Monday, January 5, 2009
GPS Map: What is gmapsupp.img file?
gmapsupp.img is the map file which is recognized by Garmin GPS devices. This map file can be transferred into the Garmin GPS devices and you can view the map using the GPS devices.
But, how these maps were created? Definately if you download the free maps from my collection (thanks to malsingmaps.com), you need to convert the files to gmapsupp.img before you can transfer to Garmin GPS devices. This can be done using a small software called sendmap.
Sendmap is developed by cGPSmapper which actually a software to create the map itself. Sendmap will directly compiled all the maps you select from the list into a single file called gmapsupp.img. Sendmap also has a functionality to directly upload the gmapsupp.img into your Garmin GPS devices.
Flow chart below would help us to understand the process:
Below is the snapshot from the sendmap, with includes all the map that I have (Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore & Sabah-Sarawak):
Notice that you can click on the following buttons for different functions:
- Upload maps to GPS: Will create gmapsupp.img and upload directly to the connected Garmin Device
- Create GMAPSUPP.IMG: Will create gmapsupp.img and store locally
- Enter unlock key: Will prompt to enter the unlock key if the map requires unlock key
Again, below are the important links that you may interested:
- Download Sendmap: Scroll down the page and find free sendmap download
- cGPSmapper: Tool to create map, you may read further here
- My Collection of Free Maps: Thanks to malsingmaps.com
- How to view GPS Map on your PC/Laptop?: Check out my previous post “Google Map vs Garmin MapSource”
regards,
aerobrain
