How to Send a MapQuest Map Route to a Garmin
By William Pullman
Garmin GPS owners can enter addresses, driving directions and points of interest on MapQuest and transfer the information from the website to their GPS receiver over a USB connection from their computer. The Garmin Communicator Plugin, which is available for download from Garmin, is required to transfer the maps. Addresses and points of interest are automatically added to the receiver, while driving directions are manually imported after transferring the map information.
Step 1
Navigate to the Garmin Communicator Plugin website and download the plugin (link found in Resources). Double-click the downloaded file and follow the onscreen instructions to install the plugin on your computer.
Step 2
Plug the mini-USB end of the USB cable into the mini-USB port on your Garmin receiver and then plug the other end of the cable into a USB port on your computer.
Step 3
Open the MapQuest website on your computer (link found in Resources). Search for a location in the "Search For" field or click "Get Directions" and enter the starting point and destination. The map will appear on the screen based on your search.
Step 4
Click the "Send" drop-down menu and then select "Garmin GPS." The "Send this map to" window will appear and detect the Garmin receiver connected to the computer.
Step 5
Click the "Waypoints" option, if you set up a map with multiple stops and want to include them separately.
Step 6
Click the name of your Garmin receiver and then "Send" to transfer the map. Waypoints are added to your Favorites list. You need to import the driving directions before your can use them on the Garmin receiver.
Step 7
Power on the Garmin receiver, tap "Tools" and then "My Data." Tap "Import Routes," the MapQuest driving directions and then "Import."
References
Warnings
- The Microsoft Internet Explorer Internet browser is not compatible with the Garmin Communicator Plugin and MapQuest. You need to use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome to transfer maps.
Writer Bio
William Pullman is a freelance writer from New Jersey. He has written for a variety of online and offline media publications, including "The Daily Journal," "Ocular Surgery News," "Endocrine Today," radio, blogs and other various Internet platforms. Pullman holds a Master of Arts degree in Writing from Rowan University.