GPS Maps for Mexico

The holidays are over, winter is here, and many of us are dreaming of vacations in warmer climes. I've been asked a few times about maps for Mexico, and I was reminded recently of a website that offers a great deal of resources for the GPS enthusiast headed south of the border. So it seemed an appropriate time to call your attention to BiciMapas.

Although the stated focus is maps for mountain biking, there's a lot more to the site than that. They have highway maps and digital raster graphics (DRG's) that can be used in programs like OziExplorer. It seems like the most common format for their GPS maps is Garmin, but some maps are also available for Magellan receivers. And if Alberto Najera, the man behind BiciMapas, has his way, I'll bet that you'll see Lowrance maps from him before long.

Other than BiciMapas, your choices are limited. You could get the Garmin World Map or the Magellan Worldwide Basemap. But even Garmin says that such a low-level of detail product "is generally recommended only if no other coverage is available for the area."

Related post:

• International maps for your Garmin GPS

Comments

[Louis Hollingsworth]

I am looking for a Garmin GPS navigation unit which would include coverage for D.F., Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Queretaro. In short, which unit includes the greatest number of Mexican cities?

Thank you for your courtesy.

Louis Hollingsworth

[Rich Owings]

Louis,

I know of no unit that comes with pre-loaded, detailed maps of Mexico. If you want any significant level of detail, you'll need to buy some add-on maps, like City Select Mexico (http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/cityselectMexico.jsp).

More info here... http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2006/05/gps_maps_of_mex.html

HTH

[Roberto Moncada]

Hi,
I´m Looking for a Map of Mexico for a TomTom GPS system
or if anyone knows a software that could use to make a map. and then upload to my device.

Thank you

[Gail Lawton]

I have a TomTom One, 3rd Edition GPS and am looking for a comprehensive map of Mexico to download. Everything I see is for other
GPS models.

[Rich Owings]

Gail,

TomTom doesn't offer them, not according to this...

http://www.tomtom.com/support/index.php?Language=4&FID=2075

[Cor Streutjens]

Hi,

I travel to Mexico quite often, I plan to move to Mexico for life. The traffic situation in Mexico City is such that I would be very happy with Mexico City coverage for my TomTom. I know that there is a great demand for a suitable navigation system in the city and to my opinion it will be rewarding to spend time on Mexico maps.

Thanks,

Regards,

Cor The Netherlands

[joel mora]

hi i bought a magellan maestro 3100 and looking for maps for mexico city, also hear about topo maps for mexico but im not sure if this will work with my gps ....tks

[Rich Owings]

Joel,

I think the maps on this post are your best bet. I don't think the Magellan topo maps will work with your unit.

[Bryan]

Has anyone found good accurate downloadable maps of Mexico for Tomtom GPS systems?

[Rich Owings]

Bryan,

It doesn't look like TomTom offers Mexican maps.

[Bryan]

I know TOMTOM and TeleAtlas doesn't have maps of Mexico for TOMTOM One GPS systems. Are there anyother companies that have them to download into a TOMTOM One? CNET has one for a TOMTOM pocket PC.

[Rich Owings]

Bryan,

I don't believe you can load custom maps to a TomTom. You might want to ask on some TomTom forums though.

[robert escamilla]

ANEED MAPS TO MEXICO FOR TOM TOM GO 720

[Daniela]

hello, i juts brought a tomtom and i really need maps of mexico, where can i download them?

[Rich Owings]

Daniela,

Sorry, but there are no TomTom-compatible maps for Mexico.

[Guicho]

Wondering what happens when you drive with your TomTom in Mexico? Does it still tell you where you are even if there are no details on the map?

[Rich Owings]

You probably see your position on the base map. You may be able to pan there to see what limited detail they have.

[HM]

TomTom website says that there is a MEXICO MAP (Map of Mexico v8.15) at http://www.tomtom.com/products/maps/select.php?D=1021&Language=4&P=5270

Does anyone knows where to download it?

[Rich Owings]

It looks like you download it right there, but you probably have to install it through TomTom HOME.

[Robert Buchanan]

The Tom Tom Mexico map is useless for Puerto Penasco.

Maybe fine for Mexico City and some other areas, buy if you are in Southern AZ or CA looking for guidance to common Mexican tourist areas, save your money. Only the main highway shows, and that even peters out half way though town.

And you can only use the Mexico map once you have physically reached Mexico. Trying to navigate US MX does not work.

[Rich Owings]

Robert,

Thanks for taking the time to share that. Hopefully it will keep some people from making a mistake.

[E penilla]

I have a Full Pioneer DVD GPS Navigation system, and I am looking to get maps for mexico!

How - where do you get the maps to load them for my pioneer system? anybody?

thanx
E

[Rich Owings]

I'd check their website, but this is a problem for these off-brands. If you want maps of other areas, the best bet is Garmin. Then TomTom, Navigon and Mio (in no particular order).