Standalone GPS devices, also called GPS receivers or GPS navigators, are used to determine location and movement on the planet, using information received from a constellation of GPS satellites.
These devices are very useful in boats and cars, but also in critical applications, due to their portability, reliability, and high precision. GPS receivers are not always connected to the internet, which is what distinguishes them from the GPS apps of our mobiles.
This disconnection from the internet means that they rely solely on information received from satellites to determine their location. It also means that to update them, a specific procedure is required for each one.
In general, it is important to keep your GPS receiver up to date to ensure that it is working properly, and providing the most accurate information possible. But what can be updated in a GPS receiver? And how to do it?
What exactly gets updated in a GPS?
Most modern GPS receivers come with preloaded maps. Typically, these maps are sparse and do not include many points of interest or up-to-date route information.
Most manufacturers offer updates to these maps on their website, free of charge or on a subscription model.
The main issues when updating GPS maps are determining which system your particular receiver uses, in order to choose the most appropriate update. This update may include one or more of the following components:
- El firmware of the device (the operating system of your GPS receiver).
- All the applications mobile phones (apps) that work on the device.
- La cartographic information (maps) included in the GPS, along with points of interest, roads, etc.
- satellite data (orbital parameters or ephemeris), which allow to improve the precision and speed of positioning.
Now, let's take a look at how to upgrade the most popular GPS receivers on the market.
How to update a Garmin GPS?
Garmin is the leading brand in handheld GPS receivers and car GPS navigators. Keeping a Garmin GPS receiver up to date is very easy, since the entire process is done with the Garmin Express software.
You will only have to connect the device to the computer and let the software do all the work. The procedure below is for the Garmin Drive, Nuvi, Zumo, Montana, eTrex or any other model from the many ranges of this brand.
Follow this step by step to update your Garmin GPS:
- Connect the device to the computer. The connection cable comes in the device's box, but if you don't have it, in most models it is miniUSB or microUSB. Make sure it is turned on and has enough battery.
- Download and install Garmin Express on the computer. You can find it on the Garmin website and available for Windows and macOS operating systems.
- Open Garmin Express and add the device. If you have just installed the software, when you open it for the first time, click on “Click to add new device” and look for your GPS receiver (which must be connected and turned on, don't forget).
- Find and install updates. After adding the device lThe app will search for available updates and offer you a list. Click on “Select all” and keep your device connected while updates are installed.
Once the process is complete you can disconnect the device. This procedure allows you to obtain the available updates for the applications that come standard with your device, or those that are free. If you did not purchase lifetime upgrades, you may need to purchase lifetime upgrades in order to get them.
How to update a TomTom GPS?
TomTom is a manufacturer of GPS receivers that specializes in car navigation equipment. In addition, their devices are frequently integrated as standard in some cars, especially in North America.
As with Garmin, it is very easy to update a TomTom GPS receiver, just follow these steps:
- Download and install MyDrive Connect. MyDrive Connect can be used to install, update or change the maps included in the navigation device. You can find it on the TomTom website and it's available on both Windows and macOS computers.
- Connect your TomTom GPS navigator to your computer. Use the cable provided by the manufacturer, usually a normal microUSB cable, in case you misplaced it. Make sure it's charged and turned on before plugging it in.
- Start MyDrive Connect and list the updates. When you start the program it will detect the connected TomTom device (if it doesn't appear, check the connection) and check for updates. When it shows you the number of available updates, press the button "view updates” to list them.
- Select and download the updates. Select from the list of available updates those by checking the boxes of what you want to download. Then click on "Update Selected” to download them. Do not disconnect the browser during the process.
Updates will first be downloaded to your computer and then installed in your browser. When finished you will receive the message “You're ready to go – Your Device has been successfully updated".
If you want to change or add new maps to your TomTom press on the tab “My happy” and then scroll down until you reach the section “My Maps”. Here you can install, modify and uninstall the maps included in your TomTom GPS navigator.
Why is it important to update a GPS receiver?
There are several reasons why it is important to upgrade a GPS receiver. Some of the main reasons are:
- Better performance: System software updates can improve the performance of the GPS receiver and make it work faster and more efficiently.
- Error correction: System software updates may also fix bugs or problems that may be affecting the performance of the GPS receiver.
- Access to new roads and changes in the landscape: Map updates can provide information about new roads or changes in the landscape, which can be useful if you're traveling to a new area.
- Greater precision: Satellite data updates can improve the location accuracy of the GPS receiver. This is especially important in critical environments or in situations where precision is essential.
In short, GPS navigation is an essential tool in modern life and keeping a GPS up to date is essential to ensure that it provides accurate and reliable information.
