How to Create a Garmin Custom Map
This is a tutorial on how to create a custom Garmin map by using google earth to create a KMZ file with an image overlay. Then take the KMZ file and drop it into your CustomMaps folder on your Garmin device. In this example, I am using a GPSMAP 62s. Compatible models are: Dakota Oregon Colorado GPSMAP 62 series GPSMAP 78 series Other notes: the size of the image overlay should be up to 2000×2000, otherwise you will have problem with google earth. Also resize the images to 155 dpi if they are higher. Don’t need to increase from 72dpi up, as that won’t make a difference and only will increase file size.
11 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The most difficult way is much easier with the help of the program Sas planet
That’s awesome, tried other people’s advice, was too complicated this worked great first try.
Thanks thecyr……got it working but found file size restrictions.
@djrlots I don’t have a SD card in my 62s, so try to have 1 copy in either unit or the SD. You can try to open the kmz file in bascamp (i believe that you can do this) to make sure it work is another option. I haven’t had any issues so far.
great info but after the kmz file is loaded onto my Garmin 62S, I then switch it on and cannot see the file in setup maps either in enabled or disabled states. Any ideas? It is there on both the SD card and on the device in the custom maps folder.
@geopablomac I only know of the source for Canada topo. Can’t remember the URL for the free garmin topo map site. google probably knows
@thecyr That makes sense. I can hardly wait to give this a try, but haven’t had much luck in finding free hi-res satmap images. Got any sources?
@geopablomac You have to stretch in order to match the terrain (ie road, terrain). At first I was thinking the same thing when I first tried to make some maps, but found that it wasn’t the case - at least in my situation.
Dude, you need to maintain the aspect ratio when you resize your overlay image!
very cool! thanks for posting this! I have a small memory on my GPS and its great to be able to get more detail. great vid.
very interesting