IMPORTANT POINT: You can not add new maps to any SD card without overwriting the existing map set.  If you want to add or transfer multiple map sources (i.e.  Backroad GPS Maps, TOPO Canada or your own custom map), you have to select all maps in Mapsource.  Mapsoure will build ONE file with the maps you select and transfer the file to the card.  This transfer will overwrite the existing file.

Backroad Mapbooks Compatibility Questions:

1. What format does your product come in?
2. What is the difference between the SD Card and DVD versions?
3. Do your maps load directly into my GPS Unit?
4. Can I still use your Backroad GPS Maps if I do not have a Garmin with a SD/microSD slot?
5. Where do I buy the DVD version from?
6. If I have my own SD Card can I transfer the maps to this?
7. I have more than one Garmin unit, can I use your maps on all of them?
8. What if I do not have a Garmin GPS, can I still use your Backroad GPS Maps?
9. Once I buy the SD card, can I use it on my computer in MapSource as well?
10. Will your maps work on older units that will not accept Garmin's NT format?
11. Are Backroad GPS Maps compatible with Garmin Mobile PC?

Backroad GPS Maps Content Questions:

1. Do the Backroad GPS Maps have similar information to City Navigator from Garmin?
2. Why should I buy the Backroad GPS Maps if i already have another TOPO Software
3. Why is your product so expensive?
4. How come I can not see the 3D features you promote?
5. Why don't the maps look like your screen shots on my GPS unit?
6. How come not all of the information in my Backroad Mapbook is not on the GPS maps?
7. Where do I find the reference section or descriptions on the various recreational activities?
8. Are Backroad GPS Maps Routable?
9. How come I can not navigate to all of the Backroad specific Points of Interest or recreation features?

Registration & Updates:

1. How can I update my Backroad GPS Maps?
2. How do I register my GPS Map Product?

Garmin GPS Related Questions:

1. What Garmin GPS do you recommend for me to use?
2. Where do I find help with my Garmin GPS?
3. How come I can not read the Backroad text in the Extras folder?
4. List of Garmin GPS Series that the Backroad GPS Maps will work with
5. Can I use Computer Version of Backroad GPS maps on my Mac computer?
6. Why can't MapSource receive tracks, waypoints and routes from the Oregon 550 series and Dakota series devices?

1) What format does your product come in?
Our product comes in micro SD format with SD adaptor or a DVD. 
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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.
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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.
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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.  If you work on a PC, you will require the DVD version to transfer the maps from MapSource, Basecamp or similar Garmin program directly to the GPS unit.  Unfortunately, we do not support Macintosh based programs at this time.  However, if you have Windows on your Mac, you can use our maps in the Windows environment. For more information on using our Maps on a Mac please refer to this FAQ question.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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8) What if I do not have a Garmin GPS, can I still use your Backroad GPS Maps?
Yes, you will need the DVD version and GPS receiver so you can enable the GPS feature of these programs to have a working GPS on a laptop. Please refer to FAQ 11 for more details.
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9) Once I buy the SD card, can I use the product on my computer in MapSource 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.
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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.
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11) Are Backroad GPS Maps compatible with Garmin Mobile PC?
Yes, but this will require the ‘deluxe’ version that comes with a Garmin GPS receiver to unlock the maps.  (You can choose either a GPS20x USB receiver or a GPS10x Bluetooth receiver.)  Note that the software only version of Garmin’s Mobile PC does not work with most of its own receivers and thus our maps will not be able to be unlocked. 
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1) Do the Backroad GPS Maps have similar information to City Navigator from Garmin?
Yes, we have most if not more local roads, recreational points of interest and routing features. We do not however offer all the City POI's City Navigator does, BUT you can use City Navigator in conjusnction with our maps. We recommend you update your maps at least once a year to ensure you stay up to date with all of the changes happening out there.
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2) Why should I buy the Backroad GPS Maps if I already have another TOPO Software?
Quite simply there is no comparison in the amount of information you get with Backroad GPS Maps. We have countless more roads, trails and recreational points. We also include write ups on thousands of places to fish, hike, ski, camp, ATV, and so on… This is information you will not find with any other GPS map product in Canada. We even provide more topographic detail including contours and better water detail in BC.

Example 1: (Click on the thumbnail to see the comparison)	Example 2:(Click on the thumbnail to see the comparison)	Example 3:(Click on the thumbnail to see the comparison)

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3) Why is your product so expensive?
Again, you get what you pay for.  We cover specific regions of Canada with a lot more detail.  Detail that has made us Canada’s Source for the Outdoors for over 15 years!  You get more roads, more trails, more recreation points, more routability and the list goes on.  Add in the fact you get both the SD Card to load directly to your GPS and a free download that you can view in MapSource, Basecamp or similar Garmin based computer program and the value is easy to see.  See above for comparison with TOPO Canada.
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4) How come I can not see the 3D features you promote?
Only the Oregon, Dakota and Colorado series handheld units support 3D features. Most automotive products like the Nuvi, Zumo and Streetpilot series do not.
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5) Why don't the maps look like your screen shots on my GPS unit?
How the maps view on each GPS unit vary dramatically. Some have better colour and graphics, while others do not display all features. Things like 3D maps are not available with all Garmin GPS units, etc.
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6) How come not all of the information in my Backroad Mapbook is on the GPS maps?
We are getting there but need your help. Although we have converted the vast majority of trails and recreational points we simply could not do them all. Part of the reason is we do not have accurate locations of all trails (or trailheads), access points and portages, hot springs, etc. Our hope is to get these ‘updates’ and any other new information from users to continue to grow our databases. We will continue to post updates so that our users have access to all of this new information as we get it.
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7) Where do I find the reference section or descriptions on the various recreational activities?
These are found in the Whereto or Find option of your GPS.  Select the Extras icon (Custom POI or All POI in some units) followed by Backroad Mapbook.  This will allow you to both view and search a variety of categories such as Fishing, Trails and Recreation Sites on your GPS device.  Please note that, the GPSMap 60, 76, 2**, 3**, 4**, Quest, Streetpilot, Rino, etrex and Colorado series do not support the reference information.
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8) Are Backroad GPS Maps Routable?
Yes. In addition to the standard city streets, rural roads and highways we have also made many of the main logging and industrial roads routable. This extra level of routability helps people navigate to the many recreational points we offer. Now you can use your Go feature to find those hidden backcountry campsites, trailheads and even fishing locations. To help us make more routable roads available please send us your tracks for the specific route or trail by going to our updates page.
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9) How come I can not navigate to all of the Backroad specific Points of Interest or recreation features?
There are a few possibilities for this.  The first thing you should do is check to see if your unit requires you to recalculate by road when you select Go.  This is common with handheld units and usually rectifies the routing issue.

However, not all Points of Interest will be able to be found properly via roads.  Part of this is due to the fact that no routable roads are close to that location.  In other words, if the location is too far from a routable road, the GPS will draw a straight line from the current position and not the nearest road.

Although we have added higher levels of routable roads (making many logging/industrial roads routable rather than just city and rural roads) the further a field you go, the more likely the point will not be routable via the backroad network.  We continue to optimize these road sets.  Again, be sure to register your product to see if any updates are available.
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1) How can I update my Backroad GPS Maps?
In order to be able to get any updates (free or paid), you will need to register your product with us.  Please go here for registration information. We will send you emails only when there are updates available.
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2) How do I register my GPS Map Product?
Please go here for registration information. DVD customers: It is important that you give us the correct Unit ID # as the unlock code for updates and MapSource are generated based on that.
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1) What Garmin GPS do you recommend for me to use?
If you are a backroad explorer or trail enthusiast, we recommend the Oregon and Dakota series. These support all functions of the Backroad GPS Maps, including 3D 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 Nuvi or Zumo. These support all functions of the Backroad GPS Maps, except 3D maps. However, they only allow you to have one track log and will not receive tracks from a computer.
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2) Where do I find help with my Garmin GPS?
With so many different models and makes, it is almost impossible to answer all of your questions. A good starting place is the Garmin website itself. Here is a link to their on-line support page: Garmin Websites Supports Page.
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3) How come I can not read the Backroad text in the Extras folder?
This is likely a software issue with your Garmin GPS.  Most units have updates that are available free of charge online.  Visit: Garmin's Webupdater to update your Garmin software.
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4) List of Garmin GPS Series that the Backroad GPS Maps will work with:
Please check your product on Garmin's siteto 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.

• Support all features:
• Oregon Series
• Dakota Series

• Support all features except 3D view:
• Nuvi Series
• Zumo Series
• Streetpilot 3**, 5**, 7*** series

• Support all mapping features except 3D (no reference information):
• GPSMap 60, 76, 2**, 3**, 4** series
• Quest series
• Streetpilot series
• Rino Series
• Etrex series
• Colorado series (3D but no reference information)
  

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5) Can I use Computer Version of Backroad GPS maps on my Mac computer?
Yes, but as with most Garmin Maps on a Mac you need a few programs to do it! 
You will need both MapManager & MapInstall on your Mac Computer. You can download them from here.
MapManager will install the maps (once you have downloaded our files from within your account).
BaseCamp or RoadTrip will unlock and show you the maps (please make sure you download one that is made for your system OS, otherwise it will not work on your computer).
MapInstall will transfer the maps to your device (You will need this for updates).

If you have any questions about how this all works, please contact Garmin.

6) Why can't MapSource receive tracks, waypoints and routes from the Oregon 550 series and Dakota series devices?
The following is Garmin's explanation for this question:
Garmin Forum's Answer
Garmin Suppoert Page Answer

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