You can export a trip from the Trip Planner in a format for a GPS unit (ie. GPX file). You can then import it into free Garmin software, like BASECAMP and then upload it to your GPS unit or else load it directly to your GPS unit.

NOTE: the trips are exported from the Trip Planner as TRACKS (not routes) and the TRACKS are imported into BASECAMP.  A track will not give you turn by turn directions – you simply follow your location marker on the GPS screen as you move along. (It is important that your GPS unit can accept and display tracks, not all devices has this capability, see further below for more info in that regard. In this case you will have to use your waypoints to navigate on the device.)

How to export a trip #

See this guide on how to export a trip.

How to get the Trip onto your GPS #

There are 2 ways:

• Import your trip to BASECAMP (Freeware from Garmin) andt hen export and import to your Garmin GPS unit
• Skip BASECAMP and copy the GPX file straight onto your Garmin GPS unit.

Importing your trip via BASECAMP #

How to import your trip into BASECAMP #

Once you have exported your trip:

Open BASECAMP and follow these steps:

• In the top left window highlight “Collection”
• Click on FILE
• Then click on “”Import into Collection”…
• Choose your file and import it

See this example: you will notice your file imported. See below how it imported the POInts and the Track right at the bottom.

Notice the track on the map: for example:

If you right-click on your track and choose “Show on map” – BASECAMP will show your track:

Exporting the track to your GPS unit #

Connect your GPS unit to your PC.

BASECAMP will pick up your GPS unit.

Make sure your Track is highlighted.

Choose Device – and then “Send to Device”.

The track will now show up on your Garmin unit.

Importing your trip without BASECAMP #

You will have to send GPX file to an SD card in your GPS unit. The GPX folder will be located in the Garmin folder on the SD card. Example:

Some units may use a Garmin/NewFiles folder.

How to find the tracks on your GPS unit #

Various GPS units save them differently – Look for:

• Tracks
• SAVED tracks
• Collections
• Track Manager
• Apps – Tracks
• Trip Planner
• Explore

Once you have found the track in question on the device, you also have to open it and select “show on map” as “on” not off (off is the default setting) and then you can also select which colour to display it in etc.

Device capabilities #

Please note that tracks CANNOT be exported to:

• Your City Navigators, like the Garmin Drive Range, does not have the ability to display tracks. (ie. in most cases the POIs/Waypoints will be exported and you can route to those with your GPS)

Tracks CAN be exported to – for example:

• Your Outdoor Devices, such as the Montana, Zumo, 276, Etrex, are able to display tracks.