Clarification on Navigation: routes, track etc...

Following the discussion on Turn-by-turn navigation (I really hope Garmin can fix the issue with Explore, see my latest post there with tests and pictures), I found that I really know nothing about many subtle differences in the navigation options. Hope someone can clarify.

First, what is the difference between course and track? In the Explore I can create both, in Connect there is not this option (and I don't know if I'm creating routes or tracks). Also in Basecamp I have both options, but the Instinct syncs only with tracks, not with routes. Moreover, in Connect I can create routes/tracks either automatically from streets or freehands. In Explore, both routes and tracks can be created only free hands (I have to manually click on each turn of a track, for example). Finally, in Basecamp routes can be created only automatically from streets or some paths, while tracks can be created only free hands.

Second, I found that in Explore (app) I can name the various waypoints of a course/track (very useful). But I am not able to find this option in Explore (web) and in Connect (web + app).

Third, what is the best way to import .gpx routes/tracks from a third party website (example: https://trentino.webmapp.it/ ).

Fourth, in general what is the best way to manage routes/tracks? I don't like too much Connect and it has the big handicap of requiring an internet connection, but for the moment it's the only one that works with turn-by-turn navigation. Basecamp has a lot of options, but I also like the simplicity and the interface of Explore. I think the best solution is a simple stand-alone offline app to manage navigation "on-the-go" (we don't carry a computer when we hike, and navigation is often not available) PLUS a good and modern computer software like a new version of Basecamp or an Explore PC/Mac version with more options (the option for automatic routing on paths for example).

I'm aso open to suggestions for a third party software.

PS: my software is in Italian, hope translations are correct. Route is "percorso", track is "traccia".

Top Replies

Tom over 5 years ago in reply to Rick11 +1

I think my synch issues may have started with my phone updating to Android 10.

All Replies

0 6619804 over 5 years ago

I would like to know what is the web explore.garmin.com good for . Is there anything I cannot do in connect.garmin.com? My credo is "When all attempts failed, it's time to read the manual", but available help for this web describes something I do not see there and nothing works like described, waypoints are invisible and non editable...

0 Bullet over 5 years ago

one more bad thing with explore app. if you create a route or track there is no elevation data on the watch only in the explore app. that is really bad

much better to create a route in Garmin connect

0 Tom over 5 years ago

The Garmin Explore app has been pretty awful so far.

My Instinct connects but fails to synch everytime. I have tried logging in and out, including both app and website. I finally removed the Explore app, then reinstalled, but Sam problem.

Regarding the difference between routes and courses, this explains how the device and app treat them. It pops up. When you log out then back in again on the Explore app.

I actually use the Suunto app for creating routes as it is far easier, the route locks onto the trail so no point to point nonsense Zig zags, it shows heat maps so I can find trails to run or hike. I then share to Strava, click the shared link on strava then download the GPX to my phone and upload using the browser based version of connect my going to Training>courses>create route>import.

0 Rick11 over 5 years ago in reply to Tom

Dear Rob and Patch, thanks! I never found out the help file with the differences between routes and tracks. So, they are the same things for us, Instinct users. I guess they differ in other devices.

Sync: I had sync problem in the past, but they have almost disappeared now. Probably this is partially phone-dependent. I am using an Android One phone, and I think this helps a lot with compatibility not only with Garmin but with other things as well. This is a big problem of Android, the fact that every producer can mess with its own bloatware: in contrast I really love the cleaness and simplicity of a pure Android phone.

I also like Explore, and I am looking forward for Garmin to fix the many bugs of this program which is, otherwise, simple and clean.

0 Tom over 5 years ago in reply to Rick11

I think my synch issues may have started with my phone updating to Android 10.