and the password you originally used to register you map products and units. You can do a password recovery if you have forgotten it. I will send you an email please mail me your address you want me to send the DVD to. I am currently on holiday and will be able to make and mail you a copy of Garmap TOPO & Rec when I am back home.

[NickTredger]

Ah - GarMAP as opposed to GarMIN!! Thanks Jan. I will give it a bash and give you feedback, look forward to your e-mail! Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Nick T.