GPS navigation software

Anyone find a good GPS navigation software that works well without an internet connection? Garmin used to have a good one but no longer supports or updates it. Looking for something I could navigate with, see terrain with, and satellite view. Something like Google maps but offline. Suggestions?

 

Garmin hasn't stopped supporting maps, terrain, city or topo, what are you referring to specifically that they have stopped updates? Please provide links and names.

You don't need to use BaseCamp, I am only using it as it integrates all the other mapping features, and provides an overview list of what Garmin maps it offers and supports. If you follow those links they will show map packs you can use:

BaseCamp™

Make the most of your next outdoor activity or relive the trips you’ve taken. BaseCamp lets you plan outdoor activities, organize your data and share your adventures with others.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/shop/downloads/basecamp
(download for free)

Overview

• Import and view maps in 2-D or 3-D, including TOPO and City Navigator® maps.
• Create, edit and organize routes, waypoints and more on your computer.
• View BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, BirdsEye TOPO Raster or BirdsEye Select Raster maps and transfer the data to your device (subscriptions required).
• Create and share Garmin Adventures.
• Create and share geotagged photos.
• View playback of routes, tracks and adventures.
• Search for geocaches through integrated OpenCaching support.

You can also download google maps and maybe google street view for offline use:

https://www.google.com/search?q=using+google+maps+google+street+view+off+line

 

I don't have the garmin software. A friend of mine used to use it and says it doesn't work for some reason? Am I able to purchase old Garmin software and use it effectively. He says it locks up when he tries to use it. Tried uninstalling it and reinstalling.

 

It's slow to download, if you have GB's to download it can take many hours, but seems to eventually work fine.

Maps & Map Updates Select your device category.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/maps/updates/

Updates are usually only free for a year or two, unless your device came with lifetime updates. You may have to by another year or longer of map support for your device.

The builtin storage may be too small for modern maps, or not big enough to hold as many regions as he used to load. See how much free space is left right now, you may need to read up on how to clear out free space on your device, and how to split off data into an SD card or microSD card, usually Garmin devices have a socket for expanding internal storage.

It takes a bit of searching and studying, and maybe an SD card - I wouldn't get one until you verify that device will split off files and use them from the SD card, sometimes it only is for recordings and data generated in the onboard software, not maps.

You may need a new device that has enough storage for all the maps you need, but it's a good exercise to learn via an older device and get it to work for some limited region use - certain US states or limited areas in other countries.

A new update has recently come out: Garmin Map Update 2019.11, it replaces a buggy 2019.10 which Garmin pulled.

Good luck, and please come back and let us know how it works out.

 

I'm not sure I can get ahold of the original garmin software so that may be an option. My friend tossed his in the trash. I'm probably just going to find something else out there that's still supported well.

 

You can download whatever you need to use on the PC / Mac to update your Garmin device, just like any other electronic device these days, you download the latest version - you don't use the software that came with the device - which is probably why he threw it out

Which garmin model is it?

 

I guess you misunderstood my question. I'm looking for a gps software on can use on my laptop to navigate, not on an actual garmin device. It was called Garmin Mobile PC

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/13484

 

Ah, I had that long ago too, it did stop development, not sure if it supports newer maps, or what it's current limitations are:

Updates & Downloads
Garmin Mobile PC
Unit Software
https://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-00685-00

• Garmin Mobile PC, Ver. 5.00.70, as of Feb 19, 2010, Download

I bought MS Streets and Trips and Delorme Street Atlas as a replacement way back when, but ended up using standalone devices more and more over time, so I didn't need to pull out my PC any more. I did download the Google maps early on for fun, but it's been years now, you'll need to find newer info on how to do it now, like the link I gave earlier - check out some of those sites. Google Street View would be huge even for a small area of coverage, so that might be a very limited solution.

This site, or another like it might be helpful in finding alternatives:

http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/

Garmin Mobile PC alternative...
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/5066-garmin-mobile-pc-alternative
http://software.informer.com/Lifestyle:Travel/

BTW, you will need some kind of software compatible GPS device to connect to the PC to use the software on the PC.