How to create a course for a trail run using TOPO maps

I never used a topo map so this may be very basic. For bike rides or runs on roads I use the GC app on a PC and create a course, download to the watch and all is great, most of the times :). My question is, how do I view a topo map on GC on a PC to see the trails I want to run or hike so that I can create my course? Do I need to download the maps? I understand that they are preloaded on the watch but I need the image on a PC so that I can see the trails and make a course. Your help as always is appreciated.
  • I never used a topo map so this may be very basic. For bike rides or runs on roads I use the GC app on a PC and create a course, download to the watch and all is great, most of the times :). My question is, how do I view a topo map on GC on a PC to see the trails I want to run or hike so that I can create my course? Do I need to download the maps? I understand that they are preloaded on the watch but I need the image on a PC so that I can see the trails and make a course. Your help as always is appreciated.


    I'm a Linux user, so I can't help a lot but check Garmin Basecamp. Install it and as I now it can display maps inside the watch and create courses, waypoints etc. there. Otherwise I use GPSies with OpenStreetMap background to create courses and download from there. You can transfer them to watch via copying via USB or import them into GC as an activity and save as course and then send to watch as a course...
  • So I have basecamp installed but how do I get the topo maps installed into the app. It came pre-installed on the watch but how do I get the map on the PC or is it readily available for free with the installation of basecamp?
  • basecamp and preloaded map

    You need to plug the watch in usb, open basecamp, wait and see the map ... When watch is unplugged, maps are not available.
    So I have basecamp installed but how do I get the topo maps installed into the app. It came pre-installed on the watch but how do I get the map on the PC or is it readily available for free with the installation of basecamp?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 8 years ago
    You need to plug the watch in usb, open basecamp, wait and see the map ... When watch is unplugged, maps are not available.


    You can copy the maps from your device to Basecamp (and vice versa).
  • I never used a topo map so this may be very basic. For bike rides or runs on roads I use the GC app on a PC and create a course, download to the watch and all is great, most of the times :). My question is, how do I view a topo map on GC on a PC to see the trails I want to run or hike so that I can create my course? Do I need to download the maps? I understand that they are preloaded on the watch but I need the image on a PC so that I can see the trails and make a course. Your help as always is appreciated.


    You can't import any maps into GC. However, you may still be able to plan a trail run in GC by switching from google map to openstreetmap (OSM) in the course creator. This depends a lot on the quality and coverage of OSM in your area. You should hopefully see trails and paths you can follow and plan your run. The course can then be uploaded to the watch and used in combination with the TOPO map which is installed there.
  • Moore apex

    You can see maps in basecampwait if the watch is plugged in USB
    You can't import any maps into GC. However, you may still be able to plan a trail run in GC by switching from google map to openstreetmap (OSM) in the course creator. This depends a lot on the quality and coverage of OSM in your area. You should hopefully see trails and paths you can follow and plan your run. The course can then be uploaded to the watch and used in combination with the TOPO map which is installed there.
  • You can see maps in basecampwait if the watch is plugged in USB

    Yes, ok. I am just saying that OP may be able to create courses in GC - without using Basecamp at all.