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 2000x2000, 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.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• google earth
• garmin
• gps
• custom map
• cartography
• image overlay
• tutorial
• instructions
• nuvi
• global
• positioning
• systems
• sat
• nav
• satellite
• mobile
• mapsource
• etrex
• maps
• garmin garmin
• nuvi garmingarmin gps
• gps garmin
• maps to garminmaps for garmin
• update for garmin
• garmin mobile
• how to create a map
• garmin download
• map updates

[Jackerbluffs]

Is there a monthly fee to do custom maps?

[thecyr]

@Jackerbluffs nope.

[Budge72]

You can also take a screenshot from google earth, then overlay that snapshot back into google earth. This will give you a birds-eye or satellite view of your area.

[thecyr]

@Budge72 that's an excellent idea!

[Mrflyingbryan]

Nice video, thanks. I have a Garmin Montana 650t and this worked great, but the second time it came back with file to large. Any idea how big of a file will work?

[thecyr]

@Mrflyingbryan keep the resolution under 2000x2000 pixels and the dpi 75 to 96

[vazdesousa]

@Budge72 Tks for tip, now is there any way to do it massively? instead one by one, it´s very time consuming if you want to make some big area with some detail, like small gravel roads,

[DuckAutocorrect]

lol you sound like captainsparklez

[surpirouettes]

interesting that you can drag and resize the overlay.

i can't. locating, converting and entering the coordinates is cumbersome.

[kikostone98]

@thecyr Thanks!