OSM map install and selection

i'm looking at map usage and not so much people talk about it.
i'm a user of this OSM kind map http://www.freizeitkarte-osm.de/garmin/en/regions.html

Does anybody already try to install an OSM map from Basecamp?
How do you select between the intalled map and the original one from Garmin?
Any return of experience due to high density of info with elevation lines and multiple colors?

Thx for sharing feedbacks
  • I haven't tried maps from that source but I use OSM based maps too. (Eg. opentopomap.org, alternativalibres.org, garmin.openstreetmap.nl)

    I don't have information for Basecamp but for the watch it's easy. In order to use the maps just copy the img file to your watch and high probably watch will select it as map for all activities. On the watch start an activity, press and hold menu key and go to activity settings. There go to Map > Configure maps and enable or disable the maps you want to use. Contour lines are supported and haven't seen any issues yet.
  • I haven't tried maps from that source but I use OSM based maps too. (Eg. opentopomap.org, alternativalibres.org, garmin.openstreetmap.nl)

    I don't have information for Basecamp but for the watch it's easy. In order to use the maps just copy the img file to your watch and high probably watch will select it as map for all activities. On the watch start an activity, press and hold menu key and go to activity settings. There go to Map > Configure maps and enable or disable the maps you want to use. Contour lines are supported and haven't seen any issues yet.

    Thx for the hint, i've installed my OSM version and it works perfectly after right map selection into map setting.
    Elevation curves are well displayed and screen performance refresh is not worst than with original garmin map. I'll test on the trail now.
    Only concern is the low constrast on my version, which is probably not the best for Fenix. Would be great to share your version or typ file?
  • Thx for the hint, i've installed my OSM version and it works perfectly after right map selection into map setting.
    Elevation curves are well displayed and screen performance refresh is not worst than with original garmin map. I'll test on the trail now.
    Only concern is the low constrast on my version, which is probably not the best for Fenix. Would be great to share your version or typ file?


    Yesterday I tried many different maps with those from freizekarte... Actually I liked them, they display a lot of objects. But they don't display most POIs, instead just show DOTS. Also they are not updated as frequent as other maps, once in two months I think. Additionally thie contour lines were not detailed too, divided by 20 meters altitude. Also I couldn't find a good enough TYP file that I like. Some display buildings etc. good while forests are coloured pale, or vice versa.

    During my bike ride in forest yesterday, I used the map from frikart.no, that's a good alternative too.
  • 2 years later, i'm asking myself again what could be the best OSM map to use for hiking and mountain biking. Any good clue from European people as i'm in France ?

  • Hi! i use the garmin default maps, as i think they works best with all the functions of the watch. but i overlay the elevation contour lines from http://garmin.opentopomap.org. works great for Europe. or i use both maps it. 

    you can download the country you want. put both maps on it, and just active the contour lines. to see the garmin original data.

    greetings from Austria, Mario

  • I use the maps from http://garmin.opentopomap.org too. Garmin maps don't have all the paths inside the forest but OSM ones have. So I prefer OSM maps as they enable me to find the shortest road to humanity when I'm somewhere inside the forest. :D 

  • Have a look at talkytoaster  maps. Loads of detail and work great on my 5X.