Create your own Garmin Maps from OSM

[FrankB]

For anyone who:

- Wants to create their own up-to-date Garmin maps based on OSM data.
- Runs Windows (10, 11) 64 bits on a powerful computer.
- Is willing to install some software, including 64 Bits Java.
- Has patience enough to wait for the creation of the maps.

I would like to bring to your attention a GUI for mkgmap(https://www.mkgmap.org.uk/) I have named the program MakeGmap, and it can be downloaded from: https://github.com/FrankBijnen/MakeGmap
There you will also find screenshots, getting started and the source code.

The ‘sample projects’ include maps suitable for Basecamp/Mapsource and for Hiking Gps (tested on Dakota 20), Cycling Gps (tested on Edge 1030) and Motorbike Gps (tested on Zumo XT)

Frank

- I have no commercial interest whatsoever in this.
- An almost indispensable tool here is JaVaWa GMTK: https://www.javawa.nl/gmtk.html
- Legal statement: The programme is free under the GPL 3.0 licence, including source code. It contains third-party parts, which have been approached for approval where possible, and are mentioned in the Credits.

[Mzokk]

I've used mkmap and splitter to make maps of Eastern Canada and. Ireland. These are command line tools a gui would make it much easier.

[FrankB]

I've used mkmap and splitter to make maps of Eastern Canada and. Ireland. These are command line tools a gui would make it much easier.

Please give it a try. I Would like to hear your feedback.

[Mzokk]

Will do.

[Mzokk]

Hi Frank,

I tried your Graphical interface for making Garmin maps from OSM. Its great and much easier than remembering the commands for MKmap and Splitter in a command window. I ran the GB test file and changed the map format from ZumoXT to Generic. The Generic format works on any Garmin automotive device from a 21 year old Streetpilot 2610 to a Zumo XT whereas the ZumoXT may only work with NT devices such as the Zumo 660 BMW NAV 4 and up. (Yet to be tested).

This is Generic GB (Stranraer to be exact)

Screenshot 2025-04-13 202034.png (488.73 KiB) Viewed 2143 times

This is my first test using the Zumo XT map format of Newfoundland (as it was a small file to process)
The Map Section is St. Johns

Screenshot 2025-04-13 201835.png (745.24 KiB) Viewed 2143 times

The final map is a map of Ireland I created using the command line which is generic and tested on a Streetpilot 2610, Nav IV, Zumo 390 and ZumoXT
the map is of Belfast city centre.

Screenshot 2025-04-13 202121.png (758.64 KiB) Viewed 2143 times

I'm using an older Java build than you and it worked fine. I would recommend that others try it its pretty easy to use when you read the instructions.

[FrankB]

Hi Mzokk,

Thanks very much for taking the time to check out the program. I am glad you like it, and appreciate that your posted your findings.
Always looking for improvements, so if you have suggestions how that can be done, dont hesitate to tell me.

whereas the ZumoXT may only work with NT devices such as the Zumo 660 BMW NAV 4 and up. (Yet to be tested).

I once tested it on a Zumo 220. It kind of worked, but the processing power of that unit was not sufficient for smooth operation. The ZumoXT style has more detail than the City Navigator

I'm using an older Java build than you and it worked fine.

OK. Good to know.

its pretty easy to use when you read the instructions.

That is a good addition 'When you read the instructions'. I tried to make it self-explanatory, but the documentation is indispensible.

Frank

[Mzokk]

As a thankyou Frank I'll try to do a how to write up with pic's it may take a couple of weeks. Cheers.

[FrankB]

That would be lovely. Take your time.