Step 5: GPS Installation¶

The last step is the simplest: copy the gmapsupp.img file onto the Garmin GPS.

Procedure¶

1. Connect the GPS¶

Connect your Garmin GPS via USB to your computer, or insert the SD card into a reader.

The GPS (or the SD card) appears as a mass storage device.

2. Copy the file¶

# Identify the GPS mount point
lsblk
# or
mount | grep -i garmin

# Copy the file
cp output/gmapsupp.img /media/$USER/GARMIN/Garmin/

# Or to the SD card
cp output/gmapsupp.img /media/$USER/SD_CARD/Garmin/

3. Restart the GPS¶

Safely eject the device, then restart the GPS. The map automatically appears in the map management menu.

Compatible devices¶

These maps are compatible with all Garmin GPS devices supporting additional maps:

Managing multiple maps¶

If you already have a gmapsupp.img file on your GPS (for example an OSM map), rename one of the two to avoid conflicts:

# Rename the existing map
mv /media/$USER/GARMIN/Garmin/gmapsupp.img /media/$USER/GARMIN/Garmin/gmapsupp_osm.img

# Copy the new map
cp output/gmapsupp.img /media/$USER/GARMIN/Garmin/gmapsupp_bdtopo.img

Garmin GPS devices automatically recognize all .img files in the Garmin/ folder, regardless of their name.

Enabling/disabling the map¶

On the GPS, go to Settings > Map > Map Information to enable or disable installed maps. This allows switching between multiple maps without deleting them.

Verification on the GPS¶

Once the map is loaded, verify:

• Roads display correctly (zoom in/out)
• POIs are clickable and display their name
• Polygons (forests, lakes, buildings) are filled with the correct colors
• Routing works (if enabled): calculate a route between two points
• Relief (hill shading) is visible if DEM data was integrated