Best MapSend to GPS Converters in 2025MapSend (Garmin’s mapping product line) stores maps and route data in formats that aren’t always directly compatible with many modern GPS devices and apps. In 2025 there are several reliable tools and workflows that let you convert MapSend maps, waypoints, tracks and routes into GPS-friendly formats such as GPX, KML/KMZ, Garmin IMG, or direct device-ready files. This article compares the best options, explains common conversion tasks, and gives step-by-step guidance and troubleshooting tips.
Why convert MapSend files?
MapSend data can be useful for planning routes, importing historical tracks, or sharing maps with others. Converting MapSend files lets you:
- Use data on a wider variety of GPS units and smartphone apps (e.g., Garmin, TomTom, OsmAnd, Gaia GPS).
- Export waypoints, tracks and routes in universal formats like GPX or KML.
- Preserve custom annotations, POIs or route information when migrating to newer devices or map ecosystems.
Common MapSend source types and targets
MapSend-related files you might encounter:
- MapSend maps and product files (often locked to Garmin formats or installers).
- Proprietary Garmin IMG map files.
- Waypoint/route/track data previously exported from MapSource/MapSend in CSV, GDB, or legacy formats.
Common target formats:
- GPX — universal GPS interchange format for waypoints, tracks, routes.
- KML/KMZ — for Google Earth and many mapping tools.
- Garmin IMG — device-ready map images (may require special tools to produce).
- Device-specific formats or direct transfer via USB/ANT/Bluetooth.
Top converters and tools in 2025
Below are the best tools and services to convert MapSend data, with short descriptions and primary strengths.
| Tool / Service | Best for | Key strengths |
|---|---|---|
| GPSBabel | Converting waypoints/tracks/routes to GPX | Free, open-source, wide format support, command-line and GUI |
| Garmin BaseCamp | Managing Garmin maps and exporting GPX | Official Garmin tool, stable, good for small datasets |
| MapInstall / MapManager (Garmin) | Loading Garmin maps to devices | Works with Garmin IMG maps and device installation |
| OsmAnd + OsmConvert / mkgmap | Creating OSM-based IMG maps | Highly customizable, good for offline maps |
| RouteConverter | Interactive conversion and editing | Easy visual editing, supports many formats |
| Paid conversion services | One-off conversions, complex locked maps | Useful when maps are locked/DRM-protected or for bulk work |
How to choose the right tool
- If you only need waypoints/tracks/routes converted to a universal file: choose GPSBabel or Garmin BaseCamp.
- If you need device-ready Garmin IMG files or to install full maps on Garmin devices: use Garmin MapInstall/MapManager or tools like mkgmap (with OpenStreetMap data).
- If you have legacy, locked, or installer-only MapSend map packages: consider a paid conversion service or specialist forum guidance — legality and DRM must be respected.
- If you want mobile/offline map packages for apps like OsmAnd: use OSM-based tooling (OsmAnd map creator, OsmConvert, mkgmap).
Step-by-step: Convert MapSend waypoints/tracks to GPX with GPSBabel
- Install GPSBabel (Windows/macOS/Linux) from the official site or package manager.
- If you have a CSV/GDB export from MapSend/MapSource, open GPSBabel GUI.
- Set input format (e.g., “Delimited text (CSV)” or the specific Garmin format if available).
- Choose the input file and map fields (latitude, longitude, name, time).
- Set output format to “GPX XML” and choose output filename.
- Run conversion and verify the GPX in a viewer (Garmin BaseCamp, QGIS, or an online GPX viewer).
Notes:
- For best results, ensure coordinate columns are in decimal degrees.
- If times or elevations are missing, GPSBabel can still create basic GPX files.
Step-by-step: Convert MapSend maps to a Garmin device
Converting full MapSend maps to Garmin IMG (device-ready) can be complex and sometimes restricted. Use this workflow for legally owned maps:
- Use Garmin tools first: install MapSend/MapSource product, then open in Garmin BaseCamp or MapInstall.
- If the map is recognized, use MapInstall to transfer map tiles directly to your Garmin device.
- For creating custom IMG files from OSM data (alternative to MapSend maps), use:
- Osmosis / osmconvert to prepare OSM extracts.
- mkgmap to compile an IMG file from OSM data.
- Transfer the resulting IMG to your device’s /Garmin/ folder and unmount safely.
Caveat: Commercial MapSend map images may include DRM; converting or redistributing them can violate license terms.
Handling locked or proprietary MapSend data
- Some MapSend products are sold with copy protection. Respect licensing: if a map is DRM-locked to a specific device or account, converting or redistributing it may be illegal.
- If you legitimately own the data but it’s not exporting cleanly, contact Garmin support or use community forums for device-specific advice.
- Paid conversion services exist that can handle complex cases — weigh cost and legal implications.
Tips, troubleshooting & best practices
- Always work from original files or exports; repeated conversions can introduce errors.
- Verify coordinate systems (WGS84 is standard for GPX). If MapSend used a different datum, reproject coordinates before converting.
- Inspect converted GPX/KML in a viewer (BaseCamp, QGIS, Google Earth) before loading to devices.
- For large maps or many tracks, split conversions into smaller batches to avoid software timeouts.
- Backup your Garmin device before installing custom IMG files.
Example workflows
- Quick transfer of hiking routes: Export from MapSend as CSV → Convert to GPX with GPSBabel → Import into Gaia GPS or Garmin device.
- Full offline map for a Garmin device (OSM-based): Extract OSM region → process with mkgmap → copy IMG to /Garmin/.
- Share POIs with friends: Export POIs from MapSend → convert to KML → send KMZ via email for Google Earth.
Conclusion
For most users in 2025, converting MapSend waypoints, tracks and routes is easiest with GPSBabel or Garmin BaseCamp. For full device maps, use Garmin’s MapInstall or OSM-based toolchains (mkgmap) depending on licensing. When dealing with DRM-protected MapSend products, verify legal rights and prefer official tools or vendor support.
If you want, I can:
- Provide a short command-line GPSBabel script for your specific source format.
- Walk through converting a particular MapSend file you have (tell me the file type).
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