Mikhail Orekhov

Every lover of traveling long distances by car should learn how to use a navigator: leave a route, download updates. This is difficult to do for those who have recently purchased a device and do not yet know how to use all its capabilities, or for those who are planning to visit a new country whose map is not available in the navigator. In the latter case, uploading maps to the navigator becomes necessary.

The easiest way to load maps into your navigator is by contacting the service center. Professionals will easily select what you need software and will establish the necessary data in a minimum amount of time.

The price of the service (the most complex option) does not exceed 1 thousand rubles. And in this case, the car enthusiast can be calm about the reliability of the downloaded information.

Self-installation of cards

Taking on this process yourself can save you money. To do this you need to visit official server the navigation program whose brand of device you are using. Next, log in to the site and go directly to the instructions for downloading maps:

  1. Select the “Personal Account” section on the website.
  2. In the “My Devices” section, find the “Updates” subsection and select it.
  3. Next, you need to determine which software corresponds to the navigator model and download it into the memory of your personal computer.
  4. Unpack the update archive. This will require special program to unpack archives.
  5. Connect the device to a personal computer via a USB cable
  6. By saving the downloaded add-on to the “Maps” section on your device, complete the work.

To continue using the navigation device, just reboot. Depending on the software, the reboot and partition addresses may not match each other.

When loading new data into the navigator, you should make sure that it has enough free memory. Otherwise you should delete it unnecessary files, having previously saved them on your computer.

Modern updated models of navigators are equipped with Wi-Fi function, allowing you to easily synchronize necessary information immediately. To do this you need:

  1. On the website, select the section responsible for the software and find necessary update.
  2. Allow the navigator to use updated settings.
  3. Reboot the device.

In the future, available updates will be downloaded automatically. If this does not happen, you need to perform the steps manually again.

When downloading updates, the system will require you to enter a license key, which is indicated on the packaging or instructions for the navigator. If the packaging is lost and the license number cannot be recovered, there is a method described below that will tell you how to download updates.

Downloading non-original software

The Internet is full of free-to-use sites that offer new maps for any navigation system. The main distinguishing feature of such resources is non-original software, which is added to the site by ordinary users. Maps may have some differences from the "real" versions, but still be reliable. The process of downloading data is no different from the method described above. The updated data will be saved separately in the designated folder.

Read how to install GPS in your car.

If the gadget model is not equipped with the function of adding files, you will not be able to make updates on these sites.

To summarize, it should be noted that downloading the necessary maps into the navigator is not a complex process that requires you to prepare. All you need to do is connect to the Internet and register on a website that has the software. And if problems suddenly arise in implementing your plan, you can always rely on the help of a professional.

It is difficult for a modern motorist to get along without a navigator. It is thanks to the maps on these devices that vehicle owners can easily navigate the roads and do not risk losing their way. However, in order for the device to provide only up-to-date information, it is advisable to periodically update its software. And although at first the task looks difficult, in practice anyone can cope with it. And we will tell you how to update your map quickly and without problems.

Why do you need to update maps in your navigator?

Improved versions GPS maps appear on average once every 6 months. Both experienced cartographers and experienced webmasters take part in their creation.

Each updated map differs from the previous one in its expanded coverage area. This area includes houses that have been built in recent months, new junctions and roads. In addition, inaccuracies that were found in previous versions have been corrected in the modified maps. And although certain errors may continue to occur, the effectiveness of the GPS navigator with each new version increases significantly.

By the way, users of some car navigators can personally participate in improving the operation of these devices. For example, Garmin devices allow you to send a section of the map where there was an inaccuracy to the developer for further correction.

What is needed to update the navigator

Almost all popular car navigation systems provide the ability to quickly and freely update maps on car navigators. Therefore, you can easily cope with updating GPS maps yourself.

What do you need for this?

  • Computer or network connected.
  • Directly navigator. Make sure it is charged.
  • USB cable for connecting the device to a computer. As a rule, this cord comes with the device itself.

Also, be prepared for the fact that it will take you time to complete all the necessary actions. The fact is that cards, as a rule, “weigh” a lot. If your Internet connection is not very fast, then get ready to wait.

How to install and update Navitel maps

These navigation maps have been considered one of the best for a long time. Navitel prepares updates for release on average once every six months and allows you to install them for free. The installation can be performed in two ways - through a computer and through the menu of the corresponding program. All you have to do is choose the most suitable and convenient option for you.

1. Use of the software.
How to update Navitel GPS navigator through the application menu? To do this, you must first check your Internet connection. Since maps weigh a lot, it is advisable to download them using Wi-Fi.

On your navigation device, open the Navitel Navigator program and in its menu find the “Updates” section. Now click on the “Update All” button. A window will open in front of you with detailed description all available cards. By clicking the "Update" button you consent to their downloading. No further action is required from you.

Before you start downloading maps, you must first update the Navitel Navigator application along with the activation file.

After this, proceed as follows:

  • Open the official Navitel website and log into your Personal Account.
  • In the section called “My Devices” you will see a list of updates available under your license. Of course, this is only if the navigator is already in the list of devices in your personal account. If not, then take a little time to add it.
  • Select from the entire list of maps those that correspond to the version of Navitel Navigator that is installed on your device.
  • On the right side of the name of each map presented in the list there is a “Download” button. You should now click on it.
  • The file you download will have the extension .nm7. Install it on your personal computer.
  • Now that the required improvement has already been downloaded, all that remains is to install it on the car navigator. Connect your navigation device to personal computer or laptop. This can be done either using a USB cable or using a memory card.
  • Open the folder on your device where the cards are located and erase the old files. Instead, move the new versions of the maps that were downloaded the day before to the folder. No matter how much you would like to leave both old and new files on the device, you should not do this. The point is that different versions may turn out to be incompatible with each other, which will ultimately disrupt the normal operation of the navigator. Therefore, deleting old cards is a necessary step.
  • After saving the downloaded files to the folder designated for them, disconnect the car navigator from the computer.
  • Turn on your device and open Navitel Navigator on it. The terrain update will now complete automatically.

How to download and update maps in your Garmin navigator

It is also necessary to update Garmin maps from time to time, since updated versions contain more accurate data, the accuracy of which cannot be doubted. It is thanks to their improved versions that yours will be able to navigate the streets well and calculate the most accurate and convenient routes on the way to the intended goal.

If it's time to update your Garmin navigation data, a special application called Garmin Express will help you with this. It exists in two versions - for Windows and for . In other words, users of both popular operating systems will be able to use convenient maps.

Installing and updating CityGuide software

There are also many users of the CityGuide navigation service today. If you are also one of them, then when installing updates for maps, proceed as follows:

  • First of all, you need to go to the official website of the navigation system. And from there to your “Personal Account”.
  • Open the column called “All Licenses”, where you will see a long list of a wide variety of licenses. Find yours in this list.
  • Your next step should be to install an updated version of the application. To do this, you will need the “Refresh” key. Remember that back to old version you won't be able to do it anymore.
  • After you have chosen to update the program, the site will ask you to leave the system and then log in again, re-entering your password and login. Follow these steps, and then the updates that are relevant to you will be visible in the list of available cards. Select the one you need and press the “Download” button.
  • Download the file to your PC.
  • Like updates for the program, improved cards are also presented in your Personal Account in a category with the appropriate name. You can select and download any of them at any time. Remember that the list of available options will directly depend on your license.
  • If your car navigator does not have access to the Internet, as, for example, then it makes sense to also download the traffic situation.
  • Move all downloaded files to a folder created in advance on your PC. Name it CGMaps.
  • The next step is to remove the previously downloaded program file from the archive. As a result of this, you will see two folders - INET and NOINET. The first one will be needed if your navigator can access the Internet. The second - if he doesn’t know how.
  • Connect your GPS device to your PC. This can be done using USB cable, if you plan to save information to its built-in data storage. If it should be saved on the device’s memory card, then remove the card from the device and place it in the card reader.
  • Open the contents of the device on your computer and drop the CityGuide folder there, extracted either from INET or NOINET.
  • Next, place CGMaps inside the CityGuide folder.
  • After this, you can turn off the navigation device and run the corresponding program on it.
  • Place the navigator in an open place so that it can successfully configure the COM port and find its location. This process often takes up to an hour, so please be patient.

How to install and update Yandex software. Navigator

Yandex software. The navigator can also be quickly and easily updated by yourself. What should be done for this? In reality, everything is extremely simple. You just need to maintain the sequence of certain actions.

1. To download the map, call the toolbar. To do this, just touch the bottom of your navigator screen.
2. In the Menu that opens, go to settings and open the “Download maps” section.
3. The next step is to find the required city. There are two ways to do this. The first option is to simply find it in the list provided, which is not so difficult, because all the cities in the list are arranged in alphabetical order. The second way is to start typing the name of the city into the search bar and then just select it in the suggestions provided.
4. After this, you will see information about the amount of free memory on the device that is necessary to successfully load the map. And if there is enough of it, then you can confidently start downloading. If there is not enough memory, then, if necessary, you can place the information not on the device, but on a memory card.

If desired, also configure auto-update. This can also be done in the “Updating maps” section. To no longer have to download maps manually, launch the “Automatic” function. Please note that navigation files are much easier to download over Wi-Fi, as there are no resources mobile internet is often not enough. To prevent the download from starting at the wrong time, select the “Only via Wi-Fi” option. This will avoid unpleasant surprises.

Sometimes it also becomes necessary to remove one or another card. This is also extremely easy to do. Simply go to the Settings section through the Menu and go to the “Download and Delete” category. This is where the downloaded maps are stored. Mark the necessary ones and press the “Erase” key. Immediately after this, a window will open asking you to confirm the action. Press the delete key again. That's it. Cards that have lost their relevance for you will be forever erased from .

Installing and updating IGO

The iGO navigation system is one of the most notable. Its new versions are distinguished by three-dimensional pictures in which you can see the terrain, three-dimensional images of a wide variety of objects and more. It is possible to rotate the image on the navigator screen 360 degrees in order to orient yourself to the terrain as accurately as possible.

If you purchased iGO software for your portable navigator, you will need to periodically update the maps on the NNG website. What should be the sequence of steps?

  • Go to the NNG website and register on it.
  • From the above site, download and install an application called Naviextras Toolbox on your PC. This application will monitor for updates. With its help you will download them.
  • Then connect your car navigator to your computer using . Make sure that Naviextras Toolbox finds it in the list of devices that it supports updating.
  • Log in by entering your username and password. Toolbox will then automatically recognize the device and register it with your user profile.
  • Now it's time to spend some time browsing through the available updates and additional maps. They are presented directly in the Naviextras Toolbox program. In order to see them, you should click on the “Catalog” button in the menu item.
  • Available updates can be filtered based on geographic area or data type. Next to each option its price is indicated. Many updates are available for free, in which case a “free” icon will be displayed instead of the price.
  • After you have selected the desired update, it will be queued for installation. Before pressing the “Install” button to install new versions, it is better to create a backup copy of your data. This will eliminate any unwanted complications if the installation does not go as originally planned. Creating a backup usually takes varying amounts of time. And this depends on the capabilities of the USB port, as well as the device itself. Therefore, be prepared for the process to take a long time.
  • After the backup has already been created, Naviextras Toolbox will begin the process of downloading and installing the necessary updates. The progress of the process will be visible on the basis of two indication scales. The top one will show the general status of the work in progress, and the bottom one will allow you to familiarize yourself with the process of downloading a specific file. Upon completion of the operation, you will receive a corresponding notification.

Please note that you can download updates not only using Naviextras Toolbox, but also directly from the NNG website. The sequence of actions will be the same.

Updated versions of programs for car navigators appear on average once every 3-10 months. This means that it is advisable to acquire the latest cards at least as often. Otherwise, the information that will be in your use will no longer be reliable. Therefore, pay due attention to updating your GPS navigators. Moreover, you can easily cope with this task yourself.

The question of how to load a map into a navigator may not be relevant in certain cases. For example, if your device was purchased already with a navigation program. It plots a route using maps pre-installed by the manufacturer. The basic set depends on what kind of navigator you have. That is, maps designed to work with Navitel are not suitable for working with Garmin, and vice versa.

With all of the above, speaking about the basic set, one should understand some of its specifics. It may not contain maps of some regions required by the user. Then, of course, you should know how to additionally load maps into the navigator. There are several ways to do this. One of these methods is to purchase additional license cards, or you can download them for free from the Internet.

Unofficial maps of different regions are mainly developed on the basis of existing ones. They are made by advanced users of navigators and, as a rule, installation unofficial maps comes without technical support and updates. In addition, they must be readable by your navigation program and fit it in format.

How to load maps into the navigator, where is the best place to get them. A good resource for creating them is "OpenStreetMap". The following important note should be taken into account: installing unofficial maps on your navigator is associated with a certain degree of risk. Accordingly, you should first take care to create backups all available data to your personal computer. Confidence that the software is functional and will not negatively affect the device can be provided by purchasing and installing official cards.

Let's look at how to load maps into the navigator step by step using an example:

Step one: We connect the device to our personal computer. If the program proposed as an example is found on a flash card, it should be removed from the navigator and opened on the PC. We will work with her.

Step two: On the flash card you need to create (at the root) special folder, which will host third-party maps for the navigator. You can call it traditionally UserMaps.

Step three: In the created "UserMaps" folder you need to create a subfolder. It will contain a map of the corresponding region. It can be given the name "Region".

Step four: The required map files are copied to the newly created "Region" folder.

Step five: The flash card must be returned to the navigator and the Navitel program should be opened on it. As a result of these manipulations, a menu will appear.

Step six: In the menu that appears, in the Navitel program proposed for example, we are interested in the item that allows us to create a new atlas. At the bottom of the window, find the folder icon and right-click on it.

Step seven: After following the previous recommendations, you will see a new window. You will need to find the "Region" folder if you gave it that name. We are talking about the folder in which new cards are saved. Click on it, and then you should select the command with which the atlas is created - “Create atlas”. Its creation will be done automatically, and all you have to do is click the checkmark button. That's practically all. Select the desired atlas from the list and use the new maps!

How to load maps into a navigator using free Garmin as an example:

  • The MapSource program must be downloaded and installed on your PC from Garmin.com.
  • You need to download the necessary Garmin maps and place (unpack) them in special folders.
  • Each card must be installed separately using installation file"Install".
  • "MapSource" is launched, in which previously installed maps are detected.
  • The available ones are visible at the top left. All necessary ones are selected one by one and sent to the Garmin device. Accordingly, it must be connected in advance.

Thus, we looked at installing a number of maps in the navigator that are popular today.

The navigator has saved time and nerves for hundreds of thousands of drivers. The extremely easy-to-use device comes with a pre-installed set of cards. But there are often cases when there is a need to install new cards. How to do this is discussed using the example of Navitel, Garmin and Avtosputnik navigators.

If you are interested in license cards, detailed instructions instructions for installing them are available on the official websites of each manufacturer. Next, we will talk about installing unlicensed maps that can be downloaded on the Internet, using, for example, the OpenStreetMap resource. Please note: each navigation device works with a specific type of map. Therefore, if you have a Navitel navigator, you need Navitel maps, and nothing else. Before you start installing maps on your navigator, it is recommended to make backup copies of your data and save them on external media or on your computer. For all types of navigators - download the appropriate maps to your computer. For Navitel navigators: connect the navigator or flash card to the computer if navigation program installed on it. In the root directory of the device/map, create a folder with any name you understand, for example, UserMaps (user maps). In it you need to create another folder with the name of the region whose map you want to add to the navigation program - let it be Region1. Copy the maps you previously found to the Region1 folder and turn off the navigator/remove the flash card from the computer and insert it into the device. In the navigator, activate the “Open atlas” menu section and create a new atlas (the button with the folder icon is located at the bottom). Next, a window will open with a list of folders. You need to find and click on the Region1 folder, and then on the “Create Atlas” button. After the program completes the formation of a new atlas, it will appear in the list of available atlases. For Garmin, in addition to maps, you will also need a special MapSource program to transfer maps to the device. It can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website in the Support – Software section. After extracting the files, first run the MSMAIN.msi file and then Setup.exe. Unpack the archives with maps into different folders and run the installation files for each map. Connect your navigator and launch MapSource. Please note: if your navigator has a gmapsupp.img file, rename it to, for example, gmapprom.img or any other allowed name. The maps you downloaded will appear in the “Service”, “Manage cartographic products” menu. Select the card you need from the “View” menu, “Switch to Product” or from the list of cards available on the left in the upper corner of the program (pointer 1 in the photo). The card should appear in window 3. Click on button 4 - and the card will appear in window 2. These operations must be repeated for all cards. To transfer maps to the navigator, press button 5.


The process of installing maps on the Autosputnik navigator is much simpler. All you need to do is connect your navigator to your computer and copy the map files to the Maps folder.

If everything is done correctly, you will be able to easily use the new cards, and if the attempt is unsuccessful, you will be able to return the saved files and settings.

Navigation systems are ubiquitous. On smartphones and tablet computers As a rule, the Navitel GPS application is used (we have already reviewed this navigator for the Android OS). On various forums and torrents you can freely download free maps for Navitel. However, there is an alternative option - download the Navitel program with maps legally: that is, by paying a certain amount for using the product. This way you will get new cards without various tricks.

We will share addresses and links where to download maps on Android (including for free), as well as ways to install maps on Navitel (smartphone or tablet) or update existing ones.

Advantages of Navitel Navigator cards

Among the many navigation applications aimed at tablets and smartphones running Android, the Navitel Navigator application stands out qualitatively. Three key features Navitel maps:

  • The maps are well designed: the objects contain inscriptions and other supporting information necessary for motorists and travelers.
  • Maps of the CIS countries have excellent detail, down to each house, which is especially important when navigating in big cities.
  • There is a three-dimensional mode, which involves drawing objects on maps in 3D.
Interface of the Navitel Navigator program

How to download and install Navitel maps

Before you start using navigation, you need to download maps to your Android device and activate them through Navitel. This can be done in several ways.

Official Navitel maps

You can download maps for Navitel through your personal account or in the navigator settings. The only correct and reliable method of installing navigation maps for Navitel is an official purchase, specifically for your version of the navigator. You can also get cards on the official website. You can choose between maps for certain countries. The size of the maps varies depending on the area of ​​the country they cover. For example, maps of Tajikistan will require only 3.6 megabytes free space. But in order to download a full-fledged map of the Russian Federation, you will have to allocate 1.65 gigabytes. For Brazil, this volume will reach 1.9 GB.

Maps can be installed in the Settings Menu

In the "Maps for Navitel Navigator" section you can directly download maps for the navigator version 2019 and higher. The latest ones are always posted here current versions navigation maps. However, you can take advantage of the updates only by purchasing licensed version Navitel or by activating the demo mode (see section " ").

By the way, the full version of Navitel Navigator with a package of Russian maps costs 2,100 rubles, and a set of maps for the CIS costs 2,600 rubles. Agree, this is not so much. Subsequently, you will not need to look for Navitel maps on torrents or resources of dubious content.

How to install a Navitel map on Android

To add new Navitel maps, you need to go to your navigator’s personal account, then select the menu section My devices (updates) > Available updates. How to add a card to Navitel alternative way? You can install updates for maps through My Navitel > Download maps. The list of cards is unique on each device you use.

A mandatory step in installing a card on Navitel is its activation. To activate new cards, you must purchase the appropriate license for use. The same applies to map packages for Navitel.

Full versions of Navitel maps

When we talk about full versions cards, it is assumed that the time of their use is unlimited. Moreover, you yourself can reset the settings on your Android device, and then successfully reinstall the cards. But be prepared to pay for this opportunity with your own funds.

Trial versions of cards

Before purchasing cards, you have the opportunity to try them out. To do this, simply go to the official Navitel Navigator page, from where you download the corresponding maps. Their main feature we can assume that the cards will only be valid for a certain period of time, after which you will have to either uninstall the program or buy a license key to fully use the product and download the cards.

There are users who reset their tablet settings immediately after the trial period is over, after which they download and install Navitel maps again. This is not entirely convenient, and not entirely legal. So, everything remains at the discretion of the user.

Unofficial Navitel maps

Where to download unlicensed maps by torrent

It makes no sense to tell where exactly to download Navitel maps by torrent, since sites (torrent trackers) with such content constantly receive complaints from copyright holders. So, if you want to download maps for Navitel for free, then prepare to search both on file hosting services and on torrent trackers. In any case, remember that this is illegal and you will not have the opportunity to receive permanent technical support and current updates. And, in some situations, access to online services will be completely blocked.

Downloading "homemade" Navitel maps

However, in addition to the above options - legal and not so legal, you can download alternative maps for Navitel Navigator. They are developed by enthusiasts who want to create an alternative. Naturally, such cards for Navitel are completely free, and you don’t have to worry about the legality of your actions. But, like all amateur products, there is a high chance of inaccuracies in positioning you on the ground.

How to update maps on your navigator (it's free)

How to update maps in the Navitel navigator is well described in the official help on the Navitel website.

This is not difficult to do; there are two ways - directly through your phone or using a PC. To update you will need a good Wi-Fi connection. If you download maps via your phone, check your operator's rates as updates can be several hundred megabytes in size.

How to download maps to the navigator via the official Navitel website

In order to download maps to your navigator on a PC and then on Android, make sure that you have latest version navigator.

The "My Devices" section in your personal account displays summary information. This is where you can check which devices can download map updates. It may happen that your device is not in the list - then you need to add it manually.

  1. You need to mark the Navitel card that is suitable for your version of Navitel installed on your device.
  2. To download the map, click the "Download" button next to the map name. Download the map in .nm7 format to your computer
  3. Connect your phone or SD memory card (via card reader) to your computer
  4. Empty the maps folder in the \NavitelContent\Maps directory.
  5. Copy new maps (.nm7 format files) to this folder.
  6. Disconnect your phone from the PC and turn on Navitel Navigator on your phone.
  7. New cards are available for use.

General description of the Navitel Navigator program on Android

The history of the Navigation Technologies Center company, which is developing and supporting the program, dates back to the end of 2006. This moment marks the first official release of Navitel. The development itself began several years earlier. From that moment on, the glorious history of this navigation system began, which provides detailed information about the terrain in the Russian Federation, the countries of the former Soviet Union, as well as in many European countries, in particular Eastern Europe.

Understanding the features of the application will not be difficult. All buttons are designed in such a way that the user can even guess their purpose. Therefore, there should be no problems with control. After turning on for the first time, you will be asked to read the license agreement, warned about the dangers of using navigation maps while driving, and also offered to download maps from the official store. If you have license key, then Navitel cards will be installed for an unlimited period of time. But, if there is no license, you will be offered to work in the application for a trial period limited to six days.

If you wish, you can view the quality of signal reception from GPS satellites yourself.


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