using Garmin’s MapSource TOPO maps but need much more detail than is provided by their 1:100,000 scale.

Is it possible to install USGS quad maps on my Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx receiver? If so, I assume they would need to be converted to be compatable with the Garmin technology. Is there any reasonably-priced software available for such a conversion? Is there a third-party source for obtaining already converted maps? Or is my assumption that they could even be converted wrong?

USGS maps are raster images (pictures). Mapping GPSs use vector images. Vector images are directions how to draw the map. It gives two points and tells the unit to connect the points with a line or color every thing with-in an area a color, etc. This takes up less space in the unit and makes it redraw faster than showing a pic. There are several software packages that allow you to use a USGS map as a background image on a pc as a basis for making your own map/tracks/routes but the map is not loaded into the unit.

Tags: garmin gps maps, gps maps download, gps maps install, USGS quad maps