Drakensberg GPS maps

Hi Andrew,

have there been any updates to your digital maps?

 

I tried out the following Garmin maps on my Fenix 5 watch on a recent hike in the Drakensberg, and they were awesome: gpstopos.co.za/public_html.html

Fast to render, good cover, routable, with contour lines... highly recommend!

Hi Andrew
Do you have the GPS coordinates for the GT? 
Thanks,
Mach1

Convert GPX Data to a Transparent Garmin Map:

During our December South-North GT, we (Supertramp, Pathfinder and myself) decided to only use our watches (Garmin Fenix 6X) for navigation, but then during the planning the question of battery life and charging frequency was an issue if the navigation/courses option on the watch was to be used all the time, then after some research I came across a method to convert GPX Data (file) to a Transparent Garmin Map (.img file).

I used a program called Javawa to convert the plotted GPX file from Basecamp to a .img file that can be copied onto your watch. The map will then appear as an overlay/transparent map that can be switched on and is then visible on your map watch face during the activity. See picture below of how it shows on the watch, it also copies all your waypoints over if selected in the program. Various option for color and line thickness available in the program.

Overall I would say that this worked well for our trip, a handheld GPS with a larger screen does have its benefits as zooming in and out on the smaller screen can be an issue at times as some of the info and contour line number as not visible as you zoom out on the watch. But definitely a tool to be used together with a handheld GPS especially on longer trip and it saves a lot of battery life.

Below is the links to the program used (not supported on some Macbooks) and the Youtube video. Not sure if there are any other programs with the same features available.

Link to the program that was used: www.javawa.nl/imgfromgpx_en.html

Link to Youtube video explaining how to use:

Hope it can be of use for other hikers.