edge 530 base map

If you buy the unit in Europe it will come with European maps installed.

That's good information -- thanks.  Second question, usually when I hear "BASE" I assume there is a better version of that same item --- is that true here?  or is Base maps all the maps I'll need to navigate (on bike) all the streets throughout Europe?

In Garmin terms the base map is a map of the whole world with very limited details.

The 530 comes with detailed road maps for the region it is sold in. So a European unit will have detailed maps of Europe pre-loaded that will allow turn-by-turn navigation

The 830 comes with an additional POI (Point of interest map) that allows address searching and selection of stores and other locations that the unit can build a route to.

Thanks again, I think I only have 1 additional question.   Let's say I go for a ride, Let's also say I'm only using the 530 as a speedometer (cadence, speed, HR, time), I then get lost (I'm known to do that), will the map function provide me directions back to my home.  

Yes there is a back to start function that allows you to select the most direct route or the reverse of the route you have taken. 

If you create a saved location for your home you can also select navigation to a location.

Thanks again.  your help is much appreciated.

Hi, I bought the 530 but lost te base map. Is it possible to download it somewhere? 

you can find free maps for the whole world on open street map....a bit of googling will show you how to install

Just received mine. Bought in the UK. No map. 

There is something wrong if a new unit has no regional or base map on it. If it sold out of region it may have the wrong regional maps on it.

In term of the base map there are 2 different versions depending on what region the unit is built for.

Here is the base map for NA units

www.dropbox.com/.../gmapbmap.img