Hike Settings > Map > Configure Maps > Custom Maps - swap out the "hike" with whatever activity that you're working on - Here's a quick walkthrough if it's helpful - ruclips.net/video/MJ0KCXy3P00/видео.html
Hey Chris, Love these last few vids. Watched & Saved to go over thoroughly. Really want to master this map stuff. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Clint🇦🇺
Very good video, thank you. I will check it in Alps with my Montana 700 - this device works very good with kmz maps. This is one of the things, why Garmin is still ahead of Apple - you simply can't do this with Apple Watch, there's no way to get any custom maps there
Hey, A map related question, I would like to zoom in/ out on the map while cycling, with gloves on. Is there a shortcut to zoom? For now I take my gloves of, unlock the touchscreen, touch the screen, select zoom and zoom which makes the watch useless for a lot of navigation tasks.
You might have to turn touch off for the map page - depends on the watch - www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/fenix6-6ssport/EN-US/GUID-C404537E-A4F1-419D-84FB-995BAF3C9591.html#:~:text=While%20navigating%2C%20press%20UP%20or,Select%20Pan%2FZoom.
The issue: when I am navigating the upper rigth ( menu) button serves as a stop button or if held a voice command button. Up and down cycle the different screens in the workout, bottom right is a lap, bottom left can undo laps, top left is the round menu selector,... The only way I found to go into the pan/ zoom during navigation is unlocking the screen, tapping the screen and use the up/ down. Useless with gloves and honestly a pretty stupid workflow,...
Garmin did update the explore app again to allow downloading USGS Quads and sat images without a maps plus sub. Not sure if that helps at all with the mapping on devices but at least you can do it on your phone again like you could before they pushed that update to the explore app that screwed up everything.
Thanks for posting that didn't know & seeing it as well. Don't think you can push them to the device but you can see them on the phone as you mentioned. Thank you!
Not necessarily better - it's just different. For example on a USGS topographic map, you get landmark names like canyons, etc. but not trail names. Custom maps are good if you want to see something that Garmin doesn't offer.
Thank you for this! I followed your steps.. Copied the kms file to Garmin>Custom Maps using Android File Transfer. Used Map Manager on the Epix to confirm the map was added. It was not. Do I now use Garmin Express to upload the map to the Epix?
Just caught a typo.. I am installing a kms file not a kms as I noted above. Using an Epix Pro G2.. there's no Custom Maps option in Map Manager. Tried another computer and can verify that the kms file is in Garmin>Custom Maps folder but it doesn't display on the watch.
Not sure I'm following everything but the watch in the video is an Epix Pro G2 and it's working. Maybe try zooming in more when you have the layer turned on?
@@Hikingguy No go for me. Same device... Epix Pro G2, running v18.16 and Explore is up-to-date. Same version of CalTopo. Confirmed it's printing to a geospatial pdf. Used the pdf-to-kmz converter on MyGeoData as well. Transferred to the Epix with Android File Transfer. I can see the kmz in Garmin>Custom Maps when the Epix is mounted via Android FT. Restarted the Epix just to be safe. Created a test course in the map area as well. I can see the course. Not only can I not see the custom map after zooming all the way and all the way out, but when I go in the Map Manager on the Epix there is no Custom Maps option. Too bad. I do a fair amount of backcountry backpacking and this would have been an epic workaround for high quality custom layered Topo maps. Wondering if Garmin squashed Map Manager>Custom Maps to prevent exactly what we are trying to do, forcing the user to use the Garmin Maps+ subscription service? Can I ask what OS version you are running on the Epix?
@@Hikingguy So appreciate you for this. I have no idea where I am going sideways. On the Epix.. Hike Settings>Map>Configure Maps on the Epix and in the Epix settings in Connect mobile, and I have only Topo Active. No Custom Maps. Disappointed..
Thanks for posting this video. I converted a GPX file to KMZ and loaded it into the CustomMaps folder on my Fenix 7 but the CustomMaps folder doesn't show under Map Manager. Does this kind of conversion not work with Garmin?
Contacted Garmin support and they were useless. I followed your steps in the video, geo-pdf, convert to kml, shows in custom folder, no display on watch even after turning off all other maps. guess i'll just try to return the watch.
@@Hikingguy Good News...looks like I got it working. I import my GPX into Google Earth, make a JPEG of the trail using Snip-it, overlay that JPEG on Google Earth, Save as KMZ. Opens on the Fenix 7, just need to be zoomed in enough, 0.2 miles for it to show. I'd like to be able to see it from farther out but I guess that's what I get.
I do not know what I am doing wrong. I added the .kmz file via Android file transfer. I verified that the file was added to my Fenix 7X, but my map manager does not give me the option to use custom maps. Only topoactive and +.
It might be a Fenix 7x bug. Working on my F8 and Epix - did some digging and others are having similar issues. Another Garmin issue..... www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/vdf0ex/has_anyone_managed_to_load_custom_maps_onto_their/
I think there's an issue with this working on the Fenix 7 now, but it does work on the 6 and 8 (of course). You might want to report it in the support forums and maybe Garmin will address it.
I think there's an issue with this working on the Fenix 7 now, but it does work on the 6 and 8 (of course). You might want to report it in the support forums and maybe Garmin will address it.
@@Hikingguy thx. I got a trial copy of CalTopo, imported my GPX ans printed a Custom Garmin Map (KMZ). The Custom Maps folder shows on my watch, I activated the kmz file, but it does not display on my watch :( I imported the kmz file into Google Earth and it is displayed properly there, but not displaying the map on the fenix 7 :( It's one on the main reasons I purchased this watch.
Hello. I have a subsription for Garmin + maps and what I found is that I have a tile for TOPO PRO layer what looks cool but I do not have there maps of Poland. Quite big disapointment.
You can't use them for routing but the Topoactive is underlaid beneath, so it will route on that. If you want routable - try this: ruclips.net/video/8zA9zSQintk/видео.html
Bought the Caltopo Pro. I can see a high resolution satellite map but when I hit print, the map is low resolution. Is there a way to convert the kmz file to garmin img file. Trying to load satellite map to my Garmin 1050 Edge.
If you have Pro you should be able to export directly to Garmin Custom Map - you might need to log out and back in - my Pro account has same resolution on print as viewing in a few test spots - worse case reach out to CalTopo support
Caltopo changed the default layer when you pick that map option mapbuilder it no longer looks like that. Seems they removed the topo from it even tho it says its topo. Seems they removed all the actual topo maps so now we need another website for actual topo maps. Would add screenshot if i could. Website good for rest of maps just no good anymore for actual topo.
No sure what you're seeing on your end but I just went on the site in a private window, not signed in, and it's working as it did the video. ibb.co/cXPq3sx
@ I have the Pro account and set the dpi to 400 and has no effect on the printing. It’s the map itself that limits the resolution. I bought the Pro thinking the same thing.
Hike Settings > Map > Configure Maps > Custom Maps - swap out the "hike" with whatever activity that you're working on - Here's a quick walkthrough if it's helpful - ruclips.net/video/MJ0KCXy3P00/видео.html
Hey Chris,
Love these last few vids.
Watched & Saved to go over thoroughly. Really want to master this map stuff.
Appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
Clint🇦🇺
This also looks super helpful in making a local area printed map since those of details are so hard to find nowadays
Very good video, thank you. I will check it in Alps with my Montana 700 - this device works very good with kmz maps. This is one of the things, why Garmin is still ahead of Apple - you simply can't do this with Apple Watch, there's no way to get any custom maps there
Hi Chris great video. When you create the geopdf is all the detail saved for when you zoom in etc?
It's a raster so depending on the resolution you may get blurry
which type of maps do you find the most useful for hikes?
Super helpful. You're very computer savvy, I'm not quite there.
Thanks Chris!
Hey,
A map related question, I would like to zoom in/ out on the map while cycling, with gloves on. Is there a shortcut to zoom?
For now I take my gloves of, unlock the touchscreen, touch the screen, select zoom and zoom which makes the watch useless for a lot of navigation tasks.
Usually you can Zoom with the bottom left two buttons - there's a +/- on the screen.
You might have to turn touch off for the map page - depends on the watch - www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/fenix6-6ssport/EN-US/GUID-C404537E-A4F1-419D-84FB-995BAF3C9591.html#:~:text=While%20navigating%2C%20press%20UP%20or,Select%20Pan%2FZoom.
The issue: when I am navigating the upper rigth ( menu) button serves as a stop button or if held a voice command button.
Up and down cycle the different screens in the workout, bottom right is a lap, bottom left can undo laps, top left is the round menu selector,...
The only way I found to go into the pan/ zoom during navigation is unlocking the screen, tapping the screen and use the up/ down.
Useless with gloves and honestly a pretty stupid workflow,...
Garmin did update the explore app again to allow downloading USGS Quads and sat images without a maps plus sub. Not sure if that helps at all with the mapping on devices but at least you can do it on your phone again like you could before they pushed that update to the explore app that screwed up everything.
Thanks for posting that didn't know & seeing it as well. Don't think you can push them to the device but you can see them on the phone as you mentioned. Thank you!
Can you explain what’s better about a custom map like that compared to what garmin gives you out of the box?
Not necessarily better - it's just different. For example on a USGS topographic map, you get landmark names like canyons, etc. but not trail names. Custom maps are good if you want to see something that Garmin doesn't offer.
Thank you
Great video, thanks for the info!!
Very cool. Thank you.
This is super cool, thank you
Thank you for great tips
BIG THANK YOU!!!!
Very helpful. Thanks
excellent - thanks
thanks 👍
Thank you for this! I followed your steps.. Copied the kms file to Garmin>Custom Maps using Android File Transfer. Used Map Manager on the Epix to confirm the map was added. It was not. Do I now use Garmin Express to upload the map to the Epix?
Just caught a typo.. I am installing a kms file not a kms as I noted above. Using an Epix Pro G2.. there's no Custom Maps option in Map Manager. Tried another computer and can verify that the kms file is in Garmin>Custom Maps folder but it doesn't display on the watch.
Not sure I'm following everything but the watch in the video is an Epix Pro G2 and it's working. Maybe try zooming in more when you have the layer turned on?
@@Hikingguy No go for me. Same device... Epix Pro G2, running v18.16 and Explore is up-to-date. Same version of CalTopo. Confirmed it's printing to a geospatial pdf. Used the pdf-to-kmz converter on MyGeoData as well. Transferred to the Epix with Android File Transfer. I can see the kmz in Garmin>Custom Maps when the Epix is mounted via Android FT. Restarted the Epix just to be safe. Created a test course in the map area as well. I can see the course. Not only can I not see the custom map after zooming all the way and all the way out, but when I go in the Map Manager on the Epix there is no Custom Maps option. Too bad. I do a fair amount of backcountry backpacking and this would have been an epic workaround for high quality custom layered Topo maps. Wondering if Garmin squashed Map Manager>Custom Maps to prevent exactly what we are trying to do, forcing the user to use the Garmin Maps+ subscription service? Can I ask what OS version you are running on the Epix?
@@michaelmarziotto8105 Okay I'm on 18.16 - to see the map I go to Hike Settings > Map > Configure Maps > Custom Maps and I can turn on or off
@@Hikingguy So appreciate you for this. I have no idea where I am going sideways. On the Epix.. Hike Settings>Map>Configure Maps on the Epix and in the Epix settings in Connect mobile, and I have only Topo Active. No Custom Maps. Disappointed..
Thanks for posting this video. I converted a GPX file to KMZ and loaded it into the CustomMaps folder on my Fenix 7 but the CustomMaps folder doesn't show under Map Manager. Does this kind of conversion not work with Garmin?
Looks like might be a Fenix 7 bug/issue - www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/vdf0ex/has_anyone_managed_to_load_custom_maps_onto_their/
Contacted Garmin support and they were useless. I followed your steps in the video, geo-pdf, convert to kml, shows in custom folder, no display on watch even after turning off all other maps. guess i'll just try to return the watch.
@@Hikingguy Good News...looks like I got it working. I import my GPX into Google Earth, make a JPEG of the trail using Snip-it, overlay that JPEG on Google Earth, Save as KMZ. Opens on the Fenix 7, just need to be zoomed in enough, 0.2 miles for it to show. I'd like to be able to see it from farther out but I guess that's what I get.
@@64chrisg It's definitely a bug on the Fenix 7 - disappointing that Garmin hasn't addressed, the way has been out for a long time.
I do not know what I am doing wrong. I added the .kmz file via Android file transfer. I verified that the file was added to my Fenix 7X, but my map manager does not give me the option to use custom maps. Only topoactive and +.
It might be a Fenix 7x bug. Working on my F8 and Epix - did some digging and others are having similar issues. Another Garmin issue..... www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/vdf0ex/has_anyone_managed_to_load_custom_maps_onto_their/
same for me :( Do I have to load the topo maps for this to work?
I think there's an issue with this working on the Fenix 7 now, but it does work on the 6 and 8 (of course). You might want to report it in the support forums and maybe Garmin will address it.
I think there's an issue with this working on the Fenix 7 now, but it does work on the 6 and 8 (of course). You might want to report it in the support forums and maybe Garmin will address it.
@@Hikingguy thx. I got a trial copy of CalTopo, imported my GPX ans printed a Custom Garmin Map (KMZ). The Custom Maps folder shows on my watch, I activated the kmz file, but it does not display on my watch :( I imported the kmz file into Google Earth and it is displayed properly there, but not displaying the map on the fenix 7 :( It's one on the main reasons I purchased this watch.
Hello. I have a subsription for Garmin + maps and what I found is that I have a tile for TOPO PRO layer what looks cool but I do not have there maps of Poland. Quite big disapointment.
Is it possible to use those maps for routing?
@@mpic20 I'm interested in this information too. I had a custom map on my Epix but it could not be used for routing.
You can't use them for routing but the Topoactive is underlaid beneath, so it will route on that. If you want routable - try this: ruclips.net/video/8zA9zSQintk/видео.html
Bought the Caltopo Pro.
I can see a high resolution satellite map but when I hit print, the map is low resolution.
Is there a way to convert the kmz file to garmin img file. Trying to load satellite map to my Garmin 1050 Edge.
If you have Pro you should be able to export directly to Garmin Custom Map - you might need to log out and back in - my Pro account has same resolution on print as viewing in a few test spots - worse case reach out to CalTopo support
Caltopo changed the default layer when you pick that map option mapbuilder it no longer looks like that. Seems they removed the topo from it even tho it says its topo. Seems they removed all the actual topo maps so now we need another website for actual topo maps. Would add screenshot if i could. Website good for rest of maps just no good anymore for actual topo.
No sure what you're seeing on your end but I just went on the site in a private window, not signed in, and it's working as it did the video. ibb.co/cXPq3sx
I tried Maps+ when it released. It was pretty unusable at release with crashes and device reboots. Does it even work yet?
Not for me yet on Fenix 8 - farthest I've gotten is this: ruclips.net/video/x9xzJI6n7uM/видео.html
@ this is not good. They shouldn't charge you until they fix the major bugs
is there any advantage to the Garmin option?
Less hassle
wwwwwow
I must immidiately try
Thanks a lot for the help. A small contribution towards your channel, since you saved me some quid from buying Outdoor+ :)
Appreciate that a lot, big big thank you.
What watch band are you using?
In the video? It's an Epix Pro 51mm and Fenix 8 58mm
@@Hikingguy The Band , not the watch, my question also. Thanks!
@@lsh-zi2lc ahh sorry - amzn.to/4eeiG8g
Didn't work, map has an X on it
Pop Up shows “licensing issues” will affect the resolution. $50 in the trash
Please explain
@ The satellite images are low resolution when you try to print them. A pop up message says Licensing issues.
@@kayjet64 ahh, thanks. I think it gives twice the dpi (printing resolution ) in the pro account.
@ I have the Pro account and set the dpi to 400 and has no effect on the printing. It’s the map itself that limits the resolution. I bought the Pro thinking the same thing.
@ Many thanks for sharing this.
I wish my Garmin maps didn't take 15 years to load on my Fenix 7x SS and my Epix Pro 51mm.