garmin edge 705- which map

mrs_baggins

I am waiting here for my new garmin 705 to be delivered. I dont know much about them yet but I do know that the base map it comes with is pretty useless.

I know there are maps to buy on sd cards but have no idea which one I should be getting as there are just so many. also someone said there are free (legal) maps I can also download but have no idea which. I really only will use bike for leisure trips in uk and to generally get about so dont need map in great detail I guess. if someone could point me in the right direction i would be grateful

KiwiCrazy

The map that comes with it should be fine, you will just get the free default UK & Ireland map pack, which sounds like will suite you fine.

mrs_baggins

KiwiCrazy wrote: »

The map that comes with it should be fine, you will just get the free default UK & Ireland map pack, which sounds like will suite you fine.

its just that someone told me the base map it comes with is no good generally for cycling as it either takes you down a roads or motorway neither of which is what I want!!

fwor

The Garmin basemaps are indeed very low detail. IIRC they show only major roads, and nothing but the basics (rivers, lakes, etc) away from built up areas.

What to get will depend on level of detail and whether you want the map to be routable (i.e. if you want to use it as a traditional satnav).

If you want it to use as a conventional satnav then the City Navigator maps may be appropriate - but I don't think these will be any good for footpaths and bridleways.

The UK topo is good for detail (some say it shows too much, but I'm fairly sure there is a setting to reduce detail displayed) but is not AFAIK routable. However, you ~can~ use Mapsource on a PC to define your own waypoints/routes and load them onto the device - if it's like the older Garmin units, doing this directly on the device itself is pretty tedious.

JJ_Egan

Lose yourself in the ride without losing your way. Edge 705 comes with a built-in basemap, plus it has a microSD™ card slot for adding map detail and storing workouts, courses and saved rides. Just plug in detailed MapSource® City Navigator® street maps on a preloaded data card and get turn-by-turn directions on a sunlight-readable, colour display as you pedal. Add optional topo mapping for your off-road adventures. Edge snaps easily into the included bike mount to guide you to your destination.


Looks like you need off road maps added .Reading that from the sales pitch .

Bike Radar review .
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/gps-devices/product/edge-705-31875

Dummies Guide
http://frank.kinlan.co.uk/garmin-705-knowledgebase/


There are free open source maps available . Ordnance Survey , gvSIG Open Cloudmade etc .

Suitable for that model dont know you would need to check .


jje