Mapwel GPS mapping software

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Mapwel - GPS Mapping Software

Build your own map for GPS

Mapwel is mapping software for PC or laptop that allows you to create your own maps for GPS, compile them into GPS compatible format and upload your custom maps to GPS. It works with Garmin GPS devices.

Map format

The most common

input data are ESRI shapefiles, OpenStreetMap OSM files, Google Earth KML and KMZ files and geotiff images.

The output is custom GPS map with optional routing (voice navigation).  Export to KML map format helps to check your map calibration on Google Earth satellite imagery.

GIS to GPS conversion

Wizard for import of ESRI shapefiles from GIS applications allows quick conversion of shapefiles into Garmin GPS compatible map format.

Map authoring tool

Mapwel makes all above steps within a single authoring tool, using its own map compiler and MapUpload utility. Mapwel software also allows to georeference the raster images, create and edit vector map objects, download vector maps from Open Street Map, create custom patterns, icons and colors for the map, and analyze the road network of maps with navigation.

The use of maps

Custom GPS maps created with Mapwel software are

mostly used in forestry, electrical engineering, geology, geodesy, mineralogy, aviation, real estate, geocaching, land management, hiking, snow mobiling and other fields where unique custom GPS maps are needed.

Satellite image in GPS
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OpenStreetMap file converted into routable GPS map with Mapwel
Open Street Map download.
Voice navigation added automatically.
User-defined styles allow to customize your map for Garmin GPS
Custom colors, patterns and icons
Mapwel RSS feed
Software updates
Last update 17 May 2012

Supported Mapping GPS Units - Garmin

Garmin Nuvifone M20
Garmin Mobile XT
Garmin Aera
Garmin Oregon
Garmin Dakota
Garmin Colorado
Garmin Montana
Garmin Astro
Garmin Nuvi and Zumo (all models) - most of them do not display symbol (point) icons *
Garmin Edge 605, 705, 800
Garmin iQue M3, M4, M5
Garmin eTrex 20, 30
Garmin eTrex Summit HC
Garmin eTrex Venture Cx, HC
Garmin eTrex Legend C, Cx, HCx
Garmin eTrex Vista, C, Cx, HCx
Garmin Rino 120, 130, 520, 530, 520HCx, 530HCx
Garmin GPS V
Garmin GPSMAP 60C, 60CS, 60Cx, 60CSx, 62, 62s, 62st
Garmin GPSMAP 76, 76S, 76C, 76CS, 76Cx, 76CSx, 78, 78s, 78sc
Garmin GPSMAP 176, 176C, 276C, 376C, 378, 478C
Garmin GPSMAP 96, 96C, 196, 296, 396, 496
Garmin GPSMAP 620 - only routing maps in automotive mode **
Garmin Quest, Quest 2
Garmin Street Pilot i2, i3, i5
Garmin Street Pilot c320, c330, c340
Garmin Street Pilot c530, c550, 580
Garmin Street Pilot 2610, 2620, 2650, 2660
Known limits
Custom maps from Mapwel do not allow to search destination by name/address on many units.
* Most Nuvi and Zumo models do not display point icons from custom maps, or they display them only in 2D mode and at a very close zoom.
** Custom map from Mapwel works with GPSMAP 620 only if it is a routing map (contains routable roads) and the device is in automotive (not marine) mode.
NOTE: Mapwel is not affiliated with any manufacturers mentioned here.
All brand names and product names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers

Supported Map Formats

File Format
Read / Write
Convert to IMG

Mapwel GPS Mapping Software MPW

Y   Y
Y
-   Y

GPS eXchange GPX

Y   -
Y

cGPSmapper GPSMapEdit MP

Y   Y
Y

MapDekode DBX

Y   -
Y

OziExplorer WPT

Y   -
Y

OziExplorer PLT

Y   -
Y
Y   -
Export of map into IMG, KML and MP file is supported by Mapwel Advanced version only.

Key Features of Software

Map Data Import

Mapping Tools

Software and Hardware Compatibility

  • GPS software for PC or laptop. Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 compatible.

  • Maps created with Mapwel GPS mapping software are compatible with most of Garmin mapping devices, which support loading of additional maps.

  • MapUpload utility is compatible with most of Garmin mapping devices, which support loading of additional maps.

*** Feature available in the Advanced version only

Map Projection Methods

Projections

  • Mercator

  • Transverse Mercator

  • Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

  • Lambert Conic Conformal, 1 and 2 standard parallels

  • Oblique Mercator and Hotine Oblique Mercator

  • Oblique Stereographic

  • Albers Equal Area

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