I have a 76CSx that I bought for sailing and a Nuvi255w that I got as a gift from my company (15 year anniversary present). I have a laptop and a desktop, and I'm trying to install everything on both. By "everything", I mean MapSource, nRoute, BlueChart Americas v9.00, and City Navigator North America NT which came with the Nuvi. I purchased the Nuvi Lifetime updates.
When I used the desktop to get the latest Nuvi version, it offered to store it on the PC, so I said YES. CNNA 2010.3 (and 2010.2) both show up in MapSource (6.15.7). I guess I must have said YES when I did my first Nuvi Lifetime update (to get 2010.2).
Looking at this forum, I found MapReverseConverter and ran it on CNNA 2010.3 and like magic it appears in nRoute now. I'm not sure that it's any better than MetroGuide Canada V4 though (I only did a quick check). I did notice that rivers don't show up in CNNA (I had both on HIGHEST detail).
My question really is, How can I get the CNNA map data on my laptop now? WebUpdater doesn't offer to do it. CNNA-NT 2009.1 is on the laptop. I think I did the very first "free after purchase" Nuvi update on the laptop before I bought the Lifetime update package.
Also, is there any reason not to uninstall CNNA 10.2 and other old versions as time goes on? Each version is 1.5GB, plus the conversion done for nRoute. The converter web site says the following, but I haven't been brave enough to do it yet.
"After the conversion process you will have two sets of maps on your PC, the original and the converted one. If you want, you can remove the original files, preferrably through the Control Panel of Windows. Newer versions of MapSource still work with the converted maps, so upgrading MapSource is always possible."
Lastly, down the road if I install 2010.4 and convert it, how do I cleanly remove the converted files for 2010.3? It doesn't show up in the ControlPanel for removal.
When I used the desktop to get the latest Nuvi version, it offered to store it on the PC, so I said YES. CNNA 2010.3 (and 2010.2) both show up in MapSource (6.15.7). I guess I must have said YES when I did my first Nuvi Lifetime update (to get 2010.2).
Looking at this forum, I found MapReverseConverter and ran it on CNNA 2010.3 and like magic it appears in nRoute now. I'm not sure that it's any better than MetroGuide Canada V4 though (I only did a quick check). I did notice that rivers don't show up in CNNA (I had both on HIGHEST detail).
My question really is, How can I get the CNNA map data on my laptop now? WebUpdater doesn't offer to do it. CNNA-NT 2009.1 is on the laptop. I think I did the very first "free after purchase" Nuvi update on the laptop before I bought the Lifetime update package.
Also, is there any reason not to uninstall CNNA 10.2 and other old versions as time goes on? Each version is 1.5GB, plus the conversion done for nRoute. The converter web site says the following, but I haven't been brave enough to do it yet.
"After the conversion process you will have two sets of maps on your PC, the original and the converted one. If you want, you can remove the original files, preferrably through the Control Panel of Windows. Newer versions of MapSource still work with the converted maps, so upgrading MapSource is always possible."
Lastly, down the road if I install 2010.4 and convert it, how do I cleanly remove the converted files for 2010.3? It doesn't show up in the ControlPanel for removal.
Metroguide Canada uses DMTI data while CNNANT uses NavTeq. DMTI is better at things that don't change like rivers, coastlines and railways. Navteq has the edge on updating road data and is gradually adding land features like rivers. I keep both. Topo Canada v4 is also a great routable map with POI data from Metroguide Canada v5 (and also not locked).
As far as I know, Garmin does not limit the number of computers you can install the maps to to use with MapSource. Copy the gmap folder to the appropriate folder on the other computer (the same folder it is in on the working computer if they are the same operating system) and MapSource will find it. You can even use MapReverseConverter again. I am not sure how to use the unlock code that is provided with your download (and at MyGarmin) though.
It is a good idea to at least rename the gmap folder or remove it after making a backup DVD for your other computer (see above). The converted one will work with any version of MapSource from 6.13.7 on and in a worst-case scenario, MapSource could crash if both copies are visible.
There is really no reason to keep older versions of CNNANT. However, I note 2010.2 included mapping data for Mexico. That was not supposed to be there as Garmin sell that data separately and it isn't in 2010.1 or 2010.3. So that might be interesting to keep.
To remove converted version you need to remove the registry keys at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Garmin\MapSource\FamiliesNT. The key name will not be as expected (e.g. CNNANT 2010.2 is FAMILY_205). However, when you expand the key, it will list the product name and where the files are stored. Make a note of the store location, delete both keys (subkey '1' and FAMILY_XXX) then remove the folder at the store location.
Terry
As far as I know, Garmin does not limit the number of computers you can install the maps to to use with MapSource. Copy the gmap folder to the appropriate folder on the other computer (the same folder it is in on the working computer if they are the same operating system) and MapSource will find it. You can even use MapReverseConverter again. I am not sure how to use the unlock code that is provided with your download (and at MyGarmin) though.
It is a good idea to at least rename the gmap folder or remove it after making a backup DVD for your other computer (see above). The converted one will work with any version of MapSource from 6.13.7 on and in a worst-case scenario, MapSource could crash if both copies are visible.
There is really no reason to keep older versions of CNNANT. However, I note 2010.2 included mapping data for Mexico. That was not supposed to be there as Garmin sell that data separately and it isn't in 2010.1 or 2010.3. So that might be interesting to keep.
To remove converted version you need to remove the registry keys at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Garmin\MapSource\FamiliesNT. The key name will not be as expected (e.g. CNNANT 2010.2 is FAMILY_205). However, when you expand the key, it will list the product name and where the files are stored. Make a note of the store location, delete both keys (subkey '1' and FAMILY_XXX) then remove the folder at the store location.
Terry
If you are not comfortable with editing the registry, it helps to export the main key (e.g. FamiliesNT) before you make a change. Just right click on the heading and choose 'Export'. Give the file a name you can remember and note where it is stored (probably 'My Documents') the resulting '.reg' file can be restored to the registry by right clicking on it and choosing 'Merge'.
Of course, once you have successfully removed or added an entry to a section of the registry, you would not want to use those reg files again. You might want to redo the Export procedure from the registry and replace your saved reg files with the new ones.
If you are still uncomfortable changing the registry, see if someone you know can help. Doing the wrong thing can have serious consequences.
Terry
Of course, once you have successfully removed or added an entry to a section of the registry, you would not want to use those reg files again. You might want to redo the Export procedure from the registry and replace your saved reg files with the new ones.
If you are still uncomfortable changing the registry, see if someone you know can help. Doing the wrong thing can have serious consequences.
Terry
Terry, thanks for all the details. I'll digest it and see how it goes. I'm a programmer, but in the UNIX world. I've built and maintained my own Linux machines for over 16 years now but that doesn't prepare one for editing WinXP registries! I'll likely give it a try though.
I was able to install all my BlueChart maps on both machines. It's just the CNNA that is left to do.
I suppose if I really chickened out, I could just wait for the next Nuvi update and do it on the laptop instead of the desktop. I had to switch to the desktop for such things because the laptop disk ran out of space. If I can free up some space this would be a way around it.
You mentioned v5 of Metroguide. Am I right that the product has been discontinued, so I can't get a v5 upgrade anywhere?
I was able to install all my BlueChart maps on both machines. It's just the CNNA that is left to do.
I suppose if I really chickened out, I could just wait for the next Nuvi update and do it on the laptop instead of the desktop. I had to switch to the desktop for such things because the laptop disk ran out of space. If I can free up some space this would be a way around it.
You mentioned v5 of Metroguide. Am I right that the product has been discontinued, so I can't get a v5 upgrade anywhere?
If you are familiar with UNIX and Linux, I can't see how the registry would present any challenge! I was more concerned you might be a beginner.
Bluechart maps are in Families rather than FamiliesNT but otherwise the same layout. Your Metroguide Canada will be in Families too.
Check the local suppliers GPS Central and GPS City, both in Calgary. I'm sure one will have MetroGuide Canada v5. It was only released this year. Although if you don't already have that, Topo Canada v4 might be a better buy as it has everything MGC v5 has plus topo information. They can probably show you what is available. I like GPS Central as I have been there but check prices.
Terry
Bluechart maps are in Families rather than FamiliesNT but otherwise the same layout. Your Metroguide Canada will be in Families too.
Check the local suppliers GPS Central and GPS City, both in Calgary. I'm sure one will have MetroGuide Canada v5. It was only released this year. Although if you don't already have that, Topo Canada v4 might be a better buy as it has everything MGC v5 has plus topo information. They can probably show you what is available. I like GPS Central as I have been there but check prices.
Terry
Hi Rick,
As Terry said, DMTI's data -- used in Garmin's Metroguide Canada and Topo Canada -- is hugely superior to Navteq's data (City Navigator) for geographical features. The differences are especially notable with hydrology (river, lakes, streams). But Navteq is much more up to date in the cities with street grids and address data for newer subdivisions than Metroguide Canada.
Both have different POI lists.
Like Terry, I have both. When I'm tooling along in the countryside I much prefer the geographical accuracy of Metroguide Canda. But in a strange city I prefer the fact the City Navigator will almost certainly be more up to date.
I'm ambivalent about the suggestion some folks have made to just go with Topo Canada v4 rather than Metroguide Canada v5. Yes, Topo Canada v4 has everything in it that Metroguide Canada v5 does: routable road data, POIs, etc. Everything, as near as I can determine. Plus it has additional topographic data, including smaller hydrology features, smaller roads and trails.
And therein lies my problem. Topographic maps mean contour lines. That's great if you're plonking about in the boonies. It's a nuisance in the middle of downtown Calgary when you just want to find Mountain Equipment Coop among all those dang one-way streets - a navigational problem of a whole different order.
...ken...
As Terry said, DMTI's data -- used in Garmin's Metroguide Canada and Topo Canada -- is hugely superior to Navteq's data (City Navigator) for geographical features. The differences are especially notable with hydrology (river, lakes, streams). But Navteq is much more up to date in the cities with street grids and address data for newer subdivisions than Metroguide Canada.
Both have different POI lists.
Like Terry, I have both. When I'm tooling along in the countryside I much prefer the geographical accuracy of Metroguide Canda. But in a strange city I prefer the fact the City Navigator will almost certainly be more up to date.
I'm ambivalent about the suggestion some folks have made to just go with Topo Canada v4 rather than Metroguide Canada v5. Yes, Topo Canada v4 has everything in it that Metroguide Canada v5 does: routable road data, POIs, etc. Everything, as near as I can determine. Plus it has additional topographic data, including smaller hydrology features, smaller roads and trails.
And therein lies my problem. Topographic maps mean contour lines. That's great if you're plonking about in the boonies. It's a nuisance in the middle of downtown Calgary when you just want to find Mountain Equipment Coop among all those dang one-way streets - a navigational problem of a whole different order.
...ken...