How to use Google Earth view?

Thanks for the answer. So essentially Garmin is saying "Go ahead and plan routes using our map$ and Bird$eye view but don't trust that our resources are good enough to get you where you need to go so you may want to validate your plans with a better, and free, map like Google Earth".

The reason to validate your planned route or track in Google Earth has absolutely NOTHING to do with Garmin software and EVERYTHING to do with the fact that NO map, paper or electronic, anywhere, ever, is 100% reliable. The further off the beaten path you get, the more unreliable maps get.

GARMIN DOES NOT MAKE THESE MAPS!!!!! They come from many different sources and are used by many different companies. Dandeman's protocol makes more sense than trying to start with Google Earth, although it IS POSSIBLE to create routes and tracks in GE, save them as a .KML file and import them. My experience with this is less than satisfactory and I'd rather do it the other way round. The only exception to this is the rare case where the trail simply does not exist on any map I have in BC and I have to draw it in GE as a track and import.

My protocol is similar to his except I vet any route or track that I care about on THREE different maps in BC before checking them on GE, and only then if they are out in the boonies and I have reason to believe that they may not exist as a ride-able or drive-able road anymore. If the three maps agree I rarely bother. But in spite of all this I have STILL been unpleasantly surprised more than once.

As far as Birdseye is concerned I think you are right on the mark and I wouldn't spend a dime on them......but of course they aren't made by Garmin either.