Differences between BirdsEye Topo and Garmin's Topo maps

Garmin offer two types of topographical mapping: BirdsEye TOPO and TOPO series. You will find the main difference between these two mapping software is BirdsEye Topo is raster-based mapping and TOPO series is vector-based mapping.

Each mapping style has its own advantage. The raster mapping advantage allows for all available detail to show no matter what zoom level is display on the GPS. Vector-based detail will gradually disappear as you zoom further and further out.

Vector mapping using mathematical calculations to form geometrical shapes while raster mapping utilizes pixels. For this reason, vector mapping will have a higher quality image compared to raster maps.