Download the TAT GPS Maps

Trans America Trail Patrol gpsKevin

Directions to help you with the TAT download:

Select the "DOWNLOAD THE TAT FILES" link below:

You should get a window from Google that looks like this:

Next select the small arrow at the top of the window.

You should get a message from Google that looks like this:

Next select Download anyway. The download will begin. It can take several minutes as the file is large.

After the download is complete, open the file and you should get something like this:

Open the Folder "Custom Garmin TAT Map and you will get this garmin folder

To install the maps into your garmin gps unit: copy the "garmin" folder to a blank SD card and put the card into your gps unit. Then just turn your gps on and the maps should automatically turn on and be working in your gps unit.

Note the "PDF" file "TransAmericaTrailgpsKevin" is a copy of the maps for printing. It is designed for "Double Sided" printing so that the map information is printed on the back side to the map.

OK begin your download: DOWNLOAD THE TAT FILES

Q: How do I check my GPS to see if I have been successful? A: There are two ways you can check your GPS

1. See the trail on the GPS yourself. Turn on the GPS and zoom out to about 50 or 30 miles. Use the cursor to pan over to an area where you know the trail should be. Now begin zooming in. Wait for the gps to refresh it's screen as they can be slow. As you zoom in you should see the trail as a Wide Bold Blue line made up of arrows. OK, good job, you did it right.

2. Check to see if the map is in the GPS unit's memory: The steps to do this vary depending on which Garmin gps unit you have (and there are hundreds). Most work like this:

  • Alternate 1: From the "Map" page select Menu. Then select "Setup Map" then scroll down and select "Select Map." Now you can scroll down and read the maps in you unit. You should find a map called "TAT gpskevin." Make sure it is enabled and you are done!

  • Alternate2: Some GPS units (like Nuvi's) work like this. Select "Settings" then "Maps" then "Info" and now you should find the map "TAT gpskevin." Make sure that it is checked and you're done.

  • Alternate3: Some work like this. Select "Tools" then "Settings" then "Map" then "Map Info." You should find the map "TAT gpskevin." Make sure that it is checked and you're done.

Again, your gps may have a different way to access the maps, but the download does work in all Garmin gps units with a card slot. Sorry, there are just too many garmin gps units for me to go through them all,

Advanced Users Only:

Some of you want direct access to the image file or the userdata.

Open the "garmin" folder and you will find:

The "gmapsupp" file is the custom image file loaded into the gps unit memory

The folder "GPX" contains the userdata as a universal gpx file

This file contains all the Waypoint and Tracklogs used in this ride.

The file opened in Mapsource will look something like this:

OK enjoy the ride and share the data! Open source rules!

FAQ:

Q: I see all the information is given away free here, but I am not very good with a computer or GPS. Can I just pay and get someone to setup my GPS and print maps for me?

A: Yes, there is a link to buy this on the main page

Q: How do I check my GPS to see if the SD Card is working? Remember you are not looking to find tracklogs, but rather MAPS

A: There are two ways you can check your GPS.

1. See the trail on the GPS yourself. Turn on the GPS and zoom out to about 50 or 30 miles. Use the cursor to pan over to an area where you know the trail should be. Now begin zooming in. Wait for the gps to refresh it's screen as they can be slow. As you zoom in you should see the trail as a Wide Bold Blue line made up of arrows. OK, good job, you did it right.

2. Check to see if the map is in the GPS unit's memory: The steps to do this vary depending on which Garmin gps unit you have (and there are hundreds). Most work like this:

    • Alternate 1: From the "Map" page select Menu. Then select "Setup Map" then scroll down and select "Select Map." Now you can scroll down and read the maps in you unit. You should find a map called "TAT gpskevin." Make sure it is enabled and you are done!

    • Alternate2: Some GPS units (like Nuvi's) work like this. Select "Settings" then "Maps" then "Info" and now you should find the map "TAT gpskevin." Make sure that it is checked and you're done.

    • Alternate3: Some work like this. Select "Tools" then "Settings" then "Map" then "Map Info." You should find the map "TAT gpskevin." Make sure that it is checked and you're done.

Again, your gps may have a different way to access the maps, but the download does work in all Garmin gps units with a card slot. Sorry, there are just too many garmin gps units for me to go through them all.

If you are having trouble I will help you at the ride.

Q: What is the best GPS for the ride?

A: Almost any will work, but if you want to buy a new one see my GPS Recommendations:

Adventure Bike GPS and Dual Sport Bike GPS

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