Welcome. Learn more about what Wikispaces has to offer.

guest | Join | Help | Sign In

Wiki Home Recent Changes Pages and Files Members

Custom Maps
Transferring paper or digital maps to your Garmin Montana GPSr is a relatively quick and simple process. Garmin Custom Maps are created using Garmin mapdrawing technology to georeference map images.

Edit

39

Garmin Custom Maps offer practicality and convenience in everyday situations:

FAQ Features Function Hardware Software Firmware Maps Setup Applications Wireless ber User Common Issues Troubleshooting Discussion Forum

For college students: Download campus maps from university websites and transfer the custom map to a Garmin handheld for easy navigating around campus. For hiking trips: Transfer a paper map of a nearby state park for added safety and security while on the trail. For fun and education: Download a map of an area as it once appeared (such as the 1962 Seattle World's Fair) and explore that area as it once was and compare it to how it appears today.

Table of Contents
Guidelines Create a Custom Map Save to Computer Save to GPSr Enable Custom Maps

Guidelines
Some guidelines need to be followed to ensure Garmin Custom Maps will be displayed correctly on your device: More than one JPEG can preside in a KMZ file. The only KML file that will be processed is the doc.kml, inside the KMZ file. Jpegs files are the only supported image type (Single Layer Only - No Progressive JPEGs). KMZ files are read from the [Device]\Garmin\CustomMaps\ directory from both the GPSr internal memory and the SD card. Images over 1 mega pixel (1024x1024 pixels, 512x2048 pixels, etc.) will be rendered at a reduced resolution on the unit. If this is causing a problem for your map, you can split the image and use multiple JPEGs inside of one KMZ file. Each JPEG should be less than 3MB. The Montana will support 500 Custom Map JPEGs. The size of the JPEG files will affect the draw speed on the GPSr. There is no limitation on KMZ file size so long as the previous limitations are observed.

Once you have selected a map you wish to transfer to your Garmin GPSr, follow these simple instructions and you'll be on your way in no time! For this example, I have selected this map of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair:

Lets get started!

Create a Custom Map

Save the Map in JPEG Format If your map is printed, scan the map at the appropriate resolution (dpi) for your device, and save the image as a JPEG. 155 dpi | Oregon | Colorado | Alpha 100 136 dpi | Montana 120 dpi | eTrex 20/30 110 dpi | Dakota 10/20 | GPSMap 62/78 | Edge 810/800/510 | Rino 6xx | Astro 320 If your map is electronic, such as a PDF, use your favorite image editing software (paint.net ) to save it as a JPEG. Create an Image Overlay Using Google Earth , locate the approximate area where your custom map is located. From the top toolbar, select "Add" | "Image Overlay". (Ctrl+Shift+O)

Link the JPEG Provide a name for your custom map. Set the Link field to the path of the source JPEG to georeference. Find the tab with and set Draw Order . Draw Order is used to determine the order in which maps appear (draw) on your device. Maps with higher numbers are drawn on top of maps with lower numbers. Maps with a Draw Order of 50 or higher will generally draw over most Garmin maps.

Georeference the JPEG Adjust the transparency slider so the satellite imagery can be seen beneath the JPEG (Will not affect the final KMZ map).

Move the green marks to adjust the corners, edges, center, or rotation of the JPEG so it matches the satellite imagery beneath the image overlay. Continue making transparency adjustments as needed while georeferencing the JPEG to the satellite imagery.

When you are satisfied with the JPEG alignment, select "OK".

Save to Computer
Save Your Custom Map to Your Computer Under the "Places" menu on the left side of the Google Earth window, right click on your custom map and select " Save Place As..."

Select the directory you wish to save the Garmin Custom Map to ("KMZ Maps" in this example). Save the file in KMZ format.

Save to GPSr
Save Your Custom Map to Your Device Connect your Garmin GPSr via USB and enable Mass Storage Mode. Under the "Places" menu on the left side of the Google Earth window, right click on your custom map and select " Save Place As..."

Select the drive for your GPSr or SD card and create a new "CustomMaps" directory if not already present. Save your custom map in the [Device]\Garmin\CustomMaps\ directory. Save the file in KMZ format.

Enable Custom Maps

Disconnect and reboot your Montana. Enable/Disable your Custom Maps in [Setup | Map | Map Information]. Garmin Custom Maps are enabled by default. Your new Custom Map(s) will be displayed in the Map Application.

======

Help About Blog Pricing Privacy Terms Support Upgrade Contributions to http://garminmontanagpsr.wikispaces.com/ are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 3.0 License. Portions not contributed by visitors are Copyright 2013 Tangient LLC