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Overview of the CenRut project (Updated 29 April 2013)
Current version is CenRut 2.9
Visit the English section of our Forum! http://www.cenrut.org/viewforum.php?f=31
Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/Cenrut
What is CenRut?
CenRut is a community-based project to create and freely distribute GPS maps of
Central America. The project covers El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua,
Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Panama.
How do I load the maps onto my Garmin GPS?
The simple method (recommended): If you have a Garmin GPS, one way is to just right click on this link: http://www.CenRut.org/Mapas/gmapsupp.img
to save the GMAPSUPP.IMG file onto your computer. Then connect your GPS to your computer and save the file in
the /Garmin/ folder on your GPS ( for newer models create the /Map/ folder
on your GPS and load the file there). Then
disconnect your GPS from your computer and turn on your GPS. That's all!
The complete method: please refer to the complete Windows or the complete Mac method below, as appropriate.
How do I know if the Cenrut maps are correctly loaded onto my GPS?
Start your GPS and go to Tools>Settings>Map>Info. You
should see the following:
How good are the maps?
In most places, the quality of the CenRut maps is superior to the commercially
available options. In some
locations(e.g. Panama), CenRut and the commercially available options are each
better in different aspects, but CenRut is improving at a much faster pace.
Why do you do this?
We believe that this is an immensely valuable project that allows us to apply
modern technology to help raise the standard of living in Central America. Plus,
we enjoy it.
Who are you?
The project leader is Willy, who lives in El Salvador. CenRut also works with
similar projects in other countries, including Venezuela (gpsyv.net), Argentina
(proyectomapear.com.ar), and Peru (perut.org).
How do you finance all this?
The cash required for the project(software, hosting, etc ) is generously provided
by donors. Please make sure to make a donation in order to support the
development of this project.
How else can I help?
Send us a Mapsource file with your waypoints! If you are a slightly more advanced user, please also send tracks of roads and trails. Here are some instructions on recording tracks from our partner organization: OpenStreetmap tips for tracks
1) Garmin Training Center (after installing this, the Mapsource installer will believe an earlier version of Mapsource is already installed): http://www.gawisp.com/perry/forerunner/TrainingCenterForWindows_343.exe
2) Garmin Mapsource*: http://www.CenRut.org/Mapsource/MapSource_6137.rar
3) CenRut*: http://bit.ly/CenRut29
*Note: to decompress these files you need a program like WinRAR:
http://www.tucows.com/preview/194276
CenTopo(Topographic map of Central America):
To download the Topographic installer for Mapsource, please
click here:
http://www.cenrut.org/Topo01/Centopo.exe
It is a 50m contour line map that is derived from NASA’s SRTM data. If you want it to work together with
Cenrut, be sure to load both onto
your GPS at the same time.
Images courtesy of Jack Yeazel:
 |
 |
 |
| Centopo+track in Mapsource | Centopo on Garmin 76cx | Cenrut+Centopo on Garmin 76cx |
The complete method por MAC users:
You need to install the Garmin MapManager and RoadTrip or BaseCamp for MAC.1) Install software Garmin RoadTrip or BaseCamp
2) Install software Garmin MapManager
3)Install Cenrut 2.9 for Mac: http://www.Cenrut.org/Mapas/Cenrut29_mac.rar
GPS on your mobile phone: Android, iPhones, Windows Mobile and Symbian
phones can use
the CenRut maps in the Navitel format. Please see the CenRut website for
further details.
What if I have additional questions?
Please feel free to post questions in the forum, and we will be happy to help!
So how can I make a donation?
Here is the Paypal link: http://bit.ly/CenRut_Support
Have you had any press coverage?
A little, but please help us get more press coverage of the project!: Article in Honduras paper
Feel free to drop me an email: David Krause Washington, DC dakrause(at)hotmail.com
