How to Export TOPO to a Garmin GPS

One of the convenient features of Garmin GPS devices is the ability to upgrade existing maps and install new maps. Topographical maps (also called TOPO maps) are one of the kinds of maps that Garmin owners can purchase and install for their GPS devices. While it does not come at a cheap price ($99.99 as of December 2010), if you need a TOPO map for your Garmin GPS, this is the only way to get one.

Things You'll Need

• Garmin USB cable
• 3.05+ GB available space on Garmin (either microSD/SD card or internal storage)

Instructions

1. Connect your Garmin GPS to a USB port in your computer via the Garmin USB cable.

2. Purchase your Garmin Topographical Map by visiting the Garmin TOPO Web page (see Resources) and clicking on the "Add To Cart" button.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your purchase and install the Garmin Communicator Plugin (required for transferring the map to your GPS). Once your purchase is completed and the plugin is installed, you will be prompted to download the map to your GPS. Follow the prompts to initialize the process. Once initialized, the TOPO map will be automatically exported to your Garmin GPS.

References

• Garmin: TOPO Map

Resources

• Garmin: TOPO Map