GPS Maps of South America
Saturday, 09 May 2009 07:53
When I first considered riding to South American from the US, I purchased wall maps of Mexico, Central America and South America. I used these to learn the geography of these countries, as well as to locate all the places I want to visit. Now that my departure date is getting closer, I want road maps, not just paper maps, but maps for a GPS, too. The more I learned about traveling in South America, the more I started thinking that using a GPS would not be the same as here in the US. It seemed that GPS maps for South America were inadequate, lacked detail, and didn't cover areas one would visit. It seemed paper maps were the way to go. While I agree that a set of paper maps are a requirement (one never knows when the GPS will stop working), it would be nice to use a GPS to navigate through a city or through the back roads.
While in Israel several years ago, I learned that even non-detailed maps on a GPS were helpful. The only map I had of Israel was the GPS's base map, which at best displayed the country outlines. That was all I needed to get from the Ben Gurion airport to my hotel on the Mediterranean at 2:00AM. With the hotel entered as a waypoint, I navigated the streets using the GPS's compass page until I reached the hotel. Many times during my stay, it was comforting to know that I was driving in the right direction. Once I had establish a few waypoints and tracks, it was a joy to take off for a drive to some new location. At the end of the day, I'd pick one of my tracks and navigate back to the hotel.
The Map Sets
When looking into the various options for GPS maps for South America, I found there are maps from Garmin, Smellybiker, and a few online sites like MapCenter2. I signed up for the Wanderlust maps and started downloading all the maps I could find. I ended up with:
- Wanderlust versions 1.60 (non-routable)
- Wanderlust versions 2r03 (routable)
- Mapear version 8.0 (routable)
- ConSur GeoRed version 8.02 (routable)
- Project TrackSource TRC-Brazil version 6.02 (routable)
- Garmin WorldMap (Web site preview - Purchased map set is routable)
Map web site links
Garmin makes a routable WorldMap but I wasn't interested in that because I'd seen the samples on their web site and while it covers major roads, details in cities or towns is none existent.
Smellybiker’s Wanderlust Worldmap has been talked about in several online forums as being much better map than Garmin’s WorldMap. Currently there are two versions of the Wanderlust maps, Version 1.60 and version 2r03. Version 2xx is routable; version 1.6 appears to have more detail, but is not routable. I hadn't heard about the other maps listed above, but stumbled on them while reading postings at Horizons Unlimited.
Map Detail and Routing
I started playing around with the maps after loading them into MapSource and was surprised at what I found. These maps are good! I think you would need them all if you want to travel throughout South America, as the map details vary. For example, with the Wanderlust maps, you get a map set that covers the world, and while version 1.6 has a lot of detail, it's not routable. Version 2r03 is routable, but doesn't have as much detail as the other maps. What surprised me the most are the maps from Mapear, CONOSUR, and TrackSource. These maps are simply outstanding. Not only are they routable, but they also have a huge amount of detail. The downside is that they don’t cover every country, so one would need other map sets for countries like Columbia, Brazil Peru, Ecuador, etc.
Below is an example of the difference in detail in maps displayed at a MapSource resolution of 3 miles for Buenos Aires.
Garmin WorldMap - Buenos Aires
Wanderlust 2r03 - Buenos Aires
Wanderlust 1.60 - Buenos Aires
Mapear 8.0 - Buenos Aires
I'm not going to continue the comparison with Garmin's Worldmap in the remainder of the article, because based on what I've seen, Garmin's map is no better than Wanderlust which I've already purchased.
Let’s look at another area that’s not as large as Buenos Aires to see how the maps handle the detail. Below is a view of Concepcion, Chile at a 3 mile resolution in MapSource.
Wanderlust 2r03 - Concepcion
Wanderlust 1.60 - Concepcion
Mapear 8.0 - Concepcion
ConSur GeoRed 8.0.2 - Concepcion
Look at the detail in the Mapear and ConSur maps. This was a huge surprise as I had not expected this from free maps! And, these maps are supposed to be routable which I just had to check out next. Below is the same view of Concepcion, Chile with a start and end waypoint added, letting MapSource calculate the route.
Wanderlust 2r03 - Concepcion Routing
Wanderlust 1.60 - Concepcion Routing
Mapear 8.0 - Concepcion Routing
ConSur GeoRed 8.0.2 - Concepcion Routing
These maps do handle routing, though the routing differs based on the detail of the map. In Wanderlust 1.6, the route is a straight line between two waypoints. This is as expected because version 1.6 does not support routing. If this was the only map you had, you could place multiple waypoints along a road and be routed from waypoint to waypoint. That's how I used the early Loran system to navigate when flying in Alaska. You could also just set the end waypoint and use dead reckoning to reach your destination.
I noticed that the details contained within a map set changed based on location. For example, at Buenos Aires, Wanderlust 1.6, Mapear 8.0 and ConSur GeoRed 8.0.2 had the same level of detail. At Concepcion, ConSur GeoRed 8.0.2 has the best detail, followed by Mapear 8.0, while both versions of Wanderlust had far less detail. Moving to San Rafael, Chile, Mapear 8.0 has the best detail, followed by ConSur GeoRed 8.0.2.
Below, I added some waypoints around San Rafael, Chile to see how routing works with the city streets.
Wanderlust 2r03 - San Rafael Routing
Wanderlust 1.6 - San Rafael Routing
Mapear 8.0 - San Rafael Routing
ConSur GeoRed 8.02 - San Rafael Routing
Again, the routing works as expected. Mapear 8.0 provided the most map detail as well as better routing.
Mapear and ConSur GeoRed maps both provide coverage for Argentina and Chile, with Bolivia and southern Peru being included in ConSur GeoRed and Paraguay included by Mapear (but not Bolivia or Peru). For Brazil, the only map I found was Project TrackSource's TRC-Brazil. It's detail is excellent in eastern Brazil (guess there are not a lot of roads in the Amazon).
TRC-Brazil 6.02
Looking at Montes Claros, Brazil, the detail is just as good as Mapear and ConSur GeoRed have for the areas they cover. Below I've included images in resolutions of 3 miles, 0.7 miles, and 0.5 miles (with routing).
TRC-Brazil 6.02 - Montes Claros
TRC-Brazil 6.02 - Montes Claros
TRC-Brazil 6.02 - Montes Claros Routing
Accuracy
I checked the accuracy of the maps by creating a waypoint in MapSource and displaying it in Google Earth. Every waypoint I checked display accurately in Google Earth. Does this mean the maps are accurate? I sure hope so!
MapSource Waypoint
Google Earth Waypoint
Wanderlust Country Maps
With the introduction of version 2r03 it appears that Smellybiker is releasing a world map set, as well as country maps. The web site indicates that the country maps have more detail and are routable. I loaded the Wanderlust 2r03 Country map for the UK which has a great deal of more detail than the Wanderlust WorldMap. If this level of detail was in the WorldMap for South American, or if South American country maps where available from Smellybiker, it would make map selection much easer.
Wanderlust 2r03 UK Country Map - Birmingham
I have Garmin City Navigator Europe 2008, so I compared this to the Wanderlust UK country map and the details around the Birmingham area appear to be similar.
Garmin City Navigator Europe 2008 - Birmingham
Moving a little south to Henely In Arden, the detail in not as good with in the Wanderlust map.
Wanderlust 2r03 UK - Henely In Arden
Garmin City Navigator Europe 2008 - Henely In Arden
Conclusion
I enjoy seeing and using a world map and often find myself using the Garmin Trips and Waypoint Manager map set while in MapSource. This map set does not have any GPS downloadable map segments, nor does it support routing. It's really just a high level planning map.
Garmin Trips and Waypoint Manager
With this in mind, the Wanderlust map set is a good addition as you have better detail in version 1.6 than the Gamin maps and you can download selected map segments to your GPS. Unfortunately, version 1.6 does not support routing. Wanderlust WorldMap version 2r03was released at Smellybiker on 4 April 2009; its detail is lacking, but it does support routing.
The other three map sets are necessary because of their high level of detail and support for routing. It's too bad that the details vary in the Mapear and ConSur maps, as this means you may need both sets based on where you are traveling. For Brazil, the only map I found was Project TrackSource's TRC-Brazil version 6.02.
I plan on bringing all the map sets mentioned above with me on my trip to South America. I still need to find decent maps for countries like Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia, as well as Central America and Mexico. I'll be using paper maps too, but a good street level GPS map can be very handy after a long days ride when all you want to do is get to a hotel, grab a beer and unwind.
These maps do have a lot of details and appear to cover much of the country. WIll they work for the trip? I guess I'll find out.
What I would like to see is a single map set that combines all the details of the various maps and includes routing. This way you would only need to download/purchase a single map set; Wanderlust version 3 maybe??
Update: Review of the GPS maps for Venezuela
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2009-09-17 08:11:26 | cliff gerber - S.A. maps
My friend is going to fly to Columbia and cycle S.A. I'm not into cycling so this is all new to me. Sounds like you have done a lot of similar preparations for your journey.
What Garmin GPS unit would you recommend as a gift and what compatible S.A. maps are available? Garmin only offers brazil and Mexico maps.
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2009-09-17 09:51:45 | jeff
Bicycling is bound to be a fun way to travel around South America too. I have thought about flying into South America too but would want to ride back via Central America – but, I have a motor.
There are 2 main types of Garmin GPS units for motorcycle use. Hardcore adventure riders prefer the Garmin GPSMAP 267C. The other motorcycle GPS is the Garmin Zumo. Both these devices would not be good for a bicycle as they are too large and require power.For my trip, I decided to use the Garmin Oregon 400t http s://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=14904. The Oregon would work well for a bicycle too as its very portable and runs on AA batteries. You may also want to look into the Garmin GPSMAP 60 series https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=143&fKeys=FILTER_ SERIES_60 of devices as they are less expensive than the Oregon. I looked for the following additional features in the GPS: electronic compass, barometric capability and SD (or micro SD) card compatibility. The barometric pressure can provide an indication on weather in addition to altitude. SD cards are good for preloading maps. I like the electronic compass because I don’t need to be moving for the GPS to indicate a direction.
For maps, the ones I’ve listed here will run on all these units. They just need to be downloaded and installed. I have a 2GB microSD card installed in my Oregon and it holds all the maps I need.
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Greetings!
I am part of the following three projects that produce free GPS maps. The URLs are as follows, as are the email addresses to send data. We would greatly appreciate points of interest and detailed tracks that are not yet on the maps!Venezuela:
http://www.gpsyv.net/
To send data:
gpsyv1(at)gmail(dot)comColombia:
http://www.colrut.com/
To send data:
soporte(at)colrut(dot)comPeru:
http://gps-peru.forums-free.com/
To send data:
ivo(dot)santamaria(at)gmail(dot)com
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2009-08-09 02:35:19 | jeff
Hi Dave,
I will be happy to help your projects. I have been building an online list of POIs for these countries at AdventurePOI. All the data is downloadable in GPX format.
When I travel to these countries next year I will collect my tracks and send them to the group.
Thank you and the others for building such very good maps.
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2010-01-11 10:19:11 | Jose V. Llovera
Hello Sir, Would you send me the maps from Vnezuela, thanks.
JVLLD.
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2010-01-11 10:59:29 | admin
The latest version can be downloaded at:
http://www.gpsyv.net/Venrut.html
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2009-10-28 10:32:33 | Aaron H. Sanchez
Dave, thank you very much for all the great information you have provided. We,four senior citizens, plan to ride GS's to Ushuaia next October 2010 starting from Colorado. As all our plans unfold we will be using your articles as a reference. Again, Gracias!
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2009-10-29 14:37:15 | jeff
Aaron, You are going to love the trip. So far mine has been good. Start packing you bags
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2010-01-09 06:28:52 | Luis Fermin - Trip to Ushuaia
Hey guys, let me in on your trip. I am planning one for March 2011, but maybe, I will do it earlier. I'm not a senior yet, but I'm pretty close1!!! LOL.
Luis
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2010-06-07 11:49:56 | Joe Weatherby
Aaron: My wife and I, also senior citizens in Colorado, are planning our 2nd trip to SA. If interested, contact me.
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2010-01-07 05:11:23 | Felipe Arango - Free Routable Colombia Garmin GPS maps
Just to add to this great section, wanted to let you know that there are free routable Colombia maps at http://www.colrut.com/
Enjoy.
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2010-01-09 06:31:11 | Luis Fermin - Updates
Wow, good stuff. I am planning a trip all the way to Uruguay next year, and will surely keep reading on your journey.
Luis
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Thanks Jeff.
Hey, are you planning to fly back home after reaching the end in South America? and since you being around, do you know how much do they normally charge to ship the bike back to the US from Argentina or Chile?
ThanksLuis
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2010-01-11 11:07:59 | admin
At some point I will fly the bike back but at this time I'm not sure which country. The last time I looked air freight is somewhere around $2000.
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2010-06-23 14:00:36 | André
I know someone whop shipped his bike by plane (April 2009) Buenos Aires to Mexico City for 1400$us.
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2010-02-20 07:59:10 | Wendy - south america maps
Your article has been very helpful. However, my searching abilities are challenged. I am looking for gps maps for South America for a trip my Father-in-law is planning. He has a Garmin Oregon 550. I have searched high and low and gotten no where. I am even specifically looking for your suggested maps. I have found that the wanderlust maps can be downloaded after paying a $50 membership fee, easy enough, but where can I find the others?
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Wendy- please find the maps at the following sites, and please send any new waypoints and tracks to the indicated email addresses:
Venezuela:
http://www.gpsyv.net/
To send data:
gpsyv1(at)gmail(dot)comColombia:
http://www.colrut.com/
To send data:
soporte(at)colrut(dot)comEcuador:
http://server4.foros.net/viewforum.php?f=2&mforum=proyectoecuador
To send data:
juan_top(at)hotmail(dot)comPeru:
http://gps-peru.forums-free.com/
To send data:
ivo(dot)santamaria(at)gmail(dot)comBrazil:
http://www.tracksource.org.br/desenv/tabela_mapsets.php/
To send data:
casaretto(at)gmail(dot)comArgentina, Chile, Uruguay(Mapear):
http://www.proyectomapear.com.ar/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewd ownload&cid=9
To send data:
mapear(at)gmail(dot)com
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2010-09-14 14:37:57 | Vernon Danielson - Garmin 2610
I was able to download the Argintina, Chile and Uruguay maps to Mapsource however when I transfer the maps to my 2610 everything appears to be transfering properly but when I check the 2610 the maps don't show. Any Ideas?
Thanks - Vern
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2010-09-18 20:24:12 | Jeff
I've heard some of the Garmin GPS units have problems. Try just loading 1 map. Also make sure you GPS has the latest software from Garmin.
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2010-09-18 20:57:05 | Vernon Danielson - GARMIN 2610 PROBLEMS
I tried that and I get the same results. I have the latest software for the 2610. Any other ideas? I would really like to be able to transfer the info to the GPS. Thanks
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2010-09-20 10:25:25 | Jeff
Since the 2610 is an older unit maybe it has compatibility problems. Garmin changed their maps to an "NT" format a while back. I remember being worried about an older GPS unit I had but it didn't have any problems. The 2610 is no longer eligible for Garmin updates - maybe these South American maps are a newer format.
If you haven't tried then maybe reloading the units software and then a single map may help. But, this is just an idea - no idea if it will work. You can always buy a new model
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2010-10-27 09:50:17 | VERNON DANIELSON - CONSUR ,APS ON 2610
I was able to install the Consur maps on my 2610 and they work. Thanks everyone.
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2010-02-20 14:19:18 | Wendy
Ok. Now found Project tracksource, but still need mapgear 8.0 and ConSur Geored 8.02. Could really use a little guidance.
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2010-02-21 07:57:57 | jeff
Hi Wendy, Just got to a hotel with WiFi. Dave has the links above (Thanks Dave). Also you can go to my links page [url]http://www.moto-treks.com/Misc/links.html[/url]. I've found the maps for Columbia, Ecuador (Need to post a review of Ecuador) and Peru to be great! I'm currently in Chile and have been using ConSur with great results.
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2010-10-26 13:12:25 | Kevin
Hello, my name is Kevin Johansson
I am cycling from southern Chile to Mexico.
I am planning on buying the "Garmin Oregon 400t" (good or bad?)Can someone please take me through what I have to do to get all these maps, how to dowload them on to my gps, how much it will cost (if not free), and what website to use...?
I appreciate this
Thank you
Kevin Johansson
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2010-10-27 09:53:10 | VERNON DANIELSON - MAPS
Kevin,
You need to download them to a computer first. Then you upload them to the GPS. The Web Sites are listed a little above this note. Good luck
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2010-11-04 12:59:45 | Jeff
Hi Kevin,
The 400 should be good for a bicycle as it can be powered by 2 AA batteries. I found that they lasted a day, more if you didn't display the map.
Are you on a PC? if so you will need to get mapsource from Garmin. This application is used to download the maps the the GPS.
For the maps look above or check out the "links" navigation button above.
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2010-11-04 13:13:26 | Kevin - ...
Okay thanks... thoguh i have been considering the "Garmin edge 800" as it is bicycle specific... anythought which one i should go for out of the 2?
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2010-11-04 13:35:52 | Jeff
Looks like the 800 has more functions for bicycles. If you want stuff like hart rate monitor, speed/cadence etc then go for the bicycle model. It looks like the mapping capability between the two are the same.
I use my 400 for motorcycle, car and hiking. The functions it has are good for them as I don't need hart rate or training functions. Compass, altimeter, time to waypoint are things I use the most.
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2011-11-04 12:13:10 | Holly
Hi there!
I realize it has been a long time since there were comments on this page so I hope you still are checking whatever email this goes to.
Great article/blog. Thanks so much for the thorough site! I was wondering if you knew if the maps you listed are able to be loaded onto another type of GPS other than Garmin? I am shopping for a GPS and don't know which I will end up with but whether these can be loaded on other than Garmin will help me decide.
Thanks,
Holly
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2011-11-04 14:43:25 | jeff
Yes, Moto-treks is still an active site
Good question. I looked at a few of the sites I listed and they only have Garmin installers. I'm guessing that's because Garmin is so popular???
I've only used Garmin GPS units so I can't really speak about the pros and cons of different manufacturers.
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2011-11-23 21:59:23 | Holly - security for your stuff
Hey Jeff (or anyone) do you use anything in particular to lock up your stuff? I know you are on a motorcycle which can have locking saddle bags but I thought I would throw the question out there even though I am looking for a system for a bicycle instead.
I looked at PacSafe but the backpack web meshing doesn't really fit around panniers (known as saddle bags in the motorcycle world) and I am hesitant to draw attention to my stuff as being highly valuable by locking it up anyway even though as you know being a gringo will attract attention anyway.
I will be by myself on a bicycle through South and Central America so won't have anyone to watch my bike as I go into the grocery store etc. I was just wondering if you have a strategy other than common sense and doing my best to not put my bike in a high risk area? Have you tried paying a local kid to watch your stuff ever? Anything you know will be a help.
Thanks for the info on maps! I bought a Garmin after all and will get Smelly Bikers' maps and the free maps you mentioned for sure!
Thanks,
Holly
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2011-11-26 14:41:27 | jeff
Holly, I didn't want to spend my whole trip worrying about things being stolen so I took the attitude that if it happened then I'd replace as needed. I didn't bring anything that I couldn't do without however, I did insure my camera gear against theft at a very reasonable price. That being said, I had aluminum panniers that locked and a packsafe on my one soft bag. I also had a bag on my tank that I could remove quickly. This was where I keep my important items. I would remove the tank bag and take it with me when I went into a store or stopped for lunch. I would think you will want to lock your bike to keep someone from riding off with it (not a problem with a large moto). You may want to cover the bike when you are going to be away for awhile. I had a lightweight bike cover that I used - out-of-sight out-of-mind. The cover could also double as emergency shelter.
As for your panniers, as long as they are securely attached to your bike you should be ok for short stops. I wouldn't leave items out in plain view as those could walk away. I would be extra careful in tourist towns. In Mexico you may find kids to watch your bike but once you get to South America or even in southern Central America, forget it. I was told by locals that, like anywhere, if you make it easy for items to walk away, they will but generally, people will not just walk up to your bike and start picking it apart.
If you think an area is unsafe, ask if you can bring your bike inside the store, restaurant or hotel. All the hotels I stayed in let me keep my moto either inside the lobby or in secure parking.
The GPS will help when in towns. Two maps that I haven't covered that you may find useful are the BiciMapas for Mexico ($50 USD) and Cen Rut http://www.cenrut.org/ (free) GPS maps for all the Central America countries.
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2011-11-24 09:05:38 | Vernon Danielson
I just finished a motorcycle trip from the US to Ushuaia last spring and left my camera unatended for 60 seconds in Guatamela, velcrowed to my tank and it was gone. Lock everything including the bike and don't trust anyone - especially the kids. Don't worry about making it look like your stuff might be expensive - anything you have is probably better than what they have. They are mostly very good people but you will see poor like you have never seen before - very sad.
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2011-12-06 01:19:21 | Holly - Thanks
Thanks Vernon for the warning! I'll keep stuff locked up, bought some bigger Pac Safe mesh.
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Hi - I saw that you just finished a trip down to Patagonia and I was curious to know if you used a GPS unit? If so could you tell me which one you used as well as what maps as well?
Thank you !
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2012-01-30 10:30:00 | Vernon Danielson - Which GPS and What Maps
Ben, I used a Garmin 2610 and I used OSM Routable Maps. You will have to buy a used or refurbished 2610 as they are no longer available new and search the web for "OSM Routeable" maps. They were free when I downloaded them and they worked well enough to get me there and back.
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2011-12-06 07:28:38 | Vernon Danielson - You are welcome.
Have a great trip. It was certainly a trip of a lifetime for me.
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2012-01-30 10:23:47 | Vernon Danielson - Response to Ben K
Ben, I used a Garmin 2610. You would have to buy a used one or refurbished as they are no longer available new. Search the web for "OSM Routable" maps as that I what I used and they were pretty good. I got there and back so I guess they were good enough. Best of luck.
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2012-01-31 01:33:22 | Ben K
Verbon - Thanks a ton for writing me back, I really appreciate it. Is there any chance that you have any POIs you would be okay sharing or any recommended places to visit that are off the beaten track ?
Excellent article. I am going through the same selection process myself right now and you have saved me many hours of searching. Thank you. My wife and I spent the past six months riding around Mexico and Central America. I just used the "Americas Base Map" built into my Garmin 276C for Central America. It basically showed me when I was heading in the wrong direction but little else. We had no trouble finging our way around with paper maps. For Mexico, we used the mapset offered by www.BICIMapas.c om It offers very good detail, auto routing and they are constantly upgrading it. We are just in the initial planning but it looks like we will be flying the bike to Columbia in the fall and spending the winter riding around SA, returning from the Atlantic side (Brasil?) in the spring. Perhaps we we run into each other. Cheers
[Edited to add link to BICMapas - Jeff]