Hi there,
First of all I would hail you for the great job that you're doing in here.
I have ThinkPad T400 with built-in gps hardware and it's working very smoothly, the problem is that I live in the Middle East (Kuwait) and I'm searching for 3 days for a software which will provide me with streets details for this area in the world (I think it's forgetton by the GPS companies), I've downloaded trial version for the Streets & Trips 2009 but with no luck, it just mark my position in Kuwait but with no map details, is there any software would help me?, I don't care about the price because I really need it.
If there is no suitable software for my needs, can I use the cars navigation dvd?, because they're working perfect in here
Your help would be appreciated, thanks in Advance guys.
First of all I would hail you for the great job that you're doing in here.
I have ThinkPad T400 with built-in gps hardware and it's working very smoothly, the problem is that I live in the Middle East (Kuwait) and I'm searching for 3 days for a software which will provide me with streets details for this area in the world (I think it's forgetton by the GPS companies), I've downloaded trial version for the Streets & Trips 2009 but with no luck, it just mark my position in Kuwait but with no map details, is there any software would help me?, I don't care about the price because I really need it.
If there is no suitable software for my needs, can I use the cars navigation dvd?, because they're working perfect in here
Your help would be appreciated, thanks in Advance guys.
Hello and welcome to Laptop GPS World. I hope this can help.
Here's one solution .. Garmin MapSource City Navigator Middle East v2. You can see a couple of reviews on that page as well as the product description.
You would need Garmin software for your laptop to use these maps. You will have two options. The maps will come with a program called Mapsource on the DVD. This program has many of the same features of Streets & Trips for trip planning, etc. It also allows you to download maps into Garmin personal navigation devices (you'll see in a minute why this is important). But Mapsource is not a navigation program. It will not see your GPS or use its data.
So the first option is to download a free program from Garmin. It's name is nRoute. It works very much like Mapsource in its commands and menus but it is the navigation program. It knows how to use your GPS to follow routes and give you driving instructions.
One drawback with nRoute is that it only wants to work with data that is transmitted in the Garmin proprietary protocol from a Garmin GPS receiver. That is easily solved with a utility program called Franson's GPSGate. It is inexpensive and has a free trial period. So you can buy the Garmin Middle East maps, download nRoute and GPSGate and try them at no cost except the maps. If you like that solution you can purchase GPSGate and you're done.
The other option is that you can purchase Garmin Mobile PC - Software-only version for either North America or Europe. It doesn't matter which one because you won't be using the maps that are preloaded in it anyway. You can use the Mapsource program that comes on the City Navigator Middle East DVD to download the Middle East maps into the Mobile PC program. The software-only version of Mobile PC will work with non-Garmin GPS receivers so it should work with the internal GPS in your laptop.
The reason you might choose to use Mobile PC instead of the nRoute navigation program is only because it uses a different interface that is more modern-looking. The interface and the map display look very much like the Nuvi personal navigation devices that Garmin sells. It also has text-to-speech that speaks the names of streets and roads when it is giving directions. nRoute will say "Turn right in 100 metres". Mobile PC will say "Turn right at Main Street".
The language used for voice guidance might be an issue for you. Both programs have excellent on-screen guidance graphics.
I hope that helps and is not too confusing.
...ken...
Here's one solution .. Garmin MapSource City Navigator Middle East v2. You can see a couple of reviews on that page as well as the product description.
You would need Garmin software for your laptop to use these maps. You will have two options. The maps will come with a program called Mapsource on the DVD. This program has many of the same features of Streets & Trips for trip planning, etc. It also allows you to download maps into Garmin personal navigation devices (you'll see in a minute why this is important). But Mapsource is not a navigation program. It will not see your GPS or use its data.
So the first option is to download a free program from Garmin. It's name is nRoute. It works very much like Mapsource in its commands and menus but it is the navigation program. It knows how to use your GPS to follow routes and give you driving instructions.
One drawback with nRoute is that it only wants to work with data that is transmitted in the Garmin proprietary protocol from a Garmin GPS receiver. That is easily solved with a utility program called Franson's GPSGate. It is inexpensive and has a free trial period. So you can buy the Garmin Middle East maps, download nRoute and GPSGate and try them at no cost except the maps. If you like that solution you can purchase GPSGate and you're done.
The other option is that you can purchase Garmin Mobile PC - Software-only version for either North America or Europe. It doesn't matter which one because you won't be using the maps that are preloaded in it anyway. You can use the Mapsource program that comes on the City Navigator Middle East DVD to download the Middle East maps into the Mobile PC program. The software-only version of Mobile PC will work with non-Garmin GPS receivers so it should work with the internal GPS in your laptop.
The reason you might choose to use Mobile PC instead of the nRoute navigation program is only because it uses a different interface that is more modern-looking. The interface and the map display look very much like the Nuvi personal navigation devices that Garmin sells. It also has text-to-speech that speaks the names of streets and roads when it is giving directions. nRoute will say "Turn right in 100 metres". Mobile PC will say "Turn right at Main Street".
The language used for voice guidance might be an issue for you. Both programs have excellent on-screen guidance graphics.
I hope that helps and is not too confusing.
...ken...
Thanks for your full of valuable details reply!, I really appreciate it and you answered alot of questions in my mind, I think I'm gonna use the second solution that you provided, in each case I will give you my feedback about it as soon as I try it, Thanks again
I must apologize. I made a major error in the options.
To understand the mistake, you must first understand how Garmin maps work. The maps are locked. This is a form of copy protection. That is, the maps will not work on just any GPS unit you want to use. When you buy the maps and install them on your PC the Mapsource program will launch an Unlock Wizard. To get the unlock code for your maps you require the serial number of a Garmin GPS device.
So, for both options you need a Garmin GPS receiver. You need it so you can unlock the maps or they will not work at all.
For the first option, with nRoute, you do not need to use the Garmin receiver. You just need to have the serial number of a Garmin receiver to unlock the maps. Once they are unlocked in Mapsource, the nRoute program will use them with GPSGate and the internal GPS in your laptop.
For the second option, you will need to purchase one of the Mobile PC hardware bundles. The best option is probably the bundle with the GPS10x Bluetooth receiver. This is an excellent GPS receiver. But in this option you will need to use the Garmin GPS receiver. Mobile PC will know that the maps are unlocked for only a specific Garmin receiver and will look for it. If it doesn't see it it will not use the maps.
I apologize for not remembering that in describing the possible options. Garmin does not make it easy to use non-Garmin receivers with their maps.
I hope I have not made this more confusing.
If I am overlooking something, perhaps Terry Cassidy can say something. He has more experience with using Mobile PC and a built-in GPS receiver.
...ken...
To understand the mistake, you must first understand how Garmin maps work. The maps are locked. This is a form of copy protection. That is, the maps will not work on just any GPS unit you want to use. When you buy the maps and install them on your PC the Mapsource program will launch an Unlock Wizard. To get the unlock code for your maps you require the serial number of a Garmin GPS device.
So, for both options you need a Garmin GPS receiver. You need it so you can unlock the maps or they will not work at all.
For the first option, with nRoute, you do not need to use the Garmin receiver. You just need to have the serial number of a Garmin receiver to unlock the maps. Once they are unlocked in Mapsource, the nRoute program will use them with GPSGate and the internal GPS in your laptop.
For the second option, you will need to purchase one of the Mobile PC hardware bundles. The best option is probably the bundle with the GPS10x Bluetooth receiver. This is an excellent GPS receiver. But in this option you will need to use the Garmin GPS receiver. Mobile PC will know that the maps are unlocked for only a specific Garmin receiver and will look for it. If it doesn't see it it will not use the maps.
I apologize for not remembering that in describing the possible options. Garmin does not make it easy to use non-Garmin receivers with their maps.
I hope I have not made this more confusing.
If I am overlooking something, perhaps Terry Cassidy can say something. He has more experience with using Mobile PC and a built-in GPS receiver.
...ken...
There are some discussions in the Garmin Mobile PC section of this forum.
You can look at this thread for some information of others who are using Mobile PC for other parts of the world that require maps to be added.
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/937-garmin-mobile-pc-outside-usa-canada
Also looks for a couple of discussions about New Zealand and Australia maps that are being used with Mobile PC. And there are discussions about transferring maps from Mapsource to Mobile PC.
...ken...
You can look at this thread for some information of others who are using Mobile PC for other parts of the world that require maps to be added.
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/937-garmin-mobile-pc-outside-usa-canada
Also looks for a couple of discussions about New Zealand and Australia maps that are being used with Mobile PC. And there are discussions about transferring maps from Mapsource to Mobile PC.
...ken...
If the Middle East map is locked, you would need a Garmin GPS to unlock it to. The least expensive solution may be the Mobile PC hardware package including a BT 10x (our favourite) or USB 20x. Others have purchased Garmin GPS18 USB packages for a good price. This would also provide you with a device to unlock the map to.
In either case, as soon as the map is unlocked, you could use it with MapSource, nRoute and GPS Gate. This would allow you to use your own GPS.
If the map is not locked, it could be loaded directly (via MapSource) into a software only version of Mobile PC. Unfortunately, myself and others have had difficulty with the later versions of Mobile PC identifying our internal GPS devices. I have an ASUS UMPC with an internal GPS on COM 2. Mobile PC has been unable to connect to it since version 5.00.10 and I still don't know why not. It works with other navigation programs and also GPS Gate.
Terry
In either case, as soon as the map is unlocked, you could use it with MapSource, nRoute and GPS Gate. This would allow you to use your own GPS.
If the map is not locked, it could be loaded directly (via MapSource) into a software only version of Mobile PC. Unfortunately, myself and others have had difficulty with the later versions of Mobile PC identifying our internal GPS devices. I have an ASUS UMPC with an internal GPS on COM 2. Mobile PC has been unable to connect to it since version 5.00.10 and I still don't know why not. It works with other navigation programs and also GPS Gate.
Terry
Actually I have Garmin GPS receiver for my boat but with no maps, I just use the gps and save some locations, so that, the receiver is not a problem for me but the problem is I don't want to use an external receiver for my laptop, I've paid alot of money just to make my laptop works with no external things, extended battery, WWAN with $100 subscribtion per month and because of that I'm gonna choose the first option instead of Mobile PC.
I think this information made to think of a couple of questions, can I use the same copy of maps for my Garmin GPS Receiver and my laptop or should I buy two copies of these maps?, does these maps contain sea details (coral reef for example)?, if not, is there any maps for the sea details?
I hope this discussion for enjoyable for you guys because I don't want you to be bored and get a headache :P
Thanks
I think this information made to think of a couple of questions, can I use the same copy of maps for my Garmin GPS Receiver and my laptop or should I buy two copies of these maps?, does these maps contain sea details (coral reef for example)?, if not, is there any maps for the sea details?
I hope this discussion for enjoyable for you guys because I don't want you to be bored and get a headache :P
Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossoneri85
I hope this discussion for enjoyable for you guys because I don't want you to be bored and get a headache :P
What model Garmin GPS do you have? I have a Garmin GPS10x and eTrex Legend HCx.
The City Navigator series of maps are road maps so there is very little to help with navigation on water. You would need one of Garmin's Blue Chart series for that sort of information. Here is the Blue Chart coverage for Region AW005 - The Gulf and the Red Sea.
If you want to see what any of Garmin's road maps look like, you can use Garmin's online map viewer. It's slow and the display is not as good as it will look on your laptop but you can check to see if it contains the details you need. If you go to this page you can click in the diagram the link that says "Click to view a detailed interactive map" and you will be able to view the actual map for the Middle East.
If you use nRoute, you can use the same copy of the maps for your GPS receiver and for your laptop. Once the maps are unlocked for your GPS receiver you can use the Mapsource program that comes with the maps to download them to your GPS receiver. Once the maps are installed and unlocked in Mapsource, nRoute will use them, too.
nRoute will use any maps that are installed and unlocked in Mapsource. You do not have to load them into nRoute. It automatically sees everything that is installed in Mapsource. You need GPSGate because nRoute does not use the NMEA data protocol. So GPSGate will take the generic NMEA data protocol from your internal GPS receiver and translate it to the Garmin proprietary data protocol for nRoute to use.
...ken...
This kind of information that you provided me is very hard to get, I think you need to sell them next time instead of giving them free!, you will make alot of money :P
That's great, in the next few days I will go to a local GPS store and buy the maps, I've noticed that there are several versions, if I bought an old version is it possible to update it through the internet?. And about the bluecharts I've viewed few screenshots of them but I need to make research on them to check out which kind of information they provide, because what I need in the sea is what is the geological structure of each spot, kind of rocks, depth, coral reefs, ....etc.
My GPS receiver is Garmin GPSmap 60CS, what's your evaluation for this receiver?
That's great, in the next few days I will go to a local GPS store and buy the maps, I've noticed that there are several versions, if I bought an old version is it possible to update it through the internet?. And about the bluecharts I've viewed few screenshots of them but I need to make research on them to check out which kind of information they provide, because what I need in the sea is what is the geological structure of each spot, kind of rocks, depth, coral reefs, ....etc.
My GPS receiver is Garmin GPSmap 60CS, what's your evaluation for this receiver?
I provided technical support and managed technical support groups for many years of my professional career. Now I do it for fun. :rofl"
I am pretty sure it will not be possible to download map updates for either City Navigator or Blue Charts from the internet. It will only be possible to use the internet to order the update CD or DVD.
I have no experience with the Blue Charts so I can't answer any detail questions about them. If you are familiar with paper charts, the list of paper charts that they are based on will probably tell you what you need to know.
The GPSMAP60CS is a good receiver. The only possible concern might be the amount of internal memory available to load maps. There is no memory card slot on that model (only on the 60CSx) so you can only load what will fit in the internal memory. That probably won't be a problem for the road maps of your region. I don't have any idea how large the Blue Charts will be.
If it is useful, with the correct cable your 60CS can also be connected to the computer to use as an external GPS receiver.
...ken...
I am pretty sure it will not be possible to download map updates for either City Navigator or Blue Charts from the internet. It will only be possible to use the internet to order the update CD or DVD.
I have no experience with the Blue Charts so I can't answer any detail questions about them. If you are familiar with paper charts, the list of paper charts that they are based on will probably tell you what you need to know.
The GPSMAP60CS is a good receiver. The only possible concern might be the amount of internal memory available to load maps. There is no memory card slot on that model (only on the 60CSx) so you can only load what will fit in the internal memory. That probably won't be a problem for the road maps of your region. I don't have any idea how large the Blue Charts will be.
If it is useful, with the correct cable your 60CS can also be connected to the computer to use as an external GPS receiver.
...ken...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossoneri85
I hope this discussion for enjoyable for you guys because I don't want you to be bored and get a headache :P
I envy you Ken, you're in love with your career!
Well Marvin, to be honest I started to enjoy it also! :P
Good news guys, I bought the maps and everything working with the MapSource, nRoute and GpsGate!, now if I want to but the GpsGate, should I buy the standard or express one?
Now I'm facing a problem with my GPSmap 60CS, my laptop detect it and everything is fine and even can send data from the receiver to the laptop but when I try to send from the laptop to the receiver, MapSource can't detect the receiver!, everything is up to date and I reinstalled the USB drivers with no use, any clue?
Well Marvin, to be honest I started to enjoy it also! :P
Good news guys, I bought the maps and everything working with the MapSource, nRoute and GpsGate!, now if I want to but the GpsGate, should I buy the standard or express one?
Now I'm facing a problem with my GPSmap 60CS, my laptop detect it and everything is fine and even can send data from the receiver to the laptop but when I try to send from the laptop to the receiver, MapSource can't detect the receiver!, everything is up to date and I reinstalled the USB drivers with no use, any clue?