How to Install TomTom Maps onto an SD Card
By Terry Parker
TomTom manufactures and distributes several popular GPS devices. Many models of the TomTom GPS device support the use of SD or microSD cards for memory expansion. You can install TomTom maps directly onto the memory card. To install maps to the card, you need to download and install the TomTom Home software (See Resources) onto your computer. You can purchase additional maps from the TomTom website and install the maps onto the memory card.
Purchase a Downloadable TomTom Map
Step 1
Open a Web browser and navigate to the TomTom online store (See Resources).
Step 2
Click the "Maps" tab and select “Downloadable Maps.”
Step 3
Click the drop-down menu and select the entry for your TomTom device. A list of available maps will open.
Step 4
Click the “Buy Now” option for the desired map and select “Proceed to Checkout.”
Step 5
Provide payment information and click “Submit.” A receipt and a download link for the map are provided once the transaction has completed.
Step 6
Download the map file and save the file to your desktop.
Upload Map to TomTom SD Card
Step 1
Insert the memory card into the card slot on the TomTom device.
Step 2
Plug the device into the computer using the USB cable. The computer will register the GPS device as a removable device.
Step 3
Power on the GPS device. An error message will appear stating “No Map Found.” Click “OK” to dismiss the message.
Step 4
Click the Windows “Start” button and select “Computer.” Click the entry for the TomTom device under the Removable Devices section. Click the entry for the SD card to open the card in Windows Explorer.
Step 5
Click the “Windows Explorer” icon on the Windows taskbar to open a second instance of Explorer. You can also press the “Ctrl-N” key while the cursor is in the first instance of Explorer to open a second Explorer window.
Step 6
Navigate to the downloaded map file on the desktop.
Step 7
Drag the downloaded map file into the SD card folder in the first Explorer window.
Step 8
Double-click on the map file in the SD card folder. The TomTom Home application will launch on the computer and the application will install the map to the device.
References
Warnings
- The information provided in this article apply to the TomTom models GO x50, GO x40, GO x30, GO x20. Instructions for other models may vary slightly or significantly.
Writer Bio
Terry Parker is a writer based in Texas. She specializes in writing technical and marketing materials for a wide variety of clients, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.