What is the NM7 file format?
An .nm7 file is a Navitel Navigator map file in the version-7-and-above format, used exclusively by the Navitel Navigator GPS navigation application. Navitel is a Russian navigation software company whose apps run on Android, iOS, and Windows CE devices, and historically on Windows Phone and Symbian.
Each .nm7 file covers a specific country or geographic region and is named accordingly - for example, Russia_NW.nm7 for northwestern Russia. The binary file contains vector and raster map data including road networks, points of interest (POI), administrative boundaries, speed camera locations, and GPS coordinate data optimized for real-time turn-by-turn routing on mobile and embedded hardware. Maps are distributed through navitel.com and placed in the device's map folder, typically /Navitel/Maps/.
Navitel has released a series of progressively versioned map formats: .nm2, .nm3, .nm5, .nm6, and .nm7. The version number in the extension directly indicates the minimum Navitel Navigator version required - .nm7 files require Navigator 7.0 or later. These formats are mutually incompatible; mixing NM7 software with older NM2 or NM6 maps can cause display errors or navigation failures.
The format specification is entirely proprietary and undisclosed. No public tools exist to convert .nm7 maps to or from open navigation formats such as OpenStreetMap data, Garmin .img, or .gpx tracks. Typical file sizes range from 5 MB for small countries to several hundred MB for large regions.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWNM7 files are binary map data with no executable content. The main risk is downloading maps from unofficial/third-party sources rather than navitel.com - unofficial NM7 files may be outdated, incomplete, or tampered with. Always obtain Navitel maps from the official Navitel website or the app's built-in map store.
Format details
in a nutshellFULL NAMENavitel Navigator Map (version 7+)aka Navitel NM7 map, Navitel map file
DEVELOPERNavitel (Navitel LLC; historically branded 'GPS Moldova' in some db records)since ~2011-2012 (Navitel Navigator 7.x for Windows CE, Symbian, Android, iOS)
CATEGORYGIS Files
MIME TYPEapplication/octet-stream
TYPEProprietary binary vector/raster map (navigation)
Programs that open NM7 files
Android1 app
Navitel Navigator for Android
Paid Copy the NM7 file to the /Navitel/Maps/ folder on internal storage or SD card. Launch Navitel Navigator - it detects maps automatically.
iOS1 app
Navitel Navigator for iPhone/iPad
Paid Use iTunes File Sharing or Files app to copy the NM7 into the Navitel app's Maps folder. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Navitel LLC (Russia) |
| Format series | NM7; predecessor formats: .nm2, .nm3, .nm5, .nm6 |
| Encoding | Binary, little-endian (optimized for ARM-based mobile/embedded hardware) |
| Container | Navitel proprietary binary map container |
| Compression | Likely internal; not publicly documented |
| Encryption | None (maps distributed as plain downloadable files) |
| Content | Roads, POIs, administrative boundaries, speed cameras, GPS coordinates, natural geography |
| Typical file size | 5 MB - 500 MB (country-level; large regions can be several hundred MB) |
| Naming convention | Named after covered region, e.g. Russia_NW.nm7 |
| Platform | Android, iOS, Windows CE, Windows Phone (discontinued), Symbian (discontinued) |
| Version requirement | Requires Navitel Navigator 7.0 or later |
| Backward compatibility | Incompatible with NM2 and earlier formats; mixing causes navigation errors |
| Interoperability | No public spec; no conversion to open formats (OSM, Garmin IMG, GPX) |
| Released | ~2011-2012 (Navitel Navigator 7.x for Windows CE, Symbian, Android, iOS) |
| Latest version | NM7 (current as of 2026 for Navitel Navigator 7+) |
NM7 conversions
Not possible
Community Q&A
asked by users
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Frequently asked questions
How do I install an NM7 map file in Navitel Navigator?
Copy the NM7 file to the /Navitel/Maps/ folder on your device's internal storage or SD card, then restart Navitel Navigator. It will detect the map automatically.
Can I use NM7 maps with Google Maps or a Garmin device?
No - NM7 is a proprietary Navitel format. It only works with Navitel Navigator. Other navigation software uses different proprietary formats.
What's the difference between NM2, NM3, NM7 files?
The number indicates the minimum Navitel Navigator version required. NM7 requires version 7 or higher. Older formats (NM2, NM3) work with older Navitel versions but may not be compatible with current app versions.
Where do I get NM7 map files?
From navitel.com (paid maps) or through Navitel Navigator's built-in map store. Avoid third-party sources - maps may be outdated or unofficial.
Does Navitel still support NM7?
Yes - as of 2026, Navitel Navigator for Android and iOS still uses the NM7 format for offline maps.
References
1Navitel Navigator - official product pagenavitel.com
2Navitel - map update instructionsnavitel.com
