Instructions for Garmin | TrakMaps
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Install or update your Garmin map

TrakUpdate installs and updates your TrakMaps purchase on your computer and GPS for you. Download it, run it, and follow the prompts — that's the whole job.

Download TrakUpdate for Windows On a Mac? Download for Mac

  • 1. DownloadGrab the installer above — it matches your computer automatically.
  • 2. Run itOpen the file and follow the setup steps, then launch TrakUpdate.
  • 3. RelaxPlug in your GPS or card. TrakUpdate handles the install and updates.

Having trouble installing?

Set up your GPS

A one-time setup after TrakUpdate finishes. Answer two questions and we'll show only the steps that apply to you.

How did your map arrive?
Do you want turn-by-turn directions on trails?

Insert the card

Insert the microSD card into your GPS unit's card slot - use the SD adapter if your unit takes full-size SD cards.

Transfer the map to your GPS

Downloaded maps are sent to your unit with Garmin MapInstall (installed with BaseCamp).

  1. Connect your GPS (or its card) to the computer
  2. Windows: press the Windows key on your keyboard > type MapInstall > select Garmin MapInstall
    Mac: Finder > Applications > select Garmin MapInstall
  3. Follow the steps in Garmin MapInstall to send your TrakMaps map to the unit

Enable the map

  1. Turn on your GPS unit
  2. Choose Setup or Tools or Settings
  3. Choose Maps
  4. Choose Select Map or Map Information or Configure Maps
  5. Enable your TrakMaps map and disable all other maps
Want a topographic base (eg. TrakMaps TOPO) displayed below a transparent TrakMaps map? Enable both the topographic map and the transparent map, and disable all other maps. Please note that turn by turn directions will not work with this setup.

Certain units may present these menus differently. Refer to your Garmin Owner's Manual for more information.

Pick a routing mode

Without this, the GPS unit may generate a straight line as the route instead of following trails.

  1. Choose Setup or Tools or Settings
  2. Choose Routing
  3. Select Car or Automobile
When creating a route, make sure that the start and end of the route are on a routable trail, otherwise you will receive routing error messages or a straight line. You can create routes segment by segment if certain parts of your route are not routable.

Certain units may present these menus differently. Refer to your Garmin Owner's Manual for more information.

Raise the level of detail

  1. Choose Setup or Tools or Settings
  2. Choose Maps
  3. Choose Advanced Map Setup
  4. Set Detail to Highest

If your GPS unit slows down after this step, a lower level of detail is recommended.

Planning trips on your computer?

You can view your map and plan routes in Garmin BaseCamp. Most people never need this - it's here if you do.

Open BaseCamp with your map connected

Connect your GPS (or insert the map's card into your computer), then:

  • Windows: press the Windows key on your keyboard > type BaseCamp > select Garmin BaseCamp
  • Mac: Finder > Applications > select Garmin BaseCamp

Select the map

In the top menubar, choose Maps > [Your TrakMaps map]

Garmin BaseCamp

Raise the level of detail

  • Windows: click the View menu > Toolbars > check Detail Level, then set the new dropdown below the File menu (usually Medium) to Highest
  • Mac: move the Detail slider (located below the map) to the right

Need a hand?

Our support team installs these maps every day - we'll walk you through it.

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