Which Computer Program Should I Use To Download BBBike Maps Onto My Garmin Nuvi 500?
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    19 years
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I have had an old Garmin Nuvi 500 for a number of years. It doesn't get much use and can I no longer update City Navigator NT. (Maybe there is a workaround.)
Anyway, I added Open Map Chest Midwest by downloading it onto my computer and using Garmin BaseCamp to install it on the Nuvi 500. It works great.
However, when I install BBBike maps as an .img file on the micro SD card, I can see the BBBike map is on the card. I can even view it using Garmin BaseCamp when the Nuvi is connected to my laptop computer.
However, when I try to look at it on the Nuvi itself, I am only offered Open Map Chest as a choice, not the BBBike map. My best guess on this is that the map needs to be a .gmap format for it to be installed on the computer and then use Garmin BaseCamp to install it on the Nuvi.
Anyway, assuming that I am going down the correct route with this, what is the best way to convert an .img files to .gmap?
When I Google it, I am referred to JaVaWa MapConverter. Would that be a good choice? Has anybody here used this?
https://springerphotographics.com/2014/03/20/convert-garmin-...
Just a thought
Does the BBBike map have segments you need to select and install? For a thread discussing older nuvi models and installing maps, there may be a maximum of 2025 segments for a nuvi to read the .img file. Here's a link to older nuvi map updates using Garmin's Mapsource:
/node/15989
The nuvi 500 also may have a maximum file size, or filename issue.
Mapsource can still be downloaded from Garmin:
https://www8.garmin.com/support/agree.jsp?id=209
How To Convert .IMG Files To .GMAP Files?
Thank you for the reply. I have found that others have had this same challenge. JaVaWa MapConverter states it will convert Garmin maps in the old format to the new .gmap format. I am having trouble dragging the folder (or zipped archive) with the files to the window on the JaVaWa MapConverter. I did get it to drag one time, then JaVaWa stated the .tdb file was missing.
https://www.javawa.nl/mapconverter_en.html
There has also been some discussion of this in the Garmin Forums. MKOHLBECKER stated:
You can do it.
There is a file called basecamp-macos.sh that you download from the bbbike website.
It was include in the download.
Open terminal and navigate to the folder you download. then type "./basecamp-macos.sh " and press enter.
Now you need to wait like 5 minutes.
Then open the folder using finder.
You will see that it created a .dmg disk image open it.
Basecamp will see this disk image just like it sees a gaming device and your map is installed.
I think when it states "Open terminal" it means to use a CMD prompt.
https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software...
BBBike.org suggests this. I am likely missing a step. I need to step away and try this again later.
View a custom Garmin map on your PC
You can open the custom Garmin image on your computer with BaseCamp or QMapShack and view the map.
https://extract.bbbike.org/garmin.html