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Mode of operation for a new trek without having a specific map file?!

9897962
over 3 years ago

Hi All,

I'm new to Garmin and don't have enough knowledge so please excuse if my question sounds silly. 

I've been using apple and other smart watches but my experience with Fenix 6x pro is totally new and different. It was delivered a few days ago and I'm leaving for the k2 base camp and gondogoro la trek in 2 days. 

Do i need to buy or download any specific map file for it or would the pre installed maps work?

What mode of operation would be required if i want to keep a track of the complete trek and map it afterwards? Track me, Expedition, Hike, Climb?

Also if i want any family member to keep a track of me through the watch, would it be possible with Track Me without having internet but good gps signal?

Following is the link for the trek map that I'm going on:

www.k2basecamptrekking.com/.../gondogoro-la-map

I want to enjoy the watch to its potential, please do suggest whatever is best. 

Thanks

  • +1 over 3 years ago

    OK wherever you bought your Garmin from, it will have detailed maps. So if in Europe, you'll get detailed European maps, and not so detailed elsewhere and so on.

    SO.. to ensure you get detailed maps for where you're going, the free OSM maps are great. 

    Go here

    http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl

    And download a map file (it will be a IMG file) for the area you're intending to go. Then copy that file to the /GArmin directory on the watch.

    THEN, dependent on the activity you'll be using (I guess Hike?)
    Go to the list of activities on the watch (clicking the top right button)

    Scroll down till you find it and then hold the CENTRE left button till you get the settings menu

    Select (Activity name) SETTINGS
    Scroll down to MAP
    Scroll down to CONFIGURE MAPS

    Then all the maps on your watch are listed. Scroll down to your new map and check it's got a green line next to it to show it's selected. As I recall newly copied maps are always switched on

  • +1 over 3 years ago
    9897962 said:

    What mode of operation would be required if i want to keep a track of the complete trek and map it afterwards? Track me, Expedition, Hike, Climb?

    Also if i want any family member to keep a track of me through the watch, would it be possible with Track Me without having internet but good gps signal?


    I suspect either Hike or Climb. Possibly Hike. Expedition is meant for very slow GPS updates (one per hour). May be worth a read up and see what you think may be more suitable for you

    As it stands, the LiveTrack feature requires a cellular signal to post track updates. If you want updates without cellular service, you will need an InReach compatible device. They're not cheap, but based on satellite phone data. I guess if you're going to K2, you'll be happy to spend extra to ensure you get tracked. The tracking also includes SOS features for problems as well.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

    Thanks for such a quick response. 

    When I am in map mode, in configure map it says it has the following:

    Worldwide DEM Basemap, NR

    Topoactive Europe

    Garmin Ski

    CN Pakistan NT 2021 (CN = City Navigator i think, Not sure about NT)

    So I have requested the map but it has given me a long wait time from the suggested url. I've found a topomap of Pakistan, IMG file, do I install it in the same manner you have described?

  • +1 over 3 years ago in reply to 9897962

    Yes. Copy to /Garmin on the watch.

    Once copied, it should show in the same place as before.

    There's a few places that do downloadable OSM Maps... I'll copy some other places here

    https://garmin.opentopomap.org

    https://extract.bbbike.org

    www.navigation-professionell.de/.../

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

    Works like a charm! Thank you Sir, you are a life saver.