Mapping software for Garmin 60CSx, Which format is best? Options

[washerwoman]

City Navigator come in 3 formats - download, SD card or DVD. Can anyone give me an opinion as to which is the best format to get. Apparantly each one has its own positives and negatives. Thank you.

[Signal]

I was told by a Garmin rep that it is better to get the SD card version because that one can be updated unlike the DVD version. I am not quite sure why this is, but that is what I was told. I do not think the downloadable version was available when we got ours, but I could be wrong

[MrDotOne]

First of all i would have to ask which unit we are talking about?!? Secondly, i would grab the free street-level routable maps, why pay for something that you can get for free. If you are interested in pursuing that option, please dont hesitate to contact me and i can help you further. But if you are definitely purchasing the CN product, then by all means go the route that Signal recommends and get the SD card version!!

[2trux]

Here's the official scoop from Garmin.

I recommend the DVD option. Buy it to start with. When you want to upgrade maps, purchase

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=256&pID=33379

nüMaps Lifetime North America. Although it appears to be a nüvi product, it works with many of the newer handheld units.


DVD/CD: Maps purchased in this format will require a computer to use but will allow you to plan trips on your computer and transfer waypoints, routes and tracks to your GPS device. The installation process will install the mapping and MapSource to your computer. MapSource can then be used to send maps to either your device or a datacard. Please note that most mapping products in this format are unlocked and can only be used on one device. City Navigator maps in this format can be updated by purchasing a mapping update, when available.

Pre-programmed datacards: Pre-programmed datacards are immediately ready to use. Simply unpack them and insert them into your compatible GPS device. These maps do not need to be unlocked to your device which allows you to move the card to multiple units if desired, however you will not have access to the mapping on your computer. City Navigator maps in this format would need to be purchased separately when a new version is released.

Downloadable Content: This content can be purchased and downloaded directly from the Garmin website. This is the quickest method of getting mapping for your next trip. Downloaded maps can be sent to either your GPS unit or a blank datacard. All maps in this format are unlocked to your device and can only be used on the device that they were unlocked to. Similar to the pre-programmed datacards, this mapping is not available on your computer for use in planning routes. City Navigator maps in this format would need to be purchased separately when a new version is released.

[whistlen]

First of all i would have to ask which unit we are talking about?!?

uhhh...it's in the title of this thread.....


So now that I have slammed yah....here's a reminder that I asked for the link to the topo maps and the free ones you had mentioned above.

THANKS!

[MrDotOne]

Slam, LOL...thanks!! Didnt see it

[washerwoman]

Thank you everyone for your advice.

[GeaugaGarmin]

Garmin's topo maps

I'm quite satisfied with an earlier version that's been on my 60CSx since I bought the unit.