In a method and a corresponding device for managing map data of a digital map for a navigation apparatus, the map data include original map data, wherein the original map data are each associated with one or more original map tiles. A validity indicator is assigned to each of the original map tiles. In the event of an update of an update map tile, associated update map data are assigned and permanently stored, wherein the particular update map tile is provided in order to replace the associated original map tile. After the update map data of the particular update map tile have been successfully stored, the validity indicator of the associated original map tile is set to invalid. During operation of the navigation apparatus, the particular original map tile is loaded if the validity indicator assigned thereto is valid, and otherwise the update map tile associated with the particular original map tile is loaded.