Creating and Loading Custom Maps to an Automotive Device

Garmin has released software updates that allow compatible devices to use custom mapping. See Devices Compatible with Custom Maps for a list of Automotive devices compatible with custom maps. Before creating and transferring custom mapping, ensure the device firmware is up-to-date with the Garmin Express™ software.

Custom Map Instructions for Overlander® GPS navigator.

Custom Map Instructions for Tread® GPS Navigator and all models in the Tread® series

Custom Map Instructions for the zūmo® XT and zūmo® XT2 GPS navigators.

Map images can be found in several different file types. Often files can be found in incompatible formats like PDF, BMP, PNG, or GIF. These files need to be converted to JPEG format before they can be used to create custom maps.

To Create a Custom Map from a JPEG File:

1. Open Google Earth Pro¹
2. Zoom into the approximate area the custom map will cover
3. Select Add from the menu
4. Select Image Overlay
5. Name the map file
6. Click Browse

7. Locate and select the JPEG map file

   • If your map is printed, scan the map at an appropriate resolution, and save the image as a JPEG
   • If the map is electronic, such as a PDF, it may require conversion to JPEG format through GIMP² or another suitable program
   • JPEG files must be saved without Progressive Image (typically found under advanced options)
8. Click Open

9. Resize the image to match the satellite image

   • Adjust the transparency bar between 50% and 70% while resizing the image
   • Start at one corner and zoom in
   • Position the mouse cursor over the corner to click and drag the corner to the approximately correct position (focus on roads closest to corner)
   • Move the map to the opposite corner and re-position
   • Repeat for each corner
   • Double-check all corners again and adjust as necessary
   • Change the Transparency back to 100% Opaque
   • If finished resizing the custom map, select the Altitude tab
   • If the custom map needs to be viewed above all other maps, change Draw Order to 50 or higher
   • If the custom map needs to be viewed below all other maps, change Draw Order to 49 or lower
   • Click OK
10. Locate Places (left of the map)
11. Locate the Custom Map (named according to step 5)
12. Right-click on the map name
13. Select Save Place As...

14. Save the map to the Garmin device

    • The map needs to be placed inside the CustomMaps folder³ within the Garmin folder 
15. Unplug the device from the computer
16. Power on device

The custom mapping can now be viewed on the device. 

¹Google Earth Pro is a third party program that allows you to create a custom map. It can be downloaded and installed on your computer for free by visiting https://www.google.com/earth/versions/#earth-pro. It is necessary to install Google Earth Pro on your computer and not use the web version of Google Earth.

²GIMP is a third party graphic editing program that allows a PDF to be converted to JPEG format. You can download GIMP for free by visiting https://www.gimp.org/downloads/

³It may be necessary for you to create a CustomMaps folder