Using the inreach.garmin website I was previously (a couple of weeks ago) able to import and sync KML files of any size to my Garmin Inreach Explorer+. However, recently the website has implemented a restriction which reduces all KML files to 200 points. This is extremely limiting as I typically upload additional trails to my device that are not included in any of the maps offered by Garmin. The resolution of the KML is very important to me and offers me additional safety, especially when navigating through snowy terrain. With this new restriction to KML files I have no way of bringing all necessary information with me on my device. No other Garmin software can Sync routes to my device. BaseCamp, GarminExpress, and GarminConnect are all incompatible with the InReach Explorer+. I regularly use KML files with 10,000 - 15,000 points for planning expeditions, so it should be easily seen why a limitation of only 200 data points would make things very difficult for me.
I understand that speaking with customer support that this was implemented because some users were experiencing web hangups when trying when trying to modify large KMLs, which is why this limitation was created. However, the device handles these large KMLs perfectly, and for a user like myself who just needs to import files and not edit them would see no issue.
I would hope that the web software development team could find a better solution. Perhaps a check box indicating if the user would like their route reduced or not. Currently KML files being reduced to 200 points is very limiting to a route. Even a short route of 5 miles (something maybe more typical of a general user) would see a resolution accuracy of only 132 feet. This reduced accuracy would make it difficult for users to find trail turnoffs get themselves into unfamiliar situations trying to bush-wack at the wrong location. This problem is only magnified by myself as I often import routes of ~40 miles to my device, and occasionally even longer than that. The files I use are not massive either, only containing latitude and longitude points and almost never exceeding 100 kilobytes.
I would really appreciate like before, being able to import KML files to my device without size limitation. It seems that only inreach.garmin website sync tool can import routes. I have tried other products but they have lack of support of the InReach devices. I have tried even browsing through the device internal file directory, but the way the binary files are compiled prevent me from simply copying a KML file to memory.
I feel very stuck. There is not another GPS on the market that I could even substitute, as the longevity of the Inreach Explorer+ battery life and the built in SOS feature are basically unmatched in the market.
I hope a Web Developer reads this, someone with a passion for hiking and adventure. It seems silly but this small change has had a big impact on me being able to enjoy my hobby, as route planning now takes me orders of magnitude longer to complete. The product for me a couple weeks ago fit me perfectly. I would imagine other users are having issue with this too. I'm just trying to be one of the vocal ones and hope that this is recognized and if I'm lucky, hopefully a smart Web Developer would address this soon.
Is there anything I can do?
Thank you all,
Derrick
