With the help of the Topo software and some USGS quadrangles?? Not sure what Brandito Bandito is saying. Is it that the only topo software that can be installed on the 60csx is Garmins? and, that other software installed on Brandito's PC is a reference to being able to use the 60csx. Seems Garmin has a long way to go, unless they are sure they have the market on sole sourcing maps. Would like some advise about getting 1:24,000 scale maps (like Nevada) that are not available from Garmin. With the help of the Topo software and some USGS quadrangles?? Not sure what Brandito Bandito is saying. Is it that the only topo software that can be installed on the 60csx is Garmins? and, that... » Read More With the help of the Topo software and some USGS quadrangles?? Not sure what Brandito Bandito is saying. Is it that the only topo software that can be installed on the 60csx is Garmins? and, that other software installed on Brandito's PC is a reference to being able to use the 60csx. Seems Garmin has a long way to go, unless they are sure they have the market on sole sourcing maps. Would like some advise about getting 1:24,000 scale maps (like Nevada) that are not available from Garmin. « Show Less
1858728
I emailed National Geographic and they indicated that their Topo Software in it's current version will work with this Garmin unit. I ordered it and am waiting for delivery.I doubt Garmin is embedding code to stop 3rd party software from working. They probably have a new format and older versions of Topo Software are not suitable.
1858729
Ther's a matter of semantics involved here (or, it all depends on what the meaning of 'is' is). Sure, the NG topos will 'work with' the 60 Csx--you can mark waypoints and routes on NG maps on your PC and download them to your Garmin. But you can't download the NG maps! In other words, you can download coordinates from NG all day long; you just can't download maps. It's a subtle distinction that a lot of people miss, and I would have thought that NG would have made it clear.
1858730
Cristina,That was the same problem I had with the National Geographic software. NG was not so forthcoming with that detail, however.
1858731
The MapSourse software that I bought does not give me enough detail to oinpoint trails , houses, etc. What do you think about your new buy?
1858732
I know the National Geographic TOPO! software can upload and download waypoints and tracks and routes (I do that all the time). But this post suggests you can upload MAPS?? That would be wonderful, but I don't think so.This is a direct quote from the NG website, as of april 2007: "Note: Waypoints and routes will be transferred to your GPS unit, but maps cannot be transferred or viewed on your GPS unit."There is a related product from NG, called "Pocket Topo", that puts the maps on a PDA. So if you have a GPS-enabled PDA, that's how to get NG maps combined with GPS. But it does not work with a normal GPS, e.g. a GPSMAP 60CSx. You have to have a PDA with GPS, which Garmin and others sell. I know the National Geographic TOPO! software can upload and download waypoints and tracks and routes (I do that all the time). But this post suggests you can upload MAPS?? That would be wonderful, but I don't think so.This is a direct quote from the NG website, as of april 2007: "Note: Waypoints and routes will be transferred to your GPS unit, but maps cannot be transferred or viewed on your GPS unit."There is a related product from NG, called "Pocket Topo", that puts the maps on a PDA. So if you have a GPS-enabled PDA, that's how to get NG maps... » Read More I know the National Geographic TOPO! software can upload and download waypoints and tracks and routes (I do that all the time). But this post suggests you can upload MAPS?? That would be wonderful, but I don't think so.This is a direct quote from the NG website, as of april 2007: "Note: Waypoints and routes will be transferred to your GPS unit, but maps cannot be transferred or viewed on your GPS unit."There is a related product from NG, called "Pocket Topo", that puts the maps on a PDA. So if you have a GPS-enabled PDA, that's how to get NG maps combined with GPS. But it does not work with a normal GPS, e.g. a GPSMAP 60CSx. You have to have a PDA with GPS, which Garmin and others sell. « Show Less
1858733
There is another mapping company that will allow a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx owner to download USGS Topo maps right into the handheld, then the GPS will display the map and Topo contour lines for 1:100,000 or 1:24,000 contours: Follow this link www.maptech.com and look at thier Terrain Navigator software product and maps.
1858734
When I emailed NG, the person responded that their software works with the 60CSx. Just one week ago I first tried to download the maps into it and found that it can not be done. I emailed back a complaint and they indicated, as you did, that it only will transfer routes and waypoints. This screwed up my opportunity to use it on a vacation from which I just returned. So, I guess I'd better change my review so I don't give someone else the same misinformation.Sorry for any confusion. I was mislead by NG.
1858735
The advertizing for Terrain Navigator suggests that only routes and waypoints will transfer to the 60csx and not the actual topo map. Have you actually been able to transfer the 1:24,000 topo map to your Garmin GPS 60CSx?
1858736
Trails and houses are going to be a problem on just about any map. Topo maps show topography, not routing. So, except on the National Parks 24K topo maps, don't expect to see trails. There are databases online where hikers have recorded tracks for their favorite trails and uploaded tham as routes. You can load these into a Garmin on top of a topo map.
200965
Hi I wish I had a answer for you I am not satified with the maps or the POI's. I live in New England and the maps are ok but the POI' stink I have a sked Simplesoft many times how to update the maps and POI's.. If you find out what other maps we can use please let me know. My garman is far better....
876530
I emailed National Geographic and they indicated that their Topo Software in it's current version will work with this Garmin unit. I ordered it and am waiting for delivery. I doubt Garmin is embedding code to stop 3rd party software from working. They probably have a new format and older versions of Topo Software are not suitable.
216441
Yes, like Richard says, plug gps into pc. Download and install "Base Camp" on your pc. Then you can either click the Icon at the top Base Camp tool bar to "send to device", or click on "device" and then "send to device". Some of the maps (City Navigator) have to be unlocked on line. Be careful, gps's will only hold a limited amount of maps. The Garmin Montana 650T will only display maps if there are less than 3,000 downloaded on it. 24K Region Topo maps have thousands of maps on them so you should only select areas you think you will need and download those maps. Too many and the gps will not work. All else fails, call Garmin support. They are pretty helpful.
201084
Thanks a lot, Rossi! Will be working on them shortly.BTW, what about the map application that comes with 08? because I'm stuck trying to figure out how to make any use of it... Any have the experience of downloading maps from the web and make it work MANNUALLy? because direct downloading and installing seems impossible!!! Thanks!Josh
2012761
Go with the Legend Hcx, I know it's more money but the Micro Sd card slot makes a HUGE difference in the maps you can do. I own the the Venture Cx(NOT THE HC) and I have a 2gb micro sd card with streetmaps and Topo for the entire US on the card.The letters in garmin speak mean this H= High Sensitivity, C=Color and X= external Memory card support.If you want to save 20 or 30 bucks go with the one I was saying the Venture Cx, but I bought my unit over a year ago, when the High sensitivity units weren't available, Today without a doubt I'd go with the Legend Hcx(they don't make a Venture Hcx just a severely limited HC. You are also going to need either Street maps or Topo(for hiking) so figure on an extra $125 or so or look online for free options, hope I helped you.
1577024
The topo map only appears when you are zoomed "out" quite some distance. And, as dsrussell as stated, it must be enabled but on my unit it was enabled by default.
1399788
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/maps/on-the-trail-maps/topo/topo-us-24k-northwest/prod27609.html
2032646
The topo product for the whole US is a lower resolution (100k) compared to 24k, so you do not see as many topo lines, 2 tracks etc. But the big difference would be that the 100k version does not support 'routing' (at least it did not when I bought it), while the 24k one does. 'Routing' is where you select a Go-to location, and the GPS picks a road route for you.
2034244
I do add waypoints on the PC (MapSource) software and then download to the GPS device. I have not tried adding routes. I remember trying it once and found it difficult. You can add waypoints right on the device ahead of time but as I remember it was not very intuitive. That said, nothing about the software and maps was very intuitive. However, adding waypoints while hiking is easy. I can download quite a bit of the map onto my 60CSx but it takes a very long time so I limit it to the areas I am most interested in.
9513
The unit could be used world wide except in war zones there the GPS could be distorted. However if you buy the unit bundled with the maps (version that ends on t) the topo-map will be specific for your country.
797435
Depends on map set. My "Northeast" and "North Central" map sets are both version two. Only date on outside packaging is copyright year of 2009. These however were bought about a year or two ago. You can update your topo map sets from Garmin on line for free.
1779416
I have Topo U.S. on mine. I am not really sure if you can upload "Hunt Montana". You may want to contact Garmin first and see what they say.Sorry that I can't be of more help.
909803
maps are easy to download into pn-60, i use delorme Topo USA and then choose a grid they have laid out and then off it goes to the gps unit, not much trouble at all. Don't have to be computer geek to get it done. Reception on gps is awesome, i have left it in my pocket under heavy tree cover and it still recorded my tracks. Very happy with this unit.
2275539
For 2 years I have been using a 60CSx for geocaching using just the base maps that came with the unit. My biggest complaint is that there are too few details on the original base maps. Only major roads are shown and there is no indication of topography. Using the original base maps I usually must map out the way to a cache online before I head out. This has been working for me so far, but I have finally decided to upgrade to topo maps to make navigation to a cache easier as well as having road information when traveling. Overall, they're not necessary, but they sure are nice to have!
1346092
K. Gittens is correct. Since apparently you have the two cables you will be all set although with the same problems that you had with the original etrex. An alternative would be to purchase the Garmin eTrex Venture HC for $128.44. This model comes with a USB cable. Also, since you are downloading to a computer, I assume you will be using some type of mapping software. I have two programs, National Geographic Topo and MacGPS Pro. Both ask for "maximum characters in a waypoint name" which is 14 for the Garmin eTrex Venture HC and "maximum characters in a comment" which is 30. K. Gittens is correct. Since apparently you have the two cables you will be all set although with the same problems that you had with the original etrex. An alternative would be to purchase the Garmin eTrex Venture HC for $128.44. This model comes with a USB cable. Also, since you are downloading to a computer, I assume you will be using some type of mapping software. I have two programs, National Geographic Topo and MacGPS Pro. Both ask for "maximum characters in a waypoint name" which is 14 for the Garmin eTrex Venture HC and "maximum characters in a comment" which is 30.
2215922
I know you can download the topo maps so I don't know of any real difference. With the 650t I got the rechargeable nicad batteries and the standard Topo map set which works great so far. I may download further topo's but not at this time for what I am doing.Joe