Garmin has recently expanded its Outdoor Maps+ feature to cover a wider range of countries. This expansion brings more extensive mapping capabilities and is likely to be a strong option, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts.
New Coverage for European Countries
The latest updates from Garmin now include European countries, significantly broadening the coverage of Outdoor Maps+. These features are now available not only for the USA and Canada but also for numerous countries in Europe.
Enhanced Features for Europe
For European countries, Garmin now offers the use of satellite imagery as well as high-definition shaded relief images. However, these features are not available in all European countries, as information for countries like Poland is missing. Additionally, high-quality topographic maps are available. The building view, displaying the outer dimensions of buildings, is also available in Europe.
Restrictions in the USA
In the USA, certain features of Outdoor Maps+ are restricted. This includes the display of hunting areas, boat ramps, information about inland waters, and properties.
Costs and Compatibility
Outdoor Maps+ are not free, with Garmin charging an annual fee of just under 60 euros. The offering is aimed at ambitious users and owners of specific devices, including GPSMAP 67, Montane 700, and Alpha 300. Additionally, Outdoor Maps+ are compatible with various Fenix 7 and Epix smartwatches.
Necessity of Expanded Map Material
In our estimation, the necessity of this expandable map material is not essential. The pre-installed maps on Fenix models already offer a high level of detail, displaying points of interest, smaller hiking trails, and bodies of water. These devices also feature extensive navigation functions. However, it remains to be seen whether the Outdoor Maps+ features, previously available only in the USA and Canada, will also become available in Germany, as no official communication has been made regarding this.
Source: Garmin
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