GPSrChive Discussion Forum

riogrande wrote: Sat Aug 23, 2025 9:24 pm I considered scanning/importing individual maps into the 66, but that's not the solution I'm looking for.

If the map in kmz files is insufficient, although kmz files can accommodate quite large areas and the maps can be integrated with a vector map, it is possible to process areas where trails occur while using the vector map (simultaneously) for the remaining area.

An alternative solution may be to collect trails, for example, in GPX files, and create a transparent vector map containing the trails. The map will act as an overlay on the detailed map, simultaneously displaying an image of any map and the trails from the transparent map.

Outdoor Maps+ is not supported on the 66 models.

Oh yeah, this is a 66i. Bummer!

Maybe upgrade to a 67i, which has superior battery life as well?

riogrande wrote: Sun Aug 24, 2025 6:16 pm Outdoor Maps+ is not supported on the 66 models.

Outdoor Maps+ didn't work on the Oregon 650T either, so I implemented my own solution.

Spoiler

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Appreciate all the suggestions. Garmin does not have an upgrade program for their own devices still in production (i.e. 66i, which I obtained from a DeLorme Explorer+), and at this time I have no reason to spring for a 67i other than the maps. But something to keep in mind.

riogrande wrote: Sat Aug 23, 2025 9:24 pm I really need a wide-area but detailed map layer that's ready to go at any time.

Many users are reluctant to use alternative solutions, which, in my opinion, is unfounded.

I created a kmz file from the available map. The map area is 215x280 km. The file contains 222 segments, meaning the device can display an additional kmz map composed of 277 segments.

Spoiler

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Trails are marked with names on the map, and the map works seamlessly with the vector map, without sacrificing functionality. In my opinion, the kmz map is sufficient for hiking in this area.

Przekątny - I'll try that. Can you tell me:
- where you obtained the original map image (it may be an older version of National Forest map)
- how you created the kmz to copy into Garmin filesystem

Please visit GPSrChive > How To... > Maps > Custom Maps

riogrande wrote: Mon Aug 25, 2025 3:43 pm Przekątny - I'll try that. Can you tell me:
- where you obtained the original map image (it may be an older version of National Forest map)
- how you created the kmz to copy into Garmin filesystem

@riogrande
In a sense, you don't have to, at least not initially. I have prepared maps of several Colorado parks: White River National Forest, Pike and San Isabel National Forest, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, and San Juan National Forest (entering the map names should take you there). The maps I used are in PDF files.
You don't have to limit yourself to a single map sheet; map sheets can be combined and cut to obtain fewer segments. I wrote that the map contains 222 segments, but that's already outdated. Without losing the map's content, there are now 150 segments, and that's not all. You can also remove areas where there are no trails. For the remaining areas, you can use a detailed vector map. I think the area of ​​four parks could easily be fit into 450 segments.
KMZ files can be created in Google Earth, but it's a bit tedious. I calibrate the map image and process them in a dedicated program that creates KMZ, JNX, and other file formats.

I still have the Colorado trails in a vector map file, but without trail numbers. The trail display now looks different than on the embedded image from the device. I added a Type file to the map file, which implements a different trail display.

Spoiler

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I can follow your overview, but can you spell out in more detail for me to get started? I would begin with creating/loading the trail-only map as shown in your posted image, if that indeed overlays on the Garmin base map w/o obscuring it. All of the National Forests you named are my usual places to hike.

I have very little experience manipulating digital map types or knowing the lingo about layers, etc.

- "entering the map names should take you there" where do I enter names, and where is "there"?
- "I calibrate the map image and process them in a dedicated program that creates KMZ" what does calibration entail, and what is your dedicated program?

Thanks!
~Bob