GPSrChive Discussion Forum

Garmin has been sending notifications that the map engine in Explore is changing so maps will need to be downloaded again. I thought it would be good to start a topic to share when someone gets the update to see what it means.

I'm hoping that Garmin refreshes the map catalog in Explore as part of this. Ideally (for my use cases) this means updating TopoActive in Explore to match what's on devices (currently it's a completely different map set) and including the Outdoor+ layers. I guess we shall see...

Just installed the new version. Map details of the TopoActive map in Explore seems to be the same as on my GPSMAP 67. Color scheme is a mostly similar with a few small differences (eg different shades of green for forest, hiking trails are red on the GPSMAP, but black on Explore).

Biggest difference is that Outdoor Maps+ maps and layers are now supported by Explore app. Without Outdoor Maps+ subscription you get access to the TopoActive maps, satellite imagery plus toggleable layers for Relief Shading, Contour Lines (SD) and Hiking Popularity.

Nice, thanks for the report. Haven't seen this update yet on my Android devices. Looking forward to seeing how much improved the maps are. I'm happy my guess about Outdoor+ was correct and am very much interested in comparing TopoActive which is currently completely different from what's on my Montana 700i.

As an example, this is what the map currently looks like (Passo Falzarego in Dolomites in Italy):

Spoiler

IMG_1350.jpeg

This is the TopoActive map (called Topo in the Explore app) with Relief Shading and HD Contour Lines turned on.

Thanks, that does look to be an improvement, looking forward to getting the update.

Today I got the update on my Android devices. Overall the app refresh looks good and the addition of Outdoor+ maps into the app is great since I pay for that already. We'll see how it works long term, I have a night SAR training tonight and I may fire up Explore on my tablet alongside my other nav apps and Montana 700i just to see how Explore works for live navigation - previously it was only usable to me for planning purposes.

I've found a couple of bug/oddity/usability issues:
1. Downloading maps lists both "TopoActive" and "Topo", however only "Topo" is available in the live map view layers. It is unclear what is going on here (the old version had both available as live map layers).
2. UTM coordinate input is broken and makes no sense. The zone and easting go in the "latitude" box and the northing goes in the "longitude" box. This makes no sense and is kind of backwards, but really you cannot substitute angular and UTM terms in this way regardless.
3. When creating a waypoint there is no obvious way to save it - the dialog takes up the whole screen. Swiping down brings back the menu allowing save, etc, interactions.

Overall this is a good direction for the app. Hopefully Garmin continues to improve it.

scotte wrote: Sat Oct 26, 2024 4:52 pm 1. Downloading maps lists both "TopoActive" and "Topo", however only "Topo" is available in the live map view layers. It is unclear what is going on here (the old version had both available as live map layers).

This seems to be an inconsistency in naming. When selecting layers on the map view, the TopoActive layer is called Topo. When downloading maps, the same layer is called TopoActive.

JungleJim wrote: Sat Oct 26, 2024 5:02 pm This seems to be an inconsistency in naming. When selecting layers on the map view, the TopoActive layer is called Topo. When downloading maps, the same layer is called TopoActive.

As mentioned, under downloads I have both "TopoActive" and "Topo" layers. After looking a bit closer, it appears the following is the naming inconsistentency, but it would be nice if someone else can see if they see the same thing.

Download "TopoActive" layer is displayed as "Topo" in map view.
Download " Topo" layer is displayed as "Contour Lines" in map view.

That's the way I *think* it shakes out. I could be wrong. There could be other layers with naming issues as well.

scotte wrote: Sun Oct 27, 2024 2:05 pm As mentioned, under downloads I have both "TopoActive" and "Topo" layers. After looking a bit closer, it appears the following is the naming inconsistentency, but it would be nice if someone else can see if they see the same thing.

Download "TopoActive" layer is displayed as "Topo" in map view.
Download " Topo" layer is displayed as "Contour Lines" in map view.

That's the way I *think* it shakes out. I could be wrong. There could be other layers with naming issues as well.

The Topo layer download seems to be multiple layers that you can individually select in the map view: PLSS, Outdoor POI, Hydro and HD contours. See the screenshot.

Top map layers

IMG_1439.PNG

It depends on what area you're downloading maps for though, for example in Europe the Topo donwload layer is not available. For many countries in Europe there's a TOPO PRO layer that's not available for the US.

JungleJim is correct!!!

More Map Layer info here.