GPS: GPS maps of China

[robert_loken]

Hi,

I've been spending quite some time searching for a decent GPS map of China. So far the best one I have found is the World map of Garmin. But as expected, this map has a poor resolution.

Hopefully it is only a matter of time before there will be a better alternative on the market. If anyone comes over a better GPS map of China, I would appreciate it if you could inform about it here

All the best,
Robert

[Bryan]

I too have made this search and reached the same conclusions. It's also too bad that the Garmin world map doesn't indicate the Great Wall at all.

However, I did find some interesting alternatives (which I have not tried) and other information as follows.

http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/mapl...=47&rgn=&cat=4
http://www.pda4x.com/read.php?tid=56398
http://www2.mapking.com/en/
http://english.people.com.cn/200602/...24_245682.html

It's also worth noting that Garmin GPS receivers sold in China via their partner Unistrong have more detailed and accurate maps which cannot be purchased outside of China.

http://www.unistrong.com/productline...de=GPSMap60CSx

[robert_loken]

Thanks Bryan

I looked at the Unistrong link, translating it from Chinese to English in Google. Looks like they offer better maps of the largest (87?) cities in China. It would be intersting to know if that also means that the general map of China has a better quality as well.

I'll write a post here if I find out more.

Robert

[Kim]

I use a Garmin nüvi 300 which has a very detailed map of both the cities and the countryside with even the smallest roads. Not much good though once you get of the roads and onto the Great Wall but very useful on the road. Unfortunately not all the small cities can be searched.

Kim

[robert_loken]

Thanks for the intersting information about your Garmin Kim.

Was it bought in China?

If you have the chance, can you check if the map you have is equivalent of the one below? It is the Garmin WorldMap v4. From what I can see it is fairly detailed on roads and cities, but does not show any terrain information.

Does your map show terrain information?

http://www.garmin.com/cgi-bin/mapgen...&rz=0&k=1&sc=1

[Kim]

No it's not the same map. My map is far more detailed - it even have some small dirt roads. Unfortunately there is not much terrain information, it only shows some green area and some lakes and rivers. Knowing the maps you can by in China I was very surprised to see the details - just like I would except it to be in Europe for this kind of GPS.

The maps are called China Country Map (SCM) and China City Navigator Eng v. 5.51 (Map_China_5.51E). The GPS was bought in China.

I have some way points of places in Hebei - I will post them later.

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by Kim

No it's not the same map. My map is far more detailed - it even have some small dirt roads. Unfortunately there is not much terrain information, it only shows some green area and some lakes and rivers. Knowing the maps you can by in China I was very surprised to see the details - just like I would except it to be in Europe for this kind of GPS.

The maps are called China Country Map (SCM) and China City Navigator Eng v. 5.51 (Map_China_5.51E). The GPS was bought in China.

I have some way points of places in Hebei - I will post them later.

I want that map for my GPSMap 60CSx!

Does it show the Great Wall?

[Kim]

Some of the most famous places of the Great Wall can be searched as an attraction, but the map doesn't show the Great Wall.

Today my GPS took me to Liujiakou - great place

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by Kim

No it's not the same map. My map is far more detailed - it even have some small dirt roads. Unfortunately there is not much terrain information, it only shows some green area and some lakes and rivers. Knowing the maps you can by in China I was very surprised to see the details - just like I would except it to be in Europe for this kind of GPS.

The maps are called China Country Map (SCM) and China City Navigator Eng v. 5.51 (Map_China_5.51E). The GPS was bought in China.

I have some way points of places in Hebei - I will post them later.

Kim, I am thinking about buying a GPS receiver (Garmin GPSMap 60CSx) when I arrive in China later this year. I assume they will sell it to me even though I am not a resident. Do you think I would have any problem relying on buying one in China rather than bringing one with me? I will be arriving in Shanghai and I noticed that Unistrong has a branch in Shanghai.

http://www.unistrong.com/English/sales/index.htm

Thanks!
Bryan

[Kim]

Hi Bryan,
I think you should try to compare the price in USA with the price in China. It would have been much cheaper for me to buy mine in Denmark but I needed it so I couldn't wait until my next trip back to Denmark.
Of cause that depends on if it's possible to buy a separate map when you arrive in China.
I don't think it should be a problem buying it in China and I don't remember having to show any kind of ID. Please let me have your comments about the Garmin GPSMap 60CSx once you had a chance to test it. I'm thinking about changing my old Garmin eTrex and so far I consider a GPS 60 or GPSmap 60 CSx. The battery time in the eTrex is just too low.