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Explore is great, but needs .fit file support for turn by turn (TBT) directions

First of all, I really like the clean presentation of data in explore, and the ability to manage routes and waypoints on my watch (Enduro). That being said, it would really be helpful to be able to get TBT course instructions. Currently only .gpx can be sent to the watch from explore. It would be great if there was a switch to enable TBT for a particular course, and have Explore generate that on the phone and send it to the watch (or other device). In theory, it has the maps so should be able to generate them. The server side solution implemented by Connect is not that good, IMO. i suspect it is only looking at the track and not any map information at all (for intersections and the like).

I think that I'm not the only that prefers a very minimal presentation of data when bouncing down the trail - I find looking at a route only, with some landmarks or other waypoints on the map to be an ideal solution - a topo map or street map can get way too busy and complicate the display of data. 

My work around is to use gimporter and a third party site to generate the fit files. It is somewhat of a kludge. 

    • My best solution to this is to generate routes in Garmin Connect, which give prompts on my watch for all turns automatically when navigating - you don't need to add any waypoints.
    • This is using a Garmin Instinct which doesn't have maps, but shows the upcoming route as a line.
    • Hope this helps.
  • Thanks, I've tried connect, but it adds alot of unnecessary directions, and misses many points where there should be guidance. It's OK for running on roads, but not good for trails.

  • I can highly recommend the Locus Map app for Android. It allows to create courses with or without turn prompts, where the turn prompts are generated based on intersections on the map, and it allows adding custom waypoints as well. Afterwards you can send the course directly from the app to the watch, using the corresponding CIQ app and app plugin. 

    EDIT: I forgot to add that all of this is possible with the free version of the app. There is also a paid version with even more functionality.

  • This is literally the only thing I want from Garmin. For Garmin Explore App to generate the turn by turn data that Connect does. Connects maps/trails are extremely lacking and don't have anywhere close to Explores TopoActive Maps. Can someone from Garmin chime in on whether or not this is a feature that the Explore App will be getting?! Please please please! 

    As a solution, does anyone know if I can create the course/route on Basecamp, import to Connect website to generate TNT .fit file, then export to Fenix? Thanks!

  •  Could you please comment if there are now features worked on in the explore App? It is really lacking some essential features for an outdoor app, which makesbit mostly frustrating to use. The last feature update was the improved course creation, which was a year ago.

  • As a solution, does anyone know if I can create the course/route on Basecamp, import to Connect website to generate TNT .fit file, then export to Fenix? Thanks!

    Yes. If you set the course type to any of the non cycling activities, you should have a toggle visible in GC to activate turn by turn prompts.

  • We are always working to develop new products and features of our devices and applications.It is very possible there are things being developed for the application. If you have suggestions feel free to submit them here https://www.garmin.com/en-US/forms/ideas/