Choosing the Right Map for My Garmin Watch

Garmin offers a wide variety of mapping products. Choosing the correct map depends on the type of activity being done, and what features are needed for the map to support. While this article contains a great deal of information, it is best to be fully informed before making a purchase to get the correct map you need.

IMPORTANT Garmin watches do not have an SD card reader. Only downloadable connect (DLC) maps are compatible with Garmin watches. DLC is only supported by Garmin watches that are compatible with mapping. 

Choosing a Map

When choosing a map to purchase, identify important features and the type of map that would be needed. Before purchasing any map, make sure the map is compatible with your watch. See our map buying guide for additional information - Purchasing and Downloading a Map for My Garmin Watch.

Important Map Features

The first step to choosing a map that will work best is understanding the different features available, such as:

• Turn-by-Turn Directions - Maps that support turn-by-turn directions are also known as routable maps. This feature is found on most maps that contain detailed road and trail information. These types of maps provide directions to a location without planning a path to take in advance. Maps that do turn-by-turn directions are good for activities where planning a route in advance may not be feasible.
• Searchable Points of Interest - Points of Interest (POIs) are locations that are stored within the map data. These can include businesses, land features (lakes, mountains, rivers, etc.), utilities, and many more.
• Terrain Contours - Maps with terrain contours are also referred to as topographical maps. They show striations representing the topography of the land. These types of maps are good for outdoor activities where knowing the lay of the land is crucial.
• Public and Private Land Boundaries - Maps that contain public and private land boundaries will show you property lines, and will use different colors to differentiate between land ownership types.
• Detailed Trails and Roads - Maps with detailed roads and trails will show almost all roads and trails in the area that the map covers. These are great for finding a way through and around a city, or out in the back country.

After reading Important Map Features, or if the features needed are known, select Map Types below for a breakdown on the different maps offered by Garmin.

Map Types

Now that the features of Garmin maps are known, start deciding on which map type is best suited for the activity being done.

NOTE: The list below is not a comprehensive list of maps Garmin has to offer. In some countries, the map options available to download may vary. Generally, maps that have "Pro" in the name have more information than maps with "Light" in the name. Go to Garmin.com to find what maps are available in a specified region, and review the Overview information to see the available map features.

• Topo 24K
  • Features: Routable, 1:24,000 scale for topographical details, roads and trails, water ways, points of interest (parks, campgrounds, scenic lookouts, etc.), national, state and local parks.
  • Best Used For: These maps are great for being guided around town or out in the woods, because they feature routable roads and trails. The lower scale for topography means more detail when determining if wanting to head straight up the side of the mountain. 
    

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    Example

    Example image is taken from BaseCamp™ and may have a slightly different appearance on a device.

     

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• Trailhead Series
  
  • Features: Mapping focused on major trails such as the Appalachian and Pacific Coast trails, routable, 1:24,000 scale for topographical details, water ways, points of interest (parks, campgrounds, scenic lookouts, etc.).
  • Best Used For: If planning on hiking the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail), Appalachian Trail or the Arizona National Scenic Trail, these maps will meet those needs.
    

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    Example

    Example image is taken from BaseCamp™ and may have a slightly different appearance on a device.

     

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• TopoActive
  • Features: Routable roads, trails, and walking paths. Points of interest that include restaurants, shops, schools and more. Does not include searchable addresses.
  • Best Used For: TopoActive is a good map to use for outdoor activities. If running, cycling, or hiking outdoors, TopoActive would be a good choice.
    

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    Example

    Example image is taken from BaseCamp™ and may have a slightly different appearance on a device.

     

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