downloading maps from ND GNF website

I couldn't get it to work by writting to the card while in the GPS unit.  I downloaded the file to my computer and then wrote the file to the SD card (used a usb card reader/writer I got at Wallmart for about 10 bucks).

Link? I've had issues finding it. Thanks.

I downloaded all of them to my Garmin Colorado last winter without any issues.  I do believe I had to DL them to my computer, then to my SD card.  If I figure out exactly what I did, ill send you a pm.

gf.nd.gov/maps/gps-install.html


Heres the link to the instructions/map page

What model are you using?

I am using a Garmin Nuvi 1300 LM.  I tried to download it from the website to my computer and then onto the microsd card.  Were any of  you that did it able to open it up on your computer?  Mine won't open.  I inserted the card to my Garmin, but it doesn't seem to read it.  I haven't tried to contact Garmin.  That will probably be my next step, but I didn't want to do it until I knew for sure that it wasn't an issue with the download.  It appears when I put the card into my computer that there is a file on the card, so assume its on there.  Just not sure if it copied to the card correctly.  Anyone know what type of file its supposed to show up as on the card??

Does anybody know if this would work for a Lowrance H2O GPS?

The map only work on Garmin because they unlocked thier protocols.  Other GPS brands like Lowrance have proprietory protocols..

Once you have the maps loaded into your GPS, you need to go to your system tools and turn the map layers on.

Also, dont forget to extract the files from the downloaded folder. I believe the maps are in .zip format. You need a program such as winrar or 7zip (which is free) in order to do this.

Its going to be different for each unit.  You need to make sure which mapset your garmin supports.

Download the mapset to your desktop...Right click on the file...select "extract to" (which will only be an option if you have an extraction utility on your computer) extract it back to your desktop or onto your card.

All of the instructions should be on the link I poster above.

thanks for the ideas.  i'm sure it is my error, but i thought i followed the directions fairly closely.  i will have to try it again tonight when i got home.

Where are you located?

I believe there are two ways to get them to work. All depends on your gps unit.

1: place all the .img files inside a maps (or might be garmin)  folder on your sd card
 

2: all .img must be combined into one .img file called gmapsupp.img and placed into a folder named garmin on the sd card

I had to use option 2 to get it work with my gps unit.

Timbuk-2 Said:
The map only work on Garmin because they unlocked thier protocols.  Other GPS brands like Lowrance have proprietory protocols..

Once you have the maps loaded into your GPS, you need to go to your system tools and turn the map layers on.

I don't see how to turn the map layers on with my GPS??

Finally got it to work tonight.  Thanks for all the help.  I think my problem is that i didn't make a seperate "garmin" folder on my sd card and put the .img file in that folder.  I just copied the .img file directly to the card. 

I also tried and couldn't get them to work.  I just have a Garmin Etrex.  There's no SD card.  I'm afraid if I load it directly onto the memory on the unit, it'll wipe out my base maps.