Navigate Your Hikes and Outdoor Trips With Garmin Maps

The large paper maps and the hours spent mapping out long distance trips are a thing of the past thanks to the introduction of the GPS, or global positioning systems. In the last few years, these electronic systems have made traveling a less stressful and significantly simpler task. Through using electronic maps, such as the ones developed by the Garmin GPS, people are now able to easily track specific destinations and the amount of time that it will take to get there. As roads are continuously changing and detours are common, one of the distinctive capabilities of the Garmin GPS are the unique features of Garmin maps. The user now has the ability to download updated maps or build a map to keep directions as up to date and as accurate as possible.

As new roads are created and new construction is completed, the maps that are currently on your Garmin GPS may need updated from time to time. Instead of having to purchase a new map as you would have in the past, you can now simply download an update to the Garmin GPS that you presently own. To do this, you need to go to a Garmin website and register your individual Garmin. The Garmin GPS comes with a USB cord that will connect it to a computer and it will need to be connected to update the Garmin maps. From here, updating the maps is a simple process that involves following a series of steps to launch, download, and save the Garmin map updates. Most Garmin update websites will immediately prompt you with what map updates are necessary when the Garmin is connected to the computer and a Garmin GPS website is accessed.

Another feature of the Garmin GPS is the ability to build your own map for a specific trip or a precise route that is not necessarily the shortest route. These maps are usually able to be created with the software that comes with the Garmin and this software is called Garmin Trip and Waypoint Manager. If you are looking to construct a different kind of map such as on water or on a trail, then other types of software can be purchased. To begin building a Garmin map, simply connect the Garmin GPS to the computer and open the software. You will be able to identify specific points of interest, known as waypoints, by flagging these destinations on the map. To save the map that you create, you save the route using the selected waypoints as a Garmin GPS database file when given the prompt to save and title it whatever you would like to. You then select transfer to send the newly created map to the Garmin GPS and your personalized map is ready to use.

Whether you are using a Garmin GPS for a long vacation or to get around town, having access to an electronic map has numerous benefits. The ability to keep up to date with changes in roads and locations and having the capability to construct a route that is unique to you are some of the great features of the Garmin GPS and Garmin maps.