Importing User Data from a Third-Party Marine Device to a Garmin® Marine Device

Third-party user data must be listed as a .gpx file to install on a Garmin® chartplotter or marine handheld device. There are free programs found online that will convert other file types to a .gpx file like GPSBabel. However, Garmin cannot offer assistance on using those programs as they are not Garmin programs. 

Once converted, save the data to a micro/SD card to install on the Garmin chartplotter or use the ActiveCaptain® app to transfer the file by emailing it to yourself and opening it in the ActiveCaptain app.  While a marine handheld can connect to the computer and the .gpx file dropped into the .gpx folder found in the Garmin folder, doing so could cause the data to become corrupted. The easiest method is to use BaseCamp™ for handheld marine devices. For directions, view Importing GPX Files into BaseCamp™ and Transferring the Data to a Garmin Outdoor Handheld. See Related Content below for more information.

Using a micro/SD card to transfer user data to a chartplotter

1. Insert the micro/SD card into the chartplotter

2. Power on the chartplotter

3. Select Info > User Data > Data Transfer

• • To transfer data from the memory card to the chartplotter and combine it with existing user data, select Merge from Card

  • To transfer data from the memory card to the chartplotter and overwrite existing user data, select Replace from Card

Importing user data via the ActiveCaptain app

1. Open ActiveCaptain so that it is running in the background

2. Open the email containing the GPX file

3. Tap on the GPX file attachment

• • Android - Will automatically go to ActiveCaptain and give the Import option

  • iOS - Press the Share button (a square with an up arrow) and select the ActiveCaptain app, then select Import