Garmin Oregon, Dakota, Colorado -- Custom Raster Map support!

5.3k · October 12, 2009

The CO update called itself Dakota, too, IIRC.

You'll get the silent treatment if your image doesn't meet the documented requirements. For example, if it's the only KMZ and it holds a PNG or exceeds the bounds, it just plain won't show.

1.8k · October 12, 2009

A couple observations with my CO 300 and custom maps. I've found as already mentioned that at times, but not all the time, there are 2 instances of WW DEM Basemap NR listed and the second instance is my custom maps. I can toggle it off/on and my maps display OK. If I power off/on sometimes it will list my custom maps as it should. Weird.

I can't reproduce this at will but I find that my Track On setting to record tracks gets turned off by itself occasionally. Not sure if it is due to profile choices, or by selecting/de-selecting custom maps.

My tracklog will not show if only the custom maps are active. It seems to need at least the WW DEM Basemap NR, or any other map set select as well.

3k · October 12, 2009

I noticed the "Dakota" banner when I did the Colorado install and mine works fine.

1) Check the version installed on your Colorado, make sure it is 3.02. (Setup>System>Options>Software Version)

2) Create the /Garmin/CustomMaps directory on your Colorado's internal drive (delete it and recreate it if you already have one)

3) Copy one of the KMZ files from the link below in /Garmin/CustomMaps and goto Map>Options>Select Map and see if you have a Custom Maps button down near the bottom (you might need to scroll down).

4) Enable Custom Maps and Disable all other maps (for now anyway, I've seen problems with Garmin Custom Maps and some of the Custom .img maps on gpsfiledepot.com)

5) Return to the Map page and search the map near the downloaded map to see if it is visible.

https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=206

October 13, 2009

Apparently I am clueless because I can't figure out the best source for aerial maps to start trying on my oregon. Can someone help this non-Rasterfarian?

October 13, 2009

Hallo! My local Austrian Garmin service doesn´t know anything about this update. So I don´t know, if Austrian map would work. Greetings Peter

October 13, 2009

I noticed the "Dakota" banner when I did the Colorado install and mine works fine.

1) Check the version installed on your Colorado, make sure it is 3.02. (Setup>System>Options>Software Version)

2) Create the /Garmin/CustomMaps directory on your Colorado's internal drive (delete it and recreate it if you already have one)

3) Copy one of the KMZ files from the link below in /Garmin/CustomMaps and goto Map>Options>Select Map and see if you have a Custom Maps button down near the bottom (you might need to scroll down).

4) Enable Custom Maps and Disable all other maps (for now anyway, I've seen problems with Garmin Custom Maps and some of the Custom .img maps on gpsfiledepot.com)

5) Return to the Map page and search the map near the downloaded map to see if it is visible.

https://forums.garmin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=206

Wow, thanks! That worked like a charm. My own kmz file must have been defective in some way. Wonder what went wrong. I followed all the steps for map creation to the T. One more question--isn't there supposed to be some setting in setup>maps>"map information"? That doesn't appear in my unit--only the option to check or uncheck "Custom Map" in the choose maps option while viewing a map.

Thanks again!

October 13, 2009

Apparently I am clueless because I can't figure out the best source for aerial maps to start trying on my oregon. Can someone help this non-Rasterfarian?

Use the imagery from Google Earth. Under the File pulldown menu, you can save the image as a jpg. Then you can follow the Garmin steps from there.

JetSkier

October 13, 2009

Using custom maps on the oregon the unit crashes (fades out) while zooming for a longer time.

The gps works more stabile during demo mode, but still crashes by panning and zooming.

Using no zoom function it works fine.

(about 90 pics with 1024x1024)

2.6k · October 13, 2009

I put together a post that may help our new map maker friends. It goes over terminology and has a list of sources for imagery...

http://gpstracklog.com/2009/10/imagery-sou...ustom-maps.html

2.6k · October 13, 2009

Also, here are some thoughtful comments on copyright issues from a Google Earth blogger...

http://www.ogleearth.com/2009/10/garmin_gets_sup.html

October 13, 2009

Hallo! My local Austrian Garmin service doesn´t know anything about this update. So I don´t know, if Austrian map would work. Greetings Peter

Das ist völlig egal in welchem Land Du wohnst! Mach das Update und bastel dir Karten mit z.B. Google Earth Overlays. Das funktioniert in good old Germany, dann geht es auch in Österreich.

October 13, 2009

Seems that higher resolution kmz (3x3km 1:10000 map 0.86m/pixel) not showing properly on the top of lower resolution kmz (15x15km 1:50000 map 4.3m/pixel). It is visible only small part of high res map! Other parts is covered by low res map. If I delete low res kmz, high res map looks ok. Does somebody else noticed such behaviour? Both kmz files have been made with Global Mapper with chunks 1024x1024 and "Display When File is.." parameter were set to 49 on first file and 48 on the second file. If it is bug I will send error to TrailTech@garmin.com.

Edited October 13, 2009 by or-tracker

3k · October 13, 2009

Wow, thanks! That worked like a charm. My own kmz file must have been defective in some way. Wonder what went wrong. I followed all the steps for map creation to the T. One more question--isn't there supposed to be some setting in setup>maps>"map information"? That doesn't appear in my unit--only the option to check or uncheck "Custom Map" in the choose maps option while viewing a map.

Setup>Maps applies only to the Oregon. The Colorado enable/disable switch is available directly on the Map page under Options.

Seems that higher resolution kmz (3x3km 1:10000 map 0.86m/pixel) not showing properly on the top of lower resolution kmz (15x15km 1:50000 map 4.3m/pixel). It is visible only small part of high res map! Other parts is covered by low res map. If I delete low res kmz, high res map looks ok. Does somebody else noticed such behaviour? Both kmz files have been made with Global Mapper with chunks 1024x1024 and "Display When File is.." parameter were set to 49 on first file and 48 on the second file. If it is bug I will send error to TrailTech@garmin.com.

That sounds like an issue. I would send Garmin the files since it seems easy to reproduce. I'm assuming you aren't exceeding the 100 limit?

October 13, 2009

Looks like they already have some posted:

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/143/

Without downloading it, those look like vectorized rasters in IMG format, using Moagu to vectorize the rasters.

Oh, well I image it won't be long. They have a thread going in their forum with some cool images on the subject. looks like they are using Global Mapper as a front end to Google Earth.

False alarm before. Now it looks like they have started

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/234

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/236

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/237

Edited October 13, 2009 by JDiablo

October 13, 2009

That sounds like an issue. I would send Garmin the files since it seems easy to reproduce. I'm assuming you aren't exceeding the 100 limit?

No, limit not exceeded, files per both kmz only 21. Error report and kmz files sent to TrailTech@garmin.com

Edited October 14, 2009 by or-tracker

2.1k · October 13, 2009

What would be a really nice program for someone to write would be an automatic KMZ sizer. For example, I find some free aerial imagery, cut out a high resolution tile and this mythical program would cut into appropriately sized and appropriately resolutioned tiles/KMZ's for the Garmin units.

I'm having a bit of difficulty getting KMZ's onto my unit as I want to do too much (too big an area) at once. I'm finding that the right size is a painfully small area.

Let's call this mythical program the "KMZ Shredder". Shredding it down to Garmin sized chunks.

Edited to add: I see that a "tile" cutting program is already being looked into already by a few people. Fingers crossed.

Edited October 13, 2009 by yogazoo

October 14, 2009

As i did not get any feedback until now - it seems to be that i am the only one where the unit crashes while using rastermaps (with a lot of panning and zooming).

Thank you.

October 14, 2009

Custom Raster Map support is a pretty cool new development for our Garmins. I downloaded the Golden Gate National Recreation Area & Alcatraz Island KMZ files (https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?t=2653) and zoomed in to Alcratraz Island and the two maps were overlayed beautifully. It was like a work of art. I can't wait to be able to do this on my own for the areas I travel to.

October 14, 2009

This could be a time saver...

http://www.stitchmaps.com

October 14, 2009

As i did not get any feedback until now - it seems to be that i am the only one where the unit crashes while using rastermaps (with a lot of panning and zooming).

Thank you.

I have been getting crashes as well while doing a lot of panning and zoom, gps will randomly shut down.

October 14, 2009

This could be a time saver...
http://www.stitchmaps.com

One thing I have done with some of mine where 5 or 6 smaller maps make up 1 larger map is to give them different draw orders so that the overlaping areas of the different maps won't become a problem area in viewing, if not lined up perfectly the same. Ex. first map draw order = 0, next adjacent / overlapping map draw order = 1, and so forth with remaining maps. So far this has worked well.

October 14, 2009

As i did not get any feedback until now - it seems to be that i am the only one where the unit crashes while using rastermaps (with a lot of panning and zooming).

Thank you.

I have been getting crashes as well while doing a lot of panning and zoom, gps will randomly shut down.

Me too, plus lots of unit freezes whilst navigating, so much so that I need to go back a version from this beta, which is a shame as the GB OS maps render really quickly with the beta.

3k · October 14, 2009

Do you still see freezes and resets if you disable custom maps?

October 15, 2009

my unit works great with disabled custom maps

Abnormal shutdown only with enabled custom maps

October 15, 2009

Do you still see freezes and resets if you disable custom maps?

Yes it does. Also reformatted the SD card and loaded the maps one at a time; the UK TOPO works fine as does the basemap. Any of the GB OS maps when loaded, individually or in combination causes the freeze and also auto shutdowns when zooming in.

October 15, 2009

I have updated GPS Visualizer's "KML Overlay" tool to make it more compatible with the new Garmin update.

Here's an input form if you want to start from a GPS data file or from a pair of coordinates: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/kml_overlay?garmin_custom_map=1

And here's a new Garmin-friendly "network link" for use inside Google Earth: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/google_earth/...twork_link.html

The .kmz files that GPS Visualizer creates (with USGS or NRCan topos inside them) should work right out-of-the-box with the new Garmin software. Please let me know if something goes awry.

Edited October 15, 2009 by adamschneider

October 16, 2009

That sounds like an issue. I would send Garmin the files since it seems easy to reproduce. I'm assuming you aren't exceeding the 100 limit?

No, limit not exceeded, files per both kmz only 21. Error report and kmz files sent to TrailTech@garmin.com

Received response from Garmin: "From looking at the kml files, it looks like

you are trying to use super overlays and the minLodPixels tag. Garmin

devices don't support super overlays. To control which images are shown

on top you can use drawOrder. See this forum post for more details about

which xml tags are being processed:

https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?t=2646."

The minLodPixels tag is generated by Global Mapper 10 (Display When File is...) parameter. After removing this tag

from doc.kml file problem seems to be solved.

Edited October 16, 2009 by or-tracker

October 16, 2009

But, wasn't someone just railing against raster maps? What was it that user said....??

thanks for your help

3k · October 16, 2009

I have updated GPS Visualizer's "KML Overlay" tool to make it more compatible with the new Garmin update.

Here's an input form if you want to start from a GPS data file or from a pair of coordinates: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/kml_overlay?garmin_custom_map=1

And here's a new Garmin-friendly "network link" for use inside Google Earth: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/google_earth/...twork_link.html

The .kmz files that GPS Visualizer creates (with USGS or NRCan topos inside them) should work right out-of-the-box with the new Garmin software. Please let me know if something goes awry.

Thanks Adam. I've posted instructions on how to use GPS Visualizer overlay input form here:

http://www.gpsfix.net/garmin-custom-maps-g...iz-kmz-support/

and updated the network link instructions here:

http://www.gpsfix.net/garmin-custom-maps-t...gps-visualizer/

1.8k · October 16, 2009

Thanks Adam for the awesome GPS Visualizer's "KML Overlay" tool! I tried it and it works perfectly. And thank you Scott for posting all the great info and helpful tips on working with our new Garmin custom map abiltities! It just keeps getting better!

1.9k · October 16, 2009

Making tiles is done well with capture in > Faststone Image viewer

Combining tiles is done well in Photoshop > merge Photo

October 18, 2009

This could be a time saver...

http://www.stitchmaps.com

Has Nayone used this software and gotten good results? I tried doing a local park but the program doesnt seem to be able to stitch the photots together well.A lot of visible trails dont line up at all.Might just be some of the settings i am using but tried a few different ones adn still no luck

CrazyOn2Wheels

October 18, 2009

does this also go with the oregon 200? hope so... :smile:

1.9k · October 18, 2009

Stitchmap didn't work for me, I tried two clear segments, no mistake possible and it did it very wrong, stitching up the wrong roads.

3k · October 22, 2009

Here's another very helpful tool put together by Leszek Pawlowicz over at Free Geography Tools called G-Raster. It allows you to take publicly available map sources and convert them into compatible KMZ files for use on your Garmin Colorado, Oregon and Dakota.

You can convert the following formats:

* GeoTiffs: TIFF images with embedded geodata

* MRSID imagery (file extension .sid or .mrsid)

* NOAA BSB imagery (file extension .kap)

* ERDAS Imagine format (file extension .img

* JPG imagery (”Big JPEG”) generated by the free program USAPhotoMaps.

* General graphic files with geodata in worldfile format for the UTM coordinate system (e.g. JPG with .jgw, BMP with .bpw, GIF with .gfw, TIF with .tfw).

* General graphic files with geodata in worldfile format in any coordinate system.

http://tinyurl.com/graster

October 22, 2009

Here's another very helpful tool put together by Leszek Pawlowicz over at Free Geography Tools called G-Raster. It allows you to take publicly available map sources and convert them into compatible KMZ files for use on your Garmin Colorado, Oregon and Dakota.

You can convert the following formats:

* GeoTiffs: TIFF images with embedded geodata

* MRSID imagery (file extension .sid or .mrsid)

* NOAA BSB imagery (file extension .kap)

* ERDAS Imagine format (file extension .img

* JPG imagery (”Big JPEG”) generated by the free program USAPhotoMaps.

* General graphic files with geodata in worldfile format for the UTM coordinate system (e.g. JPG with .jgw, BMP with .bpw, GIF with .gfw, TIF with .tfw).

* General graphic files with geodata in worldfile format in any coordinate system.

http://tinyurl.com/graster

Looks like a great tool. When I have time I'll try it out on some NAIP imagery for Nevada.

8.9k · October 22, 2009

I've told many people about the ability to add raster imagery to their Garmins and most have stated it seems like too much work. I'm hoping something simple comes along to help those who are not thrilled with trying to take on this task, will continue to watch here.

Has the bugs been addressed at all or are many of you still seeing them?

2.1k · October 22, 2009

I've told many people about the ability to add raster imagery to their Garmins and most have stated it seems like too much work. I'm hoping something simple comes along to help those who are not thrilled with trying to take on this task, will continue to watch here.

I thought this too until I learned to use GPSvisualizer. I can do about 50 square miles of 1 meter USGS B&W aerials in about an hour. Very easy. I'm sure that more automation of this process will come in good time. Best of all, IT'S FREE.

Has the bugs been addressed at all or are many of you still seeing them?

My unit still crashes from time to time when panning or zooming excessively. The tracklog still does not show over the image. These will be issues that are worked out in future software releases.

1.9k · October 22, 2009

What bugs???

Making a map is easy, only the geocoding takes a while to do it the right way, but no problem at all, I merge tiles with photoshop, that solves a part of it.

I'm really happy with this update.

2.1k · October 22, 2009

Very simple process and very flexible. Best thing about is that even the 'hard work" (which is very quick*) needs only be done once.. you can then share the file with other CO/OR/Dakota owners can just drag the file to their SD card. No muss. Example..a state park map for our state orgs annual event this weekend that i am organising .. scroll down at http://fallfling.wikispaces.com/Downloads+Page Good reviews of it so far from the users!

*Probably quicker and less work than cutting and downloading from delorme.

Edited October 22, 2009 by Maingray

8.9k · October 22, 2009

What bugs???

Making a map is easy, only the geocoding takes a while to do it the right way, but no problem at all, I merge tiles with photoshop, that solves a part of it.

I'm really happy with this update.

You've been reading this thread...right? Maybe looking one post up would give you one example of a bug?

2.1k · October 22, 2009

When you use GPSvisualizer the "hard work" of georeferencing is done for you, all nice and neat inside a transferable KMZ file.

3k · October 22, 2009

I can see why some people probably wouldn't be interested in going through the process. While it really is pretty simple it's more software and something new to learn. Like others have said, the key will be putting together a good library of these maps. GPSFileDepot seems to be heading that way, hopefully we'll see more.

The big advantage of tools like G-raster is that you don't need to do any calibration because the maps you are using are already georeferenced. I just went out at lunch and found a couple of caches and had 30cm color aerials on my unit (publicly available maps from MassGIS) and it worked very well, they are clear down to the 50' zoom level (of course I can only have about 3-4 sq/km loaded!). They only thing I wished I could do was switch back and forth between the color aerials and the trail map I had also loaded. Hopefully Garmin will add a feature to allow us to enable/disable individual custom maps.

As far as stability goes if you are only dealing with a handful (<10) of files that are <500kB each you probably won't see any problems. The crashes I've seen happen when zooming/panning when the unit is zoomed in to the 20-50' levels with lots of maps. I've also seen problems loading up certain large maps with lots of tiles.

8.9k · October 22, 2009

Very simple process and very flexible. Best thing about is that even the 'hard work" (which is very quick*) needs only be done once.. you can then share the file with other CO/OR/Dakota owners can just drag the file to their SD card. No muss. Example..a state park map for our state orgs annual event this weekend that i am organising .. scroll down at http://fallfling.wikispaces.com/Downloads+Page Good reviews of it so far from the users!

*Probably quicker and less work than cutting and downloading from delorme.

Funny, a lot of people in here seem to be saying it's not all that easy? That's why I mentioned it, maybe everyone was mistaken or the "learning curve" wasn't too hard to get past?

Reading from a poster a few posts up though, I don't know if it's either quicker OR easier....but I am glad to see this is an option for those willing to do the work! I know that the maps I can get readily available from DeLorme is a BIG plus for me, I am not the kind who wants to worry about using maps illegally or even want to be searching for them...and I am NOT techy. Having the maps at my disposal AND knowing how to get them really is a good thing...for me. Again, I hope the process is made easier for those Garmin users I spoke about before...they're the ones you'll have to get to believe the ease and quickness about.

8.9k · October 22, 2009

I can see why some people probably wouldn't be interested in going through the process. While it really is pretty simple it's more software and something new to learn. Like others have said, the key will be putting together a good library of these maps. GPSFileDepot seems to be heading that way, hopefully we'll see more.

The big advantage of tools like G-raster is that you don't need to do any calibration because the maps you are using are already georeferenced. I just went out at lunch and found a couple of caches and had 30cm color aerials on my unit (publicly available maps from MassGIS) and it worked very well, they are clear down to the 50' zoom level (of course I can only have about 3-4 sq/km loaded!). They only thing I wished I could do was switch back and forth between the color aerials and the trail map I had also loaded. Hopefully Garmin will add a feature to allow us to enable/disable individual custom maps.

As far as stability goes if you are only dealing with a handful (<10) of files that are <500kB each you probably won't see any problems. The crashes I've seen happen when zooming/panning when the unit is zoomed in to the 20-50' levels with lots of maps. I've also seen problems loading up certain large maps with lots of tiles.

So the limitations are still there...I wondered if this had been addressed yet or not (and no, I haven't been watching too much, so I thought maybe I missed any updates that may have come out). The lack of ability to switch between maps was one of my big gripes about my OR 300, maybe this will get fixed soon as well? if so, it'll go a long ways to helping make the Garmins a great unit...better than they are now, at least!

3-4 sq/km?? That's not much. How much space does that take up on a card?

8.9k · October 22, 2009

One last thought...it appears many of you are what I would consider techy (or at least knowing your way around a GPS AND maps), so hearing you guys say it's easy just doesn't instill that warm and fuzzy feeling for me. Not badmouthing, but wondering aloud here, would the common user find this as easy as you guys do?

My main concern is that I am telling friends about this and I am not even sure how to get the maps myself. Seems this new tool makes it easier, but easier for a techy person...or for a common user?

Maybe I'll get with a friend soon and see how easy it is??

6.4k · October 22, 2009

You can switch between maps. What he is saying is you cannot switch between different RASTER maps that cover the same location.

As to ease of use, I sent the Garmin instruction page link to the guy in the next office for his bathymetric map and he had the KMZ done in 5 minutes. He knows nothing of GPS units or mapping.

8.9k · October 22, 2009

You can switch between maps. What he is saying is you cannot switch between different RASTER maps that cover the same location.

As to ease of use, I sent the Garmin instruction page link to the guy in the next office for his bathymetric map and he had the KMZ done in 5 minutes. He knows nothing of GPS units or mapping.

My experience was that you could, but it was a PITA switching between maps. Having to turn one off to use the other is my memory of it. It would be great if they had a layering system like the PNs do, ut that's a whole new topic altogether.

And come on, saying he "knows nothing" seems misleading to me. If he knew nothing, he likely wouldn't need 1) a GPS to begin with and 2) maps for said GPS? I'd buy he's similar to me and not techy....

Edited October 22, 2009 by Rockin Roddy

6.4k · October 22, 2009

My experience was that you could, but it was a PITA switching between maps. Having to turn one off to use the other is my memory of it. It would be great if they had a layering system like the PNs do, ut that's a whole new topic altogether.

And come on, saying he "knows nothing" seems misleading to me. If he knew nothing, he likely wouldn't need 1) a GPS to begin with and 2) maps for said GPS? I'd buy he's similar to me and not techy....

It is a few keystrokes on an Oregon, so most switch profiles instead, which is a few presses. On a Colorado, you can change at the map screen quickly. The maps do have a layering system..... Most map makers just don't make full use of it.

He does not own a GPS yet. He has been waiting as the map he needs was not available and there was not a point in having one without the map. All that he is concerned with is having one for sailing so that he can avoid the shallow areas.....

October 22, 2009

... Having to turn one off to use the other is my memory of it. ...

The Oregons have profiles so you can set up different profiles with different maps and simply switch profiles. Hardly a PITA.

I still don't understand why you keep putting your $0.02 in when you don't even own the unit thats being discussed here.

JetSkier

Garmin Oregon, Dakota, Colorado -- Custom Raster Map support!

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