Zumo User Forums

The Explore App

Routes, Tracks and Waypoints can be created using an on-line facility from Garmin, called ‘Explore’. With the aid of a smartphone, the data can be transferred wirelessly to the Zumo XT. An Explore App is pre-installed on the XT and it talks to the Drive App which needs to be installed on a smartphone to perform the link to Garmin’s Explore Website, using your Garmin Explore account details. The website provides maps and satellite imagery and tools for producing routes, tracks and Waypoints. The same facility is offered on a Smartphone Explore App.

Pic 1: The Routes (and Tracks)

Routes are created using the Explore Website. Just plot points to draw straight lines to build up the route. The software makes it easy to make the route a better fit.

If your Zumo has navigable maps, the detailed route will be calculated by the Zumo, so only a few key points are required.

Pic 2: Example Off Road Route

The picture shows an entire route, drawn in a series of short, straight sections to follow trails on the map and satellite images. It sounds tedious to do, but if you start with a straight line, the software marks the middle spot which can be adjusted. It then marks the middle spot of each half. Repeat.

The 5 flag Waypoints are not an integral part of the route. But they transfer to the XT and the same symbols from Explore are shown on the XT map, and they show up on the navigation map. They do not become a part of the route (like Via Points). They are just there as markers.

Transferring and Navigating the Route

On the XT, Where To -> Explore locates the routes and tracks that you have created on the Explore website. Transfer happens automatically via your Smartphone Drive App.

Zumo Settings for Off-Road Routes with no Navigable Maps

On the XT: turn off auto-recalculate, set the vehicle to Off-Road and set navigation to Straight Line.