Southern Africa Topo & Rec 2012.2 for Map Source (Nuvi 500)

[STosen]

My Nuvi 500 was stolen, and I replaced this one of the last few available. There was no CD in the box.

While this has the Topo and Rec 2012.2 on it, I need this map set for MapSource.

The map set/maps cannot be downloaded from the device.

Is the license for these maps for MapSource excluded, and do you now have to purchase them separately?

[Jan Horn]

Hi Shaun Welcome on the Forum. There may be an easier way to get it on your computer but the way I would do it is to get the DVD from a dealer at R20.00 Register the unit on Garmap and then give them a call to assist you to get Topo & Rec unlocked for the unit on their database. If you then insert the DVD in the PC it will auto run setup and take you through the process of purchasing and unlocking Topo. It should recognise that it is unlocked for the unit and reflect a zero charge and would then proceed to download the unlocked Topo to the PC. It will also attempt to download the maps to the 500 which I would decline.

[STosen]

Thanks Jan,

I have the DVD.

Getting through to the Garmap call centre/to the correct person is quite problematic.

I was hoping there was an easier way.

I have mailed them following instructions received and am awaiting a response.

[dasilvarsa]

alternative method
Look inside your nuvi for files that have the extension .gma
These files if available can be used to unlock the map in mapsource. utilities, manage map products, unlock regions, import, change from ucx to gma on drop down,
select the file and press open.

It is exactly the same in basecamp. !

To install the maps from dvd extract the folder SA Topo Rec 2012.gmap from the setup.zip file to c:\programdata\garmin\maps\
this is for win 7 if you are using xp the path is different.
If you have your old maps still installed you can check the path to your gmap folder.

[STosen]

Thanks Jan,

I am familiar with the UCX file and export this from time to time, to backup. This is quite handy when you need to reinstall MapSource.

There are no UCX or GMA files on the device.

I have extracted the SA Topo Rec 2012.gmap folder to the path Map folder and this is reflected under the Map Product Manager as Locked.

I will get the unlock code form Garmap.

[Leon Jr]

If you are registered with Garmap on "www.garmap.co.za" and your unit is registered, then you can login and download the *.gma file from the registered units details page.

[STosen]

Provided there is a link between the device and your maps, you should be able to get the GMA file. This is not in place, and I am awaiting feedback from Garmap.

[Jan Horn]

Shaun. When you register a new unit on Garmap its does not pick up what map products are preloaded but you can check whether the maps loaded was picked up during registration by logging onto the garmap website and clicking on "my details" you will see your registered units. Click on the arrow to the left hand side of the unit and it will expand to shown the map products unlocked. If Topo is not listed phone Garmap Technical for assistance to unlock Topo at no cost using the DVD. I have done this 6 or 7 times with no problems. I had to go through this process with each of the new units I registered lately. Granted you can get the GMA file off the unit but you have to know what you are doing, it need to be copied to the correct folder on your PC for Mapsource to pick it up. It is far easier to let the setup program on the DVD do the work for you.

[STosen]

Thanks for that navigation tip. I think at some point in time the web application changed, and you now have to drill down to the maps, which was not required previously.

There are no maps registered against this unit, and I am waiting for Garmap Technical to come back to me to go through the process, having bought the DVD.

[Jan Horn]

That screen shot was done yesterday. I normally just phone them Shaun and they do it while I hold on. They would ask for the dealer detail and when it was bought and may ask you to fax or scan and e mail the invoice through to them.