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Buying an Edge 530 the UK for use in Canada

if I purchase an Edge 530 in the UK will the mapping / navigation also work elseware in the world or are the maps preloaded in these units specific to the region they’re sold in? What do users do when they travel to a different region ( Canada)? Do they have to manually upload new maps for at region? Thx

0 peteb478 over 5 years ago

It'll work but units are region-specific so a unit from the UK with have european maps pre-installed. You can then either purchase the official Garmin Canadian maps or do what most people do and download the routable maps from here: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ and follow these instructions: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/08/how-to-install-free-maps-on-your-garmin-edge.html

But you'll not have any Garmin popularity data....

0 Martin over 5 years ago

I have a Garmin Edge 530 I use in Namibia I bought in Germany.

My Maps are for Europe, and Trailforks is worldwide...

I downloaded open bike map maps onto the device and I'm using that. Feels like these are more detailed maps anyways.

I also have open source Topo map installed, but don't see myself using it.

But as Pete pointed out, open source maps are the best option and DC Rainmaker has a good tutorial on how to instal open bike openfiets maps.

0 DINO.CERASA over 5 years ago in reply to Martin

Perfect, thank you for the reply Martin & Pete. I'll proceed with the opensource maps option. Just curious... If I'd purchase the official Garmin maps, will it include the popularity data? I'd assume it's a feature that's important in being routed on more cycling friendly routes that have been used by others instead of highways.

0 Martin over 5 years ago in reply to DINO.CERASA

I'm not sure the popularity data, sorry.

0 DINO.CERASA over 5 years ago in reply to Martin

OK thank you for your help, I'll have to research this a bit further.

0 dpawlyk over 5 years ago in reply to DINO.CERASA

You won't get updates to the Garmin maps you purchase, it appears.

You do get updates for the map the device comes with.

0 peteb478 over 5 years ago in reply to DINO.CERASA

The spec for the additional Garmin cycling maps doesn't actually mention popularity data but I'd assume it's there, if there's enough data from riders in that area for Garmin to add it as a layer in the map. However only you can decide whether it's needed.

If you 'll be using the unit in a populated area with many roads then the popularity data may be useful. If you're using it in the middle of nowhere and there's only one road then you don't really need it ;-)