It kind of depends on where you’re getting your Garmin maps from. Think of it as a two step process:

  1. Convert OSM data into Garmin objects inside a Garmin IMG file (e.g. using mkgmap as Lambertus does)
  2. Use a TYP file to control how the Garmin objects are displayed on your particular GPS device

Generally, there are two types of TYP file:

  • Ones that are designed to work with generic Garmin maps (e.g. those created by Lambertus, using the default mkgmap style)
  • Ones that are designed to work with customised styles (e.g. my one here: http://www.cferrero.net/maps/downloads/CF1400.TYP)) and won’t work properly unless you match them up

If you are using Lambertus’ maps, I seem to recall that he deliberately removed building objects (thus making them almost-default-style), which is why you won’t be able to see them. You would need to be rolling your own map, or downloading them from another source, in order to be able to display buildings.

If you’ve got to the stage of familiarity with TYP files, then learning how to use mkgmap is only a small extra step and infinitely rewarding! :slight_smile: