Locus Map for Garmin - new app for Garmin devices

Hi, Fenix 5 Plus compatilibity will be added in few days after the end of first round of public BETA testing. Partial compatibility with EDGE devices is planned for the future.

This sounds really promising. I already installed companion app and waiting for vívoactive3 support :-)

Any chance for support in older devices like Fenix 3 or Garmin Epix?

I know that Garmin abandoned their support but why I need to switch to new very expensive device when older also work great.

Hello icpart, it is currently unknown whether we will be able to provide compatibility also for those older devices, which were left with CIQ 1. But for your second questions the answer is easy. They may work great, but you can't expect that they will get too much new stuff on them, because they have very limited hardware and doesn't have much system resources to run more complex applications. Unfortunately Locus Map is already complex enough, that Fenix 3 is not able to run it. We don't know yet, whether we will be able to provide some simplified version for this old devices yet. One thing is sure, we definitely didn't yet closed this topic.

Hi Jan. I have own Garmin Epix and also it is very capable device compared to Fenix 3 but Garmin stop to support it with early versions of IQ compared to Fenix 3 in advantage of it. It will be great for example that Locus for Garmin to support basic functionality for older devices like remote control to choose start recordings of track or change recording profiles, simple odometer and if it ever possible to export somehow course to watch which will be best option at all.You are right somewhat that I can't except from that device to support all new features but in hardware history of all modern electronics manufactures limit their software support of advance to sell you new models with new OS or improved firmware. Like example my old Galaxy S is supposed to run well with Android 5.0 and last versions of LocusMap. If I sticked with original 2.8.2 this will never will be happen to run last version of Locus.

You are right, Epix is much more capable than Fenix 3, we will definitely check in near future, if we will be able to add support for it with later versions. It should be much easier to add it to compatibility list than Fenix 3.

Ah, but I forgot how old CIQ version Epix have and why I even didn't put it to my initial consideration. Now I reminded myself that it lack some critical functionality from Connect IQ platform, which drastically reduce possibility that support of Locus Map would be possible. :-/

I would like to know if there is any progress on epix compatibility?

Hi, due to obsolete version of Connect IQ platform on Epix, there is no plan to include this model to compatibility list.

I'm really sorry. I don't know how to do it but I can't do something to convert Epix watch system to Fenix 3? or solve this compatibility problem based on this? because it's very similar.

Hi Jan! I try the app Garmin fenix 5 Watch.

I had two problems. one is that the delay time was very high all the time. I read in forums that there is no such problem with 5, do you have any idea what my problem was?

The other is that after two to three minutes of use, he always lost his connection and "the connection lost" with an error message. The phone android version is 9 and the Connect version is new. In the past when i used the Locus addon Wear version, i also encountered a similar problem there even if the phone screen was off then the connection stopped working. Could there be a similar problem here?

Hi, yes, the issue will be most likely similar. Your phone probably keep killing apps in the backgroud due to some agressive battery management settings (often as default on chinese brands). Check troubleshooting section of user guide: https://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:user_guide:add-ons:locusforgarmin#faq_troubleshooting

What average delay do you get with the map?

Yes I used Huawei phone, I make this propertises Thank you.

I immediately open the map screen is the delay time 30-40 sec it starts to load and loads about three quarters of the screen and pops up for 100 seconds delay time. it stays that way for 3 minutes and then "connection lost "due to the Chinese phone. It is possible that the error could be caused by the same as the aggressive battery management?

Other question: With Garmin vívoactive 3 working good the map display? because it is described as supported phone maps (https://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:user_guide:add-ons:locusforgarmin) , but is quite old a vivoactive hardwers.

Yes, it is likely similar reason. Yes, vivoactive 3 works just fine with Locus Map for Garmin. It doesn't allow to utilise better in-app map caching compared to some newer Garmin devices incl. Vivoactive 3 Music model, but that is not causing major difference - map screen is still available.

Hi jg_bm, I think you should check latest version of the app. ;)

Nice, works on vivoactive3.

Now I have to read documentation to figure out how it works :-)

Thank you!!!

All tips how to do it more straight forward are welcomed. :) Its no easy task to pack such amount of features to small devices some even without buttons. :-o Premium version helps here as it auto-hides all unnecessary screens for given mode.

Sure, I agree. I can imagine how hard it is to do it right.

It just need some time to play with it :-)

Hi Jan, thank you for your message. Unfortunately it´s not compatible with vivoactive HR, only with vivoactive 3. Could you make it compatible with vivoactive HR? Please :-)

Hi, well Vivoactive HR has quite unusual screen, so it require some more work. We will try but no promises yet!

Thanks for the feedback! Waypoints import is considered, but not on our priority list right now. I suggest to create new post under this category to start receiving votes from another users who would like to see this implemented and we will see the demand!

Hello Claus, if the app is not running it can't have any impact on battery usage of Garmin device as it doesn't have any background processes.

Hi Jan,

many thanks for your quick reply! This is a helpfull information!

Best regards,

Claus

Hello Jurgen, thanks for the feedback! Vivoactive3 doesn't support importing tracks as it is not capable to use it with any native applications. But of course, you should get clear message about this when you try to do import, so we will try to fix it for next release. Glad to hear that the rest works for you!

This answered my future question. From this thread I understand, that vivoactive3 does not support maps and navigation.

Hello, version 0.9.1 of Garmin app was just uploaded. It should now properly report error message about device compatibility if you try to import course on unsupported devices, like vivoactive3. Would you please be so kind to confirm me, that it behaves better now? Thanks

Hello Jan, it works... "Course import FAILED Not supported by this device" - but can you briefly explain why it is possible to send routes to vivoactive 3 with the apps dynamicwatch and r.485? What is the difference?

Thanks Jurgen. The difference is that these apps imports tracks with reduced details into their own very limited storage and do navigation based on this data by its own. In case of Locus Map the navigation can be driven directly by Locus Map in phone, which brings lots of benefits, like seamless route recalculation if you leave the original course. Import track via Locus Map do import to system courses storage which devices with native navigation have (Fenix watches etc.). That means that users can use it with their preferred apps and don't suffer from limits of your mentioned apps.

Thanks for this question, I see that this topic is not completely clear, we will think how to explain this better to users.

Hello Jan, thanks a lot... maybe my next birthday desire will be a Fenix :)

Don't need to be! I am confident, that navigation via Locus Map is better than the one available on Fenix 5 natively. And we are not done yet. ;)

Hi, yes, the nav will work on premium, that is one of the limitation of preview version. Everything what is in orange color is static on preview mode. We are currently doing analysis if showing map will be possible in the future, but can't promise anything yet.

Hi Sylvain, Garmin Instinct is quite far from being successor to Fenix line. It unfortunately doesn't even have Connect IQ, so no third party apps at all incl. Locus Maps. I think it would be better to reconsider your choice. ;)

"far from being successor to Fenix line": I agree, and I am happy of that because I don't like where the fenix line goes (since the model 3). But all I have said is that the Instinct was the logic successor of the fenix 2, not the others ... ;)

Anyway, thank you for the info for me that it will not be possible, but no problem, it is very secondary, for me.

In this case you may be right. It is unfortunate, that Garmin didn't bring Connect IQ platform to Instinct line. This will cause lots of confusion among their customers.

Hi, we definitely want to introduce at least partial compatibility even for bigger devices with Connect IQ, but there are some technical challenges due to limitations on Garmin side which need to be evaluated with them first. So can't promise anything yet.

This would be a GREAT feature!!!!

For hiking I do not need a "turn by turn" guiding. If I am using an exisiting track which I follow, than I would like to specify a "hotspot" area of 25m, 50m, 100m or maybe 200m for example and if I am away from the track by this "hotspot" I am getting a signal (vibration). On top I would like to have a feature "detour", so if I follow a given track but decide to change it than I press a button "detour" to avoid permanent warnings. Also I would like to follow a given track but store at the same time the track I am actually walking. (on the smartphone with locus no problem).

So I do not need to check freaquently the device to see whether I am on track or not.

Some threads on the forum about Locus<>Garmin:

https://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?topic=1478.msg8794#msg8794

https://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?topic=6484.msg54422#msg54422

and others...!

Hello guys, thanks for the ideas!

We are planning to deliver LoMaps in some form on screen of some Garmin devices, but don't expect same user experience as with native maps as we are limited by possibilities of this platform. To know more you have to wait for now as we don't want to make any promises before it is baked according to our expectations.

Converting LoMaps to Garmin format to be read by device in native apps is not possible. Garmin devices aren't capable to render such map.

Jan - WearSoft

>>Converting LoMaps to Garmin format to be read by device in native apps is not possible. Garmin devices aren't capable to render such map.

And OSM maps works perfectly in Garmin units, once converted in .img format. I do that here: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ for the Montana 600 I use in my car, and for an eTrex 30 too. And with MapSource or BaseCamp...

Ok, I will correct myself - it is not possible to render such pregenerated map on Garmin to look the same as LoMaps in Locus Map. Thus, we are not talking about bringing LoMaps to Garmin, but creating some different map. And I am afraid this is not in options for Locus Map team.

To get LoMap to screen of Garmins, you will have to wait what our discussed Garmin addon will bring.

I know http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl . It's useless in mountains since it lacks contour lines (elevation data). Some areas are not covered and overall user experience with OSM on Garmin devices is poor (especially in compare with LocusMap).

Download - convert - throw cat into a well or do some other woodoo - upload.

EDIT: Petr Voldán just clearly declined the idea o transforming LoMaps in https://help.locusmap.eu/topic/lomaps-for-garmin-devices

Hello, there was long-term bug on Garmin side causing the issue what you are describing. Please update your Garmin Connect to version 4.22 and Locus Map in Garmin device to 1.2.1 and let us know if the app working properly for you after that! Jan

You can use LOF for importing waypoints and tracks as well https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=radim.outfit&hl=en_US

I was testing that in very beginning and connection was unstable, but it could have changed.

Ah! I tryed hard to stuff tracks with waypoints to Garmin. Only tracks appeared. That was not my mistake with wrong format or whatever.

Importing waypoints the same way as routes would be really great!

Hi, map rotation is not yet available in the app. We first want to do more tests to see if this feature will be useful considering speed of map load.

Hi Joze, no, that is not possible. Garmin doesn't have such multitasking. But you can of course record activity directly by Locus Map application in your Garmin. Then it will record exactly same data as native activity app like trail run including info from paired sensors. The only downside is, that you will not be able to see your datascreens from that native app of course. But customisation of datascreens is planned even for Locus, so hopefully even this will be partially solved then. :)

Hi, what do you mean by "similar type"? We definitely recommend you to try LoMaps as rendering of colors on limited sreens of Garmin devices was optimised in favor for these maps.

Hi, i meant "sqlitedb" or other then Lo"map"s. But your answer is speaking by itself. I haven't purchased garmin yet, so i can not try anything yet :) ... anyway, i am still interested about it.

Thx

Same as you, not purchased yet... In fact, I don't really know at this time if I can choose or not a Garmin IQ thing without Garmin cartography (and cartography fonctions...), assuming my main goal is to have usable LoMaps on its screen.

https://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:user_guide:add-ons:locusforgarmin

Garmin models compatibility with "phone maps" screen in Locus Map is indeed visible on compatibility table in link above.

But if you choose Garmin watch which support music OR maps from factory, it will have bigger memory available for running app. Locus Map utilise this additional memory on these devices to better cache map on screen and to allow users to activate optional enhanced map color mode. Although phone map feature is fully usable without them, they might increase user experience a little.

So for example Forerunner 245 can show map screen, but Forerunner 245 Music can do it slightly better. :)

Also, if you didn't tested Locus Map on Garmin yet, please note, that map is not updated instantly there due to technical limitations. That might be problem for some use-cases - so I would strongly suggest you to try to test the app before purchasing device "for it".

Voila

Unfortunately, not working properly all premium features. Because of garmin firmware? I dont know. FR 245 :-/

Hi, what do you mean? Do you have some issue with the app?

We communicated via email Jan.

But i hope for better future ;)

Ah, sorry, didn't realised your that you are same person. :) Issues what you experiencing are quite strange and I didn't have yet time to reply to your email. But I am quite sure they are not related with switch from preview to premium though. I will reply to your email soon.

FR245 (4.10) OK 👍

Hi, yes, we plan to introduce also version for EDGE devices, but can't confirm any date or supported functionalities there yet.

It is useless because you want... ? The app is used by hundreds of users everyday. We understand you feedback, but ouch, "thanks" for such tone of it and your 2 star review.. BTW only few Garmin models are able to render widgets during activities, not to mention technical limits of Widget CIQ apps.

Just saying that for app for which I pay almost 10 eur I expected also widget. Take this as good proposal for development department. Currently using Google Maps + navigation widget and it's working on Garmin Venu at the same time as activity is.. but goal is to use Locus app - but missing this "widget" function.. After that I can clearly give 5 stars to app.. Before that I can not as I can not use Locus app at all..

Don't take me wrong.. it's great but it can be even better as every software can be.. just listen customer proposals and you will win..

I posted a similar question some time ago and got to the similar conclusion (without using harsh words of course;). If using Garmin (for me it's Forerunner 945) in the native app mode (for me it's mostly Trail Run or Hike), then Locus really can't be used for navigation help during a long trail run. I would appreciate if this was possible somehow; the widget suggestion makes sense. Currently, I'm using Locus to plan a route; I can export the route to a device, but that's all there is to it. If I do hiking, then I still need to use the smart phone on its own with Locus to navigate the terrain. However, if I do trail run, then I'm w/o the phone and basically only relying on the map (I bought a topo map), which is - given the small screen - pretty hard.

At the very minimum, some basic navigation capabilities in addition to the native app would come handy, plus waypoint navigation. In reality, usually there's a set of waypoints you pass thru, especially if there's no path on the map, or no path at all and I'm doing pure cross-country.

Thank you, J

Hi, this feature is available only to devices with native navigation capabilities. Please refer to compatibility table: https://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:user_guide:add-ons:locusforgarmin#compatibility

Perfect. Thank you so much for the link. Out of curiosity, is this a hardware limitation or do you actually need some Garmin software features present to implement those? Cheers.

It requires Garmin software features not available to Vivoactive series.

Hi, thanks for you kind words! Unfortunately this is not possible to do via Connect IQ now, we would like to see this feature also!

Jan - WearSoft

Hi, sorry I missed your answer.

Can you please share your GPX from mapy.cz which doesn't work for you?

Basically Garmin models have limitations to number of points in imported track. That is usually not problem for tracks created in some planner, but might be issue when importing track which was recorded during activity.

Hi, please update to latest version of the app. Garmin recently introduced bug where older app version wasn't able to report incompability of route import. See: https://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:user_guide:add-ons:locusforgarmin#compatibility

Hi Riccardo,

thanks for your kind words. Although we plan to port Locus Map application to Edge devices (once we figure out how to handle some software limitations of these product compared to Garmin watches), I am quite confident to say that Edge 130 (Plus) will not be compatible with our app even then. Unfortunately this device do not support Connect IQ standalone applications at all. It can run only CIQ datafields to which Locus Map will not fit.

Jan

I think I just found the cause of the Invalid File problem: if I create a route with the Locus Navigate To function and send it to the phone, the file name that Garmin gives it is "GPS <b>rarr</b"

This happens because the route name that Locus creates is GPS [right arrow] [destination]. Apparently it is cut to 16 symbols somewhere in the process.

If I then send a new route that is created with the Navigate To function, the file name is identical and this causes the error, I think.

So a workaround would be to save the route, give it a different name and then send it to Locus for Garmin.

Hi Harm,

- that promt messages "just this time"/"always" are logic in Garmin firmwares and I never yet see "always" option to work properly. However nothing I can affect withing the app. Lets hope Garmin will fix it someday.

- Thanks for the feedback with track export! Will look into that!

Jan

Thank you!

Hi, seems like Garmin introduced some new issue to Garmin Connect 4.40 which preventing to Locus Map for Garmin to stream maps properly. I am waiting for more info from then currently.

For more info, please follow: https://www.facebook.com/LocusMapForGarmin/posts/538744690854580

Thank you for your answer! So the solution would be to downgrade to Connect 4.39 for now?

According to reports, yes. Please let us know if you try it and it will start working again for your, thanks!

I downgraded my Connect mobile app to version 4.39 and now everything's woking! So that's the solution (for now).

Hi Matej, unfortunately Garmin Connect which is providing connectivity between watch and phone can't transfer Image without active internet connectivity. Not to mention about current issue, where this functionality doesn't work at all for newest Garmin Connect version 4.40 (see: https://www.facebook.com/LocusMapForGarmin/posts/538744690854580 )

Hello, show the map in Venu doesn't work for me. All the time says response -2 and the delay increase. The phone is a galaxy S20 5G with Android 11. All locus and connect app have disabled battery optimisation and allow to work in background. What can I do?

Hi Reynaldo,

as stated above, this feature is currently broken because of unexpected change on Garmin side. We hope to come up with some solution soon. Before that you can only proceed Garmin Connect downgrade as mentioned in FB post: https://www.facebook.com/LocusMapForGarmin/posts/538744690854580

Hi,

you can disable auto-update of the particular app in the Google Play. It is accessible via menu in the detail page of the app.

Jan

Hi Jan,

perfect, the phone map is now working properly again.

Hopefully you will find a solution for the newer Connet versions.

Thank you for your efforts to solve the problem soon.

The app is awesome...

Hi, does it happing even when you launch Locus Map for Garmin companion app in your Android manually?

Yes, and with this under message.

I know it is dump advice, but can you please try to uninstall Locus Map from your Garmin and install it again? Sometimes this works on Garmin to sort some issues like this, as their installation process can occasionally brake the app.

OK, I did it, and all seems to be OK now, assuming only Garmin Map can be viewed on the Garmin watch, now.

Thankx! :)

PS: are the "Locus for Garmin" screens customizable...?

Glad to hear. For now they are not customizable, but this will change some day.

Hi, can you please provide more details what doesn't work for you?

I start track recording, then I stop at the end of my lap and I can't find anything. It doesn't even asks me if I want to save or save the track in any preexisting folder. otherwise if I press pause and then stop (not always but sometimes) asks me if I want to save the track and then I find the saved track.

So am I understand correctly that it is activity recording on Android Locus Map what is not working for you as expected and it is not related to Garmin addon. Is it correct?

Yes it's correct

Hi,

For info, Locus for Garmin has stopped working again, with the under alert.

But one more time, all falled working again by uninstalling then re-installing the app on the watch :)

Yep, CIQ platform is more and more unpredictable I am afraid.

Any (good!) news about this unpredictability...?

That said, it is not a so hard task to un-install and re-install Locus Map for Garmin :)

No, no news at all here, unfortunately.