F.A.Q.

Getting Started

How do I get/use the maps?

1. Obtain a Garmin GPS
2. Obtain/Install Garmin Software
3. Register on our Site
4. Download Maps
5. Obtain Unlock Key
6. Load Maps on GPS
7. Drive Away!
8. Updates

Obtain a Garmin GPS:

Garmin GPS units cost from around $100 and up depending on the model and features. You can purchase a Garmin unit locally at Macy's in the Micronesia Mall. Rumour has it that you can buy one on the bases, but I don't have access and cannot confirm this. There are many online retailers that will sell them at a decent price, but make sure they ship to Guam/CNMI, and make sure the shipping costs don't push the total higher than a local price.

Obtain/Install Garmin Software:

If your Garmin GPS didn't come with Mapsource (and sometimes they don't) you can find out how to install it in THIS ARTICLE. If you're a Macintosh owner, you'll need to download software anyway. Once the Mapsource (or MapInstaller for Macintosh) is installed you'll be able to load maps onto your GPS.

Register on our Site:

I hate spam as much as anyone. But I need to gather some statistics, and also know that you're a human. Therefore, before you can download maps you'll need to register (using the link in the menu on the left). We're a Guam based company, and we will NOT give out personal information. We don't even WANT that much info; just a name and an email address.

Download Maps:

Once you've registered on our site, you now have access to our Download area (as well as posting priviledges in our forum, and other perks!). Be sure to download the right map for your computer (either Mac or PC). Once you've installed the maps, you  may get a warning that the 'Map is Locked'. It is. We'll give you an unlock code. Don't worry, it's still free.

Obtain Unlock Key:

Once you've downloaded the maps and installed them, you'll need an unlock key to load the maps. Our unlock page (accessible once you've registered) will generate an unlock code based on your Garmin Unit ID. (On most models, you can find your Unit ID by turning the unit on, and pressing 'Tools > Settings > System > About. Copy that number down and have it handy). Once you've logged in, and input your Garmin Unit ID, our system generates a custom Unlock code for your GPS Only.

We also keep track of your Garmin Unit ID. If your unit is lost or stolen, you may need that number for identification. Contact us for information. We may not be able to find it, but we can help prove it's yours.

Load Maps onto your GPS:

Now that you've installed your map and entered your unlock code, you only need to transfer your map(s) to your GPS unit. Using Mapsource (or MapInstaller for Mac) use the 'transfer to unit' command to send the selected maps to your GPS. That's all there is to it!

Drive Away:

Once you've transferred your maps to your GPS, you're ready to roll. Mount your GPS in a reasonably safe location in your vehicle. Attach the power to the GPS and your car power outlet (formerly known as a cigarette lighter socket).  If it is the first time your GPS has been powered on, it may take a while (I've seen as long as 15 minutes on some models!) to synchronize with the visible satellites in our region. Once it does that, you'll be notified ('ready to navigate') and you can drive away, safe knowing you'll never get lost again!

Updates:

Periodically (we intend monthly, depending on workload) we update our Maps to correct for new and modified streets and Points of Interest. These will be available on our download page. Just install them on top of your previous map installation, and the new install will overwrite the old install. You won't need a new unlock code, just transfer the updated map to your  GPS unit with Mapsource (or MapInstaller for Mac) and you're good to go!