Ordnance Survey maps on fenix 6 pro?

I've recently acquired a fenix 6 pro. Very happy with it and finding my way around it. The cherry on the top, however, would be the ability to view / use the Ordnance Survey 1:50k or 1:25k series. Is this possible? I have found a video for the fenix 5X (youtu.be/Y_n6LR4HJvQ) which at 7:28 shows that it can handle the 1:50k maps. However, Garmin's support has advised me that the fenix 6 pro can't do this, with neither the fenix 5X nor the fenix 6 pro showing as being compatible devices on the relevant map purchase page on Garmin's website (in fact no Garmin watches show as being compatible with the maps).

Either this is a disappointing downgrade in capability or Garmin has changed the format of the maps such that the fenix 5X could use them but the fenix 6 pro cannot. Can anybody clarify either way?

Also am I right in thinking the fenix 6 pro cannot offer map shading of relief? This is a missing function for use during hillwalking (my main activity). I also have a Garmin Edge 830 for cycling which can show shading even though it's actually less important for cycling than for hillwalking, arguably.

Many thanks for any pointers.

Ben

0 peteb478 over 1 year ago

Strictly speaking, the video shows Garmin Discoverer maps (which use OS data) rather than OS maps themselves. Splitting hairs slightly but that's how it is.

Discoverer Maps have been discontinued and the replacements are Garmin's Topo maps, which is what is pre-installed for the region the watch is sold in. Do you have a UK watch? If so, the maps on it should be sufficient.

0 7032436 over 1 year ago in reply to peteb478

Thanks for that. That's a pity - I will feedback to Garmin via their Ideas form. Yes, I have a UK watch, but the Garmin Topo maps are really not great for hillwalking, hence my interest in the OS maps - e.g. being able to set a location from the map on the screen and navigate directly to it cross-country, not using routes or formal paths. I have downloaded a contour layer and overlay that on the Garmin Topo map which has definitely helped bring the map to life (and hence my interest in shading functionality), but OS maps would be better.

0 Greg B over 1 year ago

If you are after maps with contours then you can delete the discover maps and add third party maps. Not sure where you get the OS maps from (I have a subscription to OS maps but that does not give you access to the files to install elsewhere) but I have loaded

0 peteb478 over 1 year ago in reply to 7032436

I think that one of the issues is that Ordnance Survey's output is not in the public domain and they have a goal to monetise their mapping, hence why they have their own mobile apps.

I don't expect to see their level of detail on anyone else's maps - the licencing costs would be prohibitive.

0 Moab.in over 1 year ago

I bought the talkytoaster map (OS style derived from openstreetmap) for the purposes of hillwalking/trail running, they may be a good options for you. They have contours and more detail than the garmin default maps. If you get these then make sure and closely follow the install instructions (there are a few settings need to be altered)

0 7032436 over 1 year ago in reply to Greg B

Many thanks for that - the screenshot looks good. Could you clarify what maps you are showing in your photo please?

0 7032436 over 1 year ago in reply to peteb478

Thanks for that. Still not sure why the (presumably profit-returning) route that OS has agreed with Garmin on their updated 1:25k Topo maps product (that succeeds the Discoverer maps you mention) is not compatible with Fenix 6. Is it a hardware or a software issue?

0 7032436 over 1 year ago in reply to Moab.in

Many thanks. Yes, I've been looking at Talkytoaster maps and have seen a number of positive reviews. Your screenshot does look good for general hillwalking / navigating on the open hill. I have downloaded Talkytoaster's free sample of the Isle of White but it looks more cluttered and less clear than in your screenshot - are there settings I can change on the Fenix to make it clearer like yours?

0 Greg B over 1 year ago in reply to 7032436

Try this

OpenStreetMap on Fenix Watches- 3rd Party Maps - fēnix 6 series - Wearables - Garmin Forums

0 Moab.in over 1 year ago in reply to 7032436

You need to switch off the default map, use no theme, and set detail level. The detailed settings are available here: shop.talkytoaster.me.uk/step-by-step-instructions-for-fenix-list-maps-etc