Home › Trails › Maps

GPS Maps

If you're new to GPS, please check our GPS Tips page, or post a question at our discussion forum.

The Problem

You've just purchased a high-end GPS with built-in maps, but are disappointed with the level of detail on trails with the internal maps. 

You may have even purchased Garmin's new MapSource downloadable "Topo Canada" map set, but still your favorite trails don't show up. Notably, Garmin's map does not show the Atlas Road, Sartoris Road, Adanac Road, not to mention hundreds of other ATV and snowmobile trails.

To solve that problem, we've started a new GPS downloadable map for Garmin GPSMap products. This map can be used with Garmin's MapSource program to download the maps into your GPS unit.

Loading CNP Trail Map and Topo Canada Maps to your GPS

Our thanks to Vern Hiebert from the Calgary Quad Squad and ATV Frontier for the following detailed instructions:

  1. Download the CNP Quad Squad Garmin GPS Map found here:  
    - the download is an executable file that must be executed.
    - after execution of the program, the CNP Quad Squad map will be included in your Mapsource map selections.
  2. Within Mapsource, use the map selection drop-down menu and select the Topo Canada maps.
    - This will bring up all the Topo Canada maps that you have available.
  3. By using the Map Selection Tool  you can click on the Topo Canada maps that you wish to download to your GPS.
    - the maps that you have selected will appear within the map listing on the left hand side of Mapsource.
  4. Again, use the map selection drop-down menu and select the Quad Squad map.
    - your map viewer will show the Quad Squad Map ONLY.  
  5. By using the Map Selection Tool  you can click anywhere on the Quad Squad map to include it with your Topo maps.
    - the Quad Squad map will appear within the map listing on the left hand side of Mapsource

    ***  NOTE   *** 
    The Quad Squad map is only a map overlay meaning you will NOT be able to view Topo Canada and the Quad Squad map at the same time within Mapsource.   You will have to toggle between Topo Canada and the Quad Squad map to review within Mapsource.
    It is only when you download the selected maps to your Garmin GPS, that you will be able to see both maps products together.

  6. Now that both your Topo Canada maps AND the Quad Squad map are selected (and located within your Maps listing – left side of Mapsource) you can download  to your GPS.
    * After ‘Sending To Device’, your Garmin GPS should now show BOTH the Topo Canada maps as well as the Quad Squad map.

The map is a "transparent" overlay so can be used with your unit's built-in base maps, or even with Topo Canada. For that reason, we've not included main highways or towns.

Support

If you have any questions about using this map, or would like to contribute to the project, please post your question on our discussion forum.

If you're interested in creating your own maps (not for the feint of heart), here's a good starting point: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/map_authors/

For an incredible collection of Calgary and area GPS maps, please visit www.calgarycachers.ca/trailmaps/maps.htm

Calgary Area Geo-Cachers
www.calgarycachers.ca