Garmin Connect used to have excellent Google Maps, but in November 2010 Garmin decided to «transition» to Bing Maps. Bing Maps have very little (sometimes no) detail compared to Google Maps, they lack terrain info, etc. In practice it meant that Garmin Connect got unusable maps. Here’s how to fix it.
First: A comparison.
Bing Maps
Here’s a recent activity shown using the standard Bing Maps. Not a lot of details:
Google Maps
Here’s the same activity as above, now on a map that is actually usable:
With Google Maps you can also view a terrain map:
Another example
Here are two views of the same cycling activity:
Again: Bing Maps has practically no details, while Google Maps has excellent details, shows place names, urban/»green» areas, etc.
See this Google search for garmin connect bing google maps for more examples.
How to fix Garmin Connect and bring back Google Maps
- Install Greasemonkey
- Install Garmin Connect Google Maps
- Install Gfix
See also: Discussion on Garmin Forums.
Why did Garmin change to Bing? Did they think about the Garmin Connect users at all?
For what it’s worth you can join the Facetube group «Garmin Connect users who want Google Maps back!» http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_177724018904812&ap=1
Why anyone would want to replace Google maps with Bing I have no idea. It’s like replacing a Mercedes with a Fiat 127.
Yes, thanks – Facetube group joined. I also posted on the pages for Garmin and Garmin Connect.
Some great examples of where the google road maps are definitely better, why not try tweeting this directly at @bingmaps but more importantly @garminconnect so they can see what you need. Images speak much louder than words (especially in a tweet)
Thanks, I already did that. Feel free to retweet!
It is great!! I just downloaded it (Gfix) in my MacBook Pro with Chrome 12.0.742.91 and when I checked on MyGarminConnect and refresh Activities it was already installed. All my maps in Activities and Goals are Google! I am from Panama and maps of capital city really sucks with Bing. I really appreciate…you cant imagine. I´ve already LIKE IT in Facebook. Thanks!
Excellent, very good to hear, thanks!
Works great – thank you very much.
Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for.
Now for garmin to change it back for good without using GFIX!!!
This is a really interesting article! Appreciate your that! Along with sincerely Luke aka couchgool.