FAQs

1) What format does your product come in?

Our product comes in micro SD format with SD adaptor or a DVD. 

2) What is the difference between the SD Card and DVD versions?

The SD Card loads directly onto your GPS unit.  It also comes with our Backroad Mapbook text information so users can use the Whereto or Find feature of their Garmin GPS to find places to fish, hike, camp and so much more.  You can port our SD card from unit to unit.  With the SD version, there is also a free option to get a downloadable version to put on your computer and work with MapSource™, Basecamp™ or similar Garmin program.

The DVD version is designed to work on your computer.  It is the preferred option for users who do not have an SD/micro SD card slot or have their own SD card and want the maps on that.  The DVD version is locked to your Garmin GPS which means you cannot port the SD card from one unit to another.  You will also get a link to download the Backroad Mapbook Point of Interest (POI) information for your GPS once you register and unlock the DVD product. 
Note: you can only view the Backroad Mapbook POI on the GPS itself and not on the computer based programs.

3) Do your maps load directly into my GPS Unit?

Our product comes in a micro SD format with a SD adaptor.  As long as you have a Garmin GPS that has an SD/micro SD card slot (the only exception here is marine fixed-mount chartplotters), the maps and Backroad Mapbook Points of Interest information will load directly to your GPS.  The SD/micro SD card slot is found on all current and most Garmin products released in the last 3 years.

4) Can I still use your Backroad GPS Maps if I do not have a Garmin with a SD/microSD slot?

Yes, as long as the Garmin unit supports mapping.  You will require the DVD version to transfer the maps from MapSource™, BaseCamp™ or similar Garmin program directly to the GPS unit. Please keep in mind we ONLY provide the maps. You still need Garmin software to view and use them.

5) Where do I buy the DVD version from?

You have to call us directly to buy the DVD version.  They are not sold in stores or on our website at the moment.  To order the DVD version of any GPS MAP product simply call 1-877-520-5670 or 604-521-6277.  We only offer the DVD version for provincial titles.

6) If I have my own SD Card can I transfer the maps to this?

Yes, but you will need to buy the DVD version to transfer the maps via computer to your GPS unit.  To do this, you will need to register the DVD to the GPS unit you are using (not the SD Card).  If you have more than one GPS unit, then you will need to buy separate unlock codes (a new software for every unit) since you cannot port your own SD card from unit to unit with our maps on them.  Please note our DVD's are only Windows compatible at this time.

7) I have more than one Garmin unit, can I use your maps on all of them?

Yes, as long as you have bought our SD/micro SD card version and all your GPS units hold SD cards.  You can then port our SD card from one Garmin GPS unit to next.

8) What if I do not have a Garmin GPS Unit, can I still use your Backroad GPS Maps on a Laptop or a Netbook?

Yes, you have the following three options to use our maps on your laptop/netbook:
1- You can use our DVD version and Mobile PC (discontinued by Garmin) on a laptop or netbook. Please refer to FAQ 11 for more details.

2- You can use our SD version on your laptop/netbook with nRoute (discountinued by Garmin) software. To do this you will need a third party software called GPSgate & ANY GPS receiver (yes it does not have to be Garmin).

GPSgate is free to try and very cheap to buy. You can find out more here in this forum http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/2531-gpsgate

9) Once I buy the SD card, can I use the product on my computer in MapSource™/BaseCamp™ as well?

Yes, but you will have to register your product with us first.  Please go here for registration information.  Once your product is registered you will see a "Computer Download" button in front of your registered product when you login to your account with us.  Alternatively, we can mail the Computer Version on a DVD to you but this does not include a license key and there is a $20 charge for this service. Click here for install instructions.

10) Will your maps work on older units that will not accept Garmin's NT format?

Yes they will work.  The Backroad GPS Maps are not compiled in NT format.

11) Are Backroad GPS Maps compatible with Garmin Mobile PC (Discontinued by Garmin)?

1- If you buy one of the Deluxe versions that come bundled with a GPS20x or GPS10x receiver, you will use the Unit ID of the GPS receiver to register the Backroad GPS Maps and receive the unlock code. There is a button on the map registration page that will find the Unit ID for you if you have the receiver connected to the PC. 

2- If you buy the Software-only version and supply your own GPS receiver (it does not have to be a Garmin receiver with this version of Mobile PC), you will use the "Software Unit ID" in Mobile PC when you register the GPS Maps and get the unlock code for the maps. The Software Unit ID can be found by clicking "SETTINGS" on the main page and then clicking "ABOUT" on the Settings page.

12) What Garmin GPS do you recommend for me to use?

If you are a backroad explorer or trail enthusiast, we recommend the Oregon, Dakota, GPS Maps 62s series & Rhino 600+ Series. These support all functions of the Backroad GPS Maps. Handhelds are also better suited for recording multiple tracks and transferring tracks to and from your device to the computer.

If you spend more time in the city than the backcountry, we recommend the Nuvis. These support all functions of the Backroad GPS Maps. However, they only allow you to have one track log and will not receive tracks from a computer.

Keep in mind; you get what you pay for when it comes to GPS units. The more expensive units have better displays, draw faster, look better, have nicer colours and more options. To get the best use out of our map software we recommend you upgrade to the higher end models. For example, if you drive a lot you are best to use a Nuvi. They range from $100 to $400 and the difference is amazing. The more expensive models have many more features such as letting you adjust how the symbols and text sizes are, letting you turn things on and off the maps and a much better display screen…the same holds true with handhelds where the Oregon and now Montana series offer a lot more bells and whistles and are worth the extra price.

At Backrood Mapbooks, we strive to stay at the forefront of GPS map development ensuring that we bring you the most advanced map set we can. Remember we only create the map software and to get the most out of these advancements we are simply making suggestions here. We make no money off GPS unit sales.

13) List of Garmin GPS Series that the Backroad GPS Maps is compatible with:

Please check your product on Garmin's site to see if you have a SD/micro SD card slot.  IF you do not have an SD/micro SD card slot you will need to purchase the DVD version.  However, your unit needs to have at least 24MB of memory to be able to use our maps. Also we do not recommand any discontinued Garmin Unit (though our maps work on them, but you might lose some functionality).