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Backing up Garmin User Data (Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks) from an echoMAP Series Device

NOTE: HomePort has been discontinued. For additional information regarding the discontinuation, see  HomePort Application Discontinued


Before updating device software, it is recommended that you backup user data like waypoints, routes, and tracks. This should be done in regular intervals to prevent the loss of user data. Backing up the data also provides the ability to edit the information and send it back to the device.

Required items

  1. A blank micro/SD card (no larger than 32GB) with an SD card adapter1

  2. An SD card reader for the computer* (optional)

  3. A Garmin Marine Trip Planning software called HomePort (optional)

1The micro/SD card and SD card reader can be purchased from any local electronic store.

Backing up user data to an SD card

  1. Insert the micro/SD card into the chartplotter

  2. Power On the chartplotter

  3. When the Home screen appears, select Nav Info or User Data

  4. Select Manage Data

  5. Select Data Transfer

  6. Note the File Type setting

    • ADM: Is a Garmin marine format. This is the recommended settings for backing up and transferring data between Garmin marine devices.

    • GPX: Is a standard format which is compatible with most Garmin handhelds and other third party devices.

    • If you device does not have this setting, it will be saved on the card as ADM file type

  7. Select Save to Card

  8. Select Save To Card

Viewing user data on a computer

  1. Connect the SD card reader to the computer

  2. Insert the micro/SD card adapter into the SD card reader

  3. Open the HomePort program

  4. On the left side of the program, the GPS device should be listed

  5. Below the device should be a folder called USERDATA. By default this is the name given to the file for the waypoints that were backed up. If this is not the first time the information has been backed up to this card, the device will ask for a file name. If a different filename was used to backup the data, that same name will show up as a folder under the GPS device in HomePort

  6. Select the folder that has your user data that lists waypoints, routes, and tracks

Backing up data to a computer

  1. Right-click on the folder from the card that has your user data listed

  2. Select Send To

  3. Select My Collection

This will copy the user data from the microSD card directly to the computer and automatically save it in the My Collection folder.