The JCO is in the process of creating vector maps for Jamaica that are compatible with Garmin GPS mapping receivers. Sections of the map, for the Falmouth to Stewart Town area, will be found below. Please note that the images are just screenshots of a Garmin .img file - the map can be scaled up greatly when loaded into the receiver, along with a corresponding increase in resolution. We anticipate that the accuracy on average across the island will be better than +/- 12m and will allow navigation with automobile-based receivers.

The maps include all of the roads found on the 1:50k Metric topo map series, as well as many of the donkey-tracks, all of the rivers, all named towns and districts, offshore reefs, spot elevations, and more. The files are MapSource compatible. Cartography and georeferencing are by RS Stewart of the JCO.

We plan on making the maps available in three versions: A low-priced roads series that will include all of the roads/towns on the Shell and Esso road maps, as well as other main roads/towns that should be on the road maps but aren't (35 USD all-island). A second version will have have all the roads/tracks/towns/villages/main-rivers/reefs shown on the 1:50k topo series (20 maps at 25 USD/map, single map 30 USD). A third set will have 30m contours derived by a JCO calibrated DEM, and all of the features shown on the 1:50k topo series (20 maps at 50 USD/map, single map 60 USD).

Please note that all deliveries of files will be online from the jamaicancaves.org ftp server. It will allow quick access to the maps, but if you aren't familiar with ftp, please read up on it (it's no big deal, and if you don't know about it yet, it's time to learn - it comes in handy).

If you are interested in purchasing vector maps for any particular part of the island, we can put a push on the district and get it done in a couple of weeks. Please contact Stefan at admin@jamaicancaves.org.

UPDATE: (Jan 9/06) - Field-testing of maps for St Thomas has been underway courtesy of Alfred Maragh, and so far everything is looking good. Accuracy is better than expected (road intersections are ground-proofing at <6 metres), and uploading of the files wasn't a problem.