Tips and tricks

Sometimes things just don't work the way I want them to!
Do you know that feeling? Then you've come to the right place.

Here you'll find some tips about hike-and-bike maps.

We've compiled the following topic groups for you:
Download
Installation
Update
Virus alert
BaseCamp
Navigation devices

1. I purchased the map in the shop. How do I get the map now?
The maps are available for download.
Detailed instructions can be found here: https://hike-and-bike.ch/en/checkout

2. I'm having trouble downloading.
If you have trouble downloading the files, you can also use a download manager.
I recommend "HTTP Downloader" by Eric Kutcher.
See erickutcher.github.io
HTTP Downloader is a high-performance open-source app for Windows, multi-part download manager for the HTTP(S), FTP(S), and SFTP protocols. You can Start, Pause, Stop, and Queue up to 100 downloads at a time.

1. Are there detailed instructions on how to install the maps?
There are different instructions depending on the operating system you are using.
See https://hike-and-bike.ch/en/installation

2. Where do I save the map or the 'gmapsupp.img' file on my Garmin navigation device?
Hike-and-bike maps must be saved on microSD memory cards. Never save the file to the internal memory of the Garmin navigation device. This could damage the Garmin navigation device and render it unusable.
The directory is at the top level and is simply labeled 'Garmin'. Save the 'gmapsupp.img' file in the 'Garmin' directory.

3. The 'Garmin' directory is not present on my memory card.
If this directory is not already present on the memory card, create it yourself.
If you see the empty or missing directory, you can create a new directory. If you first insert your newly purchased memory card into your Garmin navigation device and start the device, the Garmin navigation device will automatically create the many necessary directories. You may need to define the memory card as the storage location in the settings.

4. Do I need to format the memory card?
The microSD card must be formatted as FAT-32. Typically, the microSD card is already formatted this way when purchased.

5. How large should the memory card be?
A map can easily take up 2 GB of storage space. If you want to install multiple maps, it's best to choose a 32 GB or 64 GB memory card. We use microSD memory cards with a storage capacity of 32 GB.

6. Can I install multiple maps?
With newer Garmin navigation devices, you can install multiple maps at once. However, only one file called gmapsupp.img can be present. To do this, simply change the file name on the memory card yourself.
On our own Garmin navigation devices, we name the files as follows: 'gmapche.img' for the map of Switzerland or 'gmapdeu.img' for the map of Germany, etc.

7. I receive an error message as follows:
'HikeAndBike-GMAP_Installer.exe' isn't commonly downloaded.
Unable to expand 'HikeAndBike-gmapsupp.zip' into 'Downloads'.
Windows cannot open the folder. The archive 'HikeAndBike-gmapsupp.zip' is invalid.
This message indicates that the entire file was not transferred to you and therefore cannot be used.
The cause is that the file transfer is too slow. The sending server is configured to terminate the connection after a maximum transfer time of 1500 seconds or 25 minutes. This is to protect the server.
Use a faster connection to download the maps, e.g., at a library, school, at a friend's house, etc.

8. Can I install the map on a Windows operating system without using the .exe file?
Yes, you can install the file using an alternative method.
For the alternative installation, do not use the 'GMAP_Installer-HikeAndBike-CHE.exe' file. Instead, download the corresponding GMAP archive for Apple macOS (e.g., HikeAndBike-CHE.gmap.zip). This GMAP archive is suitable for both operating systems. Unzip this file. We recommend specifying the final location when unzipping.
Save the unzipped GMAP archive on your computer in the directory: 'C:\ProgramData\Garmin\Maps\'.
For instructions, see: https://hike-and-bike.ch/en/instructions-for-alternative-installation-for-windows

1. I installed a map update. However, BaseCamp doesn't recognize the new version.
Select the 'View' menu and the 'Basemap only' menu item. When the basemap is displayed, switch back. This will clear the internal memory and you will have the updated map available.

2. How do I install an update (Windows)?
a) If you still have the old version installed, you must uninstall it first. Both versions cannot be displayed at the same time.
b) The uninstallation file is located in the C:\ProgramData\Garmin\Maps directory. You can also uninstall the file via Windows Settings / Apps if you initially installed the map as an .exe file.
c) Extract (unzip) the new version to the C:\ProgramData\Garmin\Maps directory.
d) Start BaseCamp.
e) Under 'View', select 'Base map only' (CTRL + G).
f) Under 'View', deselect 'Base map only' (CTRL + G). This will delete the map from memory and load the new map. You will now see the new version of the map.

1. My virus scanner reports a possible virus in the 'gmapsupp.img' file.
.img is the file extension for image files or CD/DVD image files.
Garmin uses this file extension for files for Garmin navigation devices, and this is not entirely correct.
Your virus scanner may issue a virus warning because the structure and content of the gmapsupp.img file does not correspond to the structure of 'real' .img files.

1. In 'BaseCamp', a lot of names, mountains, and points of interest (POIs) are displayed. The entire screen is full; I can't see anything.
Change the 'Level of Detail' to 'Medium'. We have configured the maps so that the streets, objects, names, and points of interest (POIs) are displayed optimally at the 'Medium' level.

2. In 'BaseCamp', almost no names, trails, mountain huts, etc. are displayed. I can't see any details.
We have configured the hike-and-bike maps so that the details are displayed at the highest view level. For example, if you are looking for a mountain hut in a larger area, these huts are not yet displayed. Change the 'Level of Detail' to 'High', 'Higher', or 'Highest'. At the 'Highest' level of detail, you will now see the details even in a larger area with little detail.

3. I have two maps from different sources installed in 'BaseCamp,' but only one of them is displayed.
'BaseCamp,' for example, checks the Family ID (FID) of the maps. If there are two or more maps with the same FID, only one of these maps is displayed. Delete one of the two maps.

4. I have about 20 maps installed in 'BaseCamp,' but not all of them are displayed.
'BaseCamp' limits the number of maps to 17, including the 'Global Map'. If you have more maps installed, not all of them are displayed.

5. In 'BaseCamp,' street names or other labels are displayed in a generally difficult-to-read manner.
This is a known issue and is due to the way 'BaseCamp' displays fonts. What you can do to make the labels easier to read is change the map font as follows: 'Edit' menu, 'Options...' menu item, 'Display' option, 'Map Font' item. Change the 'Font', 'Font Style', or 'Font Size'. You may need to experiment a bit to find the setting that works best for you.

6. I can't see the map in 'BaseCamp'. Only a gray screen appears with obvious image distortion.
This bug is known, but Garmin has not been able to fix it, and the actual cause has not been officially communicated.
However, it is noticeable that the 'gray screen' appears on maps in the area of ​​the 180th meridian. For example, on maps of Alaska, New Zealand, and Antarctica.
To use the maps in BaseCamp, proceed as follows:
a) Select the 'Map Products' menu item: Select 'Global Map'.
b) Menu item 'Level of Detail': Select 'Highest' here.
c) Zoom level: Select the zoom level (map scale) of 200 km by scrolling.
d) Now move (swipe) to the map section you want to see, e.g., the main islands of New Zealand.
e) Select the menu item 'Map Products': Now select the hike-and-bike map, e.g., 'HikeAndBike-NZ'. Zoom in further on the map and, if necessary, change the 'Map Detail' to 'Medium'.

1. I've heard that navigation devices are banned in certain countries. Is this true?
There are indeed countries that restrict, regulate, or even completely prohibit the use of navigation devices. The penalties for violations can be very severe.
Before entering a foreign country, find out whether you are allowed to import, own, or use navigation devices!

India
In India, the use of certain navigation devices, especially satellite navigation devices such as Garmin Inreach, can lead to problems and even arrest. This is due to a ban on certain devices considered satellite phones. It is important to familiarize yourself with the applicable regulations before traveling and, if necessary, obtain a permit.
Navigation devices are not generally banned in India. However, in sensitive regions (e.g., on the border with China or Pakistan), the possession or use of precise GPS devices can cause problems.
There are no known restrictions for everyday use (Google Maps, car navigation, or smartphone).

China
The use of standalone GPS devices (not built into the smartphone) can be problematic, especially when creating maps or tracking.
Map data is regulated in China – foreign apps like Google Maps are often inaccurate or blocked.
The import or use of devices with precise geolocation (e.g., drones with GPS) may be subject to licensing requirements.

Russia
In military or sensitive zones, the use or possession of GPS devices can cause problems.
In practice, however, GPS is commonly used in everyday life (e.g., navigating a car or smartphone).

Iran
Navigation devices are not officially prohibited in Iran. However, foreign visitors carrying GPS devices (especially standalone devices or GPS-enabled cameras) may face questions or checks upon entry or in certain regions.

Egypt
There is an import ban on standalone GPS devices.
Devices such as handheld GPS devices or certain GPS-enabled cameras may not be brought into the country without a permit.
GPS in cars or smartphones is permitted.

Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Special permits may be required in border areas or for hiking and trekking tours with GPS devices.

Western countries
In most countries around the world – e.g., the EU, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South America – the use of GPS and navigation devices is completely legal and commonplace.