BWCA [DeLorme/Garmin] Inreach Maps? Boundary Waters Group Forum: GPS
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      [DeLorme/Garmin] Inreach Maps?     

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06/09/2017 12:36PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi all, a quick search didn't answer this so I'm sorry if I'm asking an already-answered question.

I was thinking I'd get a GPSMap64st after reading a lot here about how to get and use topo maps of the BWCA. Completely separately I became aware of the Spot devices for emergencies, and investigating that product led me squarely to the InReach.

If I got one of the new Garmin InReach devices, what kinds of topo maps could I put on it? It looks like they don't work with the ($$$) Garmin topo maps, but I wouldn't have bought those anyway. Does the base topo map on the Explorer+ provide enough detail? Assuming not, can I upload the same topo maps to this as to the GPSMap?

 
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06/09/2017 12:52PM  
I do not own one preferring a PLB but the ad's indicate a need to use the Explorer+ which comes with preinstalled topos of North America (includes Mexico and Canada), and the ability to add maps. My favorite additional map is the Birdseye Topo Raster download subscription.

Garmin Inreach is a bit new and somewhat crippled in comparison to a 64st. Less memory and waypoint/route/track storage.
 
Grandma L
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06/09/2017 04:10PM  
I too just got a Garmin-InReach Explorer. I have not yet activated it. I want a good map on it with portages and campsites - is there such a thing?

I currently use a SPOT, for tracking and sending a pre-programmed message, but I am looking to use the communication features of the InReachto send text messages when phone service is not available. Otherwise, I am a map and compass kind of traveler.

Since my back surgery - they, the family, have me on a short leach. This will allow them to be tracked and communicate. I am hoping to at least be able to camp at Forest Service sites without a chaperone.
Any suggestions????
 
06/11/2017 08:17AM  
Been trying to find more info on the Garmin Explorer+, not a lot out there.
Seems to be internally the same as a Delorme Inreach uses the same software and map files. Externally the resemblance to the GPS 60/62/64 is strong.
The Garmin forums indicate the need to use Delorme software for transferring maps waypoints routes etc. I have sent a few questions more specific to Garmin, waiting on answers.

butthead
 
Grandma L
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06/11/2017 12:33PM  
Thanks Buthead - this is not in my area of knowledge. Any help you can offer is appreciated!
 
07/17/2017 01:50PM  
I've had no luck with questions about adding maps to a Garmin Inreach.
Garmin has not even responded.
There is no external chip slot so no way to plug a chip in. The user forums indicate it still uses the Delorme mapping program and files NOT Garmin.
And the Delorme Topo program is no longer supported.
I think they pushed this out way too fast trying to keep it as a recognizable Garmin product, just stuck the sat messenger into a Garmin GPS 60 style shell with very limited GPS functions.

butthead
 
07/19/2017 07:16PM  
Well that's disappointing. Hopefully they'll release an actually functional product using Garmin's maps in the very near future.
 
Northwoodsman
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07/22/2017 07:15PM  
I have the campsites and portages on my map, but I'm not sure how it happened. What I mean by map is what used to be call Explore Delorme. I go to https://inreach.garmin.com. That is where your account and subscription data resides along with your emergency contacts, tracking points, map, etc. If you select the Map tab, mine shows me the campsites, campsite #'s, and portages. However it doesn't give you any details about the portage, not even the length. Don't recall how i did this but i think that it was already there. I have an InReach SE so I can't see any of these details on the screen on my unit, only on my computer at home, or the people following me can see it as well. Not sure if this helps or not, I still use a GPS and an InReach. I'm fairly certain that if I use the Earthmate app and link my InReach to a tablet or cell phone, that I can use it like a GPS. I tried it at home and it worked. I just don't bring my phone or tablet with me.
 
07/29/2017 08:59PM  
Finally got some info in person from a Garmin employee (previously worked for Delorme), in person at the EAA. The Inreach is still using the Delorme map but not the Topo series. Need to work with the Application to add .gpx files to the display/24K App. topo. If you know how to upload .gpx file to your unit thru the App. it's good to go.

some of my .gps files for canoeing to get you started.

butthead
 
Grandma L
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08/10/2017 04:33PM  
I have been struggling with my InReach Explorer+ all afternoon. Wow, lots to learn. I still don't understand the maps - the preprogrammed is ok but missing campsites, site numbers and portages. I can't wait for the fall wingnight when you tech-savy guys can help me figure this out. Now i am off to figure out how to sync it with my iphone - this could be a long night. Though, the customer service guy at Garmin was very kind and did try to help me.
 
Grandma L
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08/10/2017 11:48PM  
Waahoo!!!! finally got it all set-up and can actually make it work! - well mostly. Next chapter tomorrow! Heading to Thunder Bay for the weekend - good time to try it out!
 
08/11/2017 08:22AM  
quote Grandma L: "Waahoo!!!! finally got it all set-up and can actually make it work! - well mostly. Next chapter tomorrow! Heading to Thunder Bay for the weekend - good time to try it out!"


Great!

butthead
 
09/19/2018 08:53AM  
Finally got around to really digging into this on my Explorer+. I've done it three ways, do it my third way!

(1) For my trip in July with my daughter, I used another site's planner for a paddle to produce a .gpx file with my planned route, and imported it as a "track" to inreach.garmin.com. This gave me a trackable route to follow on the Inreach, as well as the locations of campsites, entry points, etc. But since it was a "track" it also appears in the interface as a course that I took, and was very confusing to others who were following my progress.

(2) For my trip in August with a couple friends, I used that same site's planner to produce a .gpx with planned route, but tried to import it as a "route" instead. That didn't work, as a 140-mile "route" with dozens of portages was reduced to 200 points. So I went back and saved each day as a separate .gpx file and imported each as a "route" individually. The 200 point limit per "route" still resulted in less granularity, but it was fine for what I needed, and it doesn't show up as a "track" on the interface, which made it a lot easier for those following me. Big down side is that importing the .gpx files as a "route" meant that it didn't import any campsite data.

(3) For my quick trip after the Ely Marathon I decided to do what I should have done from the start - import Butthead's files individually. The campsite file and the entry point file should be imported as "tracks", and the portage file and trail file imported as "routes". I made the mistake of importing the portage file as "tracks" and it basically blew things up, with a very, very long cleanup process since the interface is clunky and times out. The PMA and fire files don't seem to have a way of importing correctly on the Inreach - I haven't found a way that doesn't treat them either as "routes" or "tracks" around the perimeter. Anyway, with Butthead's files already present, I then imported the planned trackable route from the other site as a "route", and it looks like I'll have everything I want.
 
09/20/2018 08:34AM  
AND, unfortunately I have to recant a bit. The device works well with those things, but Garmin's (DeLorme's?) web interface simply can't handle the large number of waypoints and routes that are present. It would be nice if they could introduce something more like Base Camp - a standalone piece of software for uploading map data to the device. That data doesn't need to be mediated by their servers or a web interface. So sadly it looks like I'll need to remove the campsites and/or the portage routes from the device to make the web interface work properly.
 
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