How to Upload Scanned Maps to a GPS

While many GPS units come pre-programmed with maps, its useful to be able to scan and upload your own maps to your GPS as well. Using a scanner and uploading your maps will not only give you the freedom to upload any map you'd like, it can save you money because you won't have to buy any maps online. Read on to learn how to upload scanned maps to a GPS.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scanner
• Maps
• GPS unit
• USB cable
• Computer

1. Choose which maps you'd like to upload to your GPS. It's best to use maps that will fit completely on your scanner. It is possible to scan sections of maps and them piece them together using photo-editing software, but this can be extremely difficult to do well.

2. Scan you maps. Place the maps on your scanner and scan them to your computer. Use a resolution between 96 and 150 DPI. Save each map in as a relatively small sized file, such as a jpeg.

3. Calibrate the map using longitudes and latitudes. Google Earth is a simple tool to help you do this. Use at least five points for best results.

4. Connect your GPS unit to your computer using the USB cord. Open the GPS software if it doesn't open automatically. Copy and paste, or upload your files from the computer to the appropriate drive on your GPS unit.

5. Test your maps for accuracy. Compare the newly uploaded maps on your GPS to the paper maps you scanned in to ensure your scans were accurate. If everything looks good, disconnect your GPS unit and enjoy your new maps.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need a high resolution for your scans. This will create files that are too large and will take up too much memory on your GPS.
• Make sure to calibrate your maps using longitude and latitude or the maps will be inaccurate.

Resources

• More information on uploading scanned maps to GPS
• Garmin GPS units
• Tom Tom GPS units