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Importing Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks Into the Garmin Explore Website

Data can be imported into the Garmin Explore™ website for use with GPS devices or for planning adventures. These can be GPX, KML, or KMZ files (not Custom Maps). If you also wish to see imported data on your GPS device, you will need to sync your device. For instructions on syncing, see Related .

Importing Data Into the Garmin Explore Website

  1. Log in to the Garmin Explore website.

    NOTE: A Garmin Explore account is required to log in.

  2. Select Map.

  3. Click Import from the top right corner of the map.

  4. Select Import Lines As Tracks or Import Lines As Routes.

    NOTE: If the Import as Tracks option is selected, all routes and tracks in the file will be imported as tracks. If the Import as Routes option is selected, all routes and tracks in the file will be imported as routes.

    Import Data Options

  5. Select a Collection or Library to import the files into. Then select Next.

    Red Arrows Pointing to Collection and Library Options in Import Data Screen

  6. Drag files to the import box, or choose Click Here to browse the computer for the files to import.

    Import Data Screen Showing Drag and Drop or Browse File Options

  7. Once the file has been uploaded, select Import. A green check-mark will appear after the import is successful.

Important Notes

  • Waypoints with notes attached will not import into the Garmin Explore website.

  • Date and time stamps will be displayed using the time zone your computer or mobile device is set to, which may differ from date and time provided by the handheld device.

  • Turn by turn routes created from waypoints in BaseCamp™ software will only show straight lines between points once imported into the Garmin Explore website. To prevent this issue and preserve the route detail, convert the route into a track in the BaseCamp software, then import the track into the Garmin Explore website. For detailed steps, see - BaseCamp (PC): Creating a Track from a Route or BaseCamp (Mac): Creating a Track from a Route.

  • Geocaches will typically be in a GPX format and can be imported into the Garmin Explore website, but they will be converted into waypoints. This removes any detailed clues that would further aid in finding the cache. To keep these files in the geocache format, we recommend using Garmin Express™ software or BaseCamp to send geocaches to a device.

  • When using the zūmo® XT2 GPS navigator, Tread® GPS Navigator, and all other models in the Tread® series, it is recommended to use the Tread® app for managing waypoints, routes, and tracks. The Garmin Explore website can be used to manage waypoints and tracks, but does not support route creation for the zūmo® XT2 and Tread devices.

Maximum Size for GPX, KML, or KMZ Files

Tracks, routes, and waypoints can be imported into the Garmin Explore website; however, there are limitations to the number of points that can be in any one track or route. If an imported track or route has too many points, an alert will pop up during importing, and the track or route will be reduced to the allowed limit of points.

  • Routes - 200 points

  • Tracks - 10,000 points

    • Track points are saved as needed and are based on speed, distance, and direction.

  • Waypoint - 500 per import

NOTE: BaseCamp software can be used to edit GPX, KML, or KMZ files that are too large for the Garmin Explore website. The file can be edited to meet the requirements of the website and then exported to your computer. To export items from BaseCamp, see - Exporting User Data from BaseCamp .

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