How to Use Downloads
How to Use Downloads
Information that enhances angling experiences
Image Files

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Files
The formats including GPX, and KMZ files are much more useful because these file types are geo-referenced. This simply means that each data point (or contour line) is linked to a specific geographic position on earth. For example, with this technology users can take data files, download them onto their smartphones or Garmin GPS, and use them to help find lakes and specific structure or depths. A GPS or offline mapping application on a smartphone is constantly updating geographic locations using satellites, therefore the software identifies locations even when out of cell service. For example, as users are boating in the summer or snowmobiling in the winter, the device(GPS or smartphone) will indicate the depth of the water at that exact location. This is a major fishing advantage.There are various programs available to display this data from free to paid subscriptions software/apps. Essentially, a KMZ file and a GPX file are the exact same thing, as they provide the same geographic information. The only difference is that KMZs are compatible with some applications while GPXs are compatible with others. Data is provided in both types to give users options so they can use their favorite applications/programs/software.
Computers
Garmin Handhelds
Access Uploads
Garmin MapSource
Garmin BaseCamp
Contour Uploads
Smart Phones/Devices
Smartphones are arguably the most popular user medium for displaying depth information. In order to visualize depth information on smartphones in locations without cellular service, an “Offline Map Application” will need to be chosen and downloaded. There are various programs available to display this data. Each user has their own preference. Listed are a few popular options:
Android Compatible:Yes
Paid/Free: Free
Supported File Types: .kmz .kml
Offline Capabilities: Online Only
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 3 Access Data: 3
General Comments: Appearance of data uploads are nice but will not work offline.
See what the app looks like….IMG 1, IMG 2, IMG 3
Android Compatible:Yes
Paid/Free: Free
Supported File Types: .kmz
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 2 Access Data: 3
General Comments: Data uploads easily. Base maps automatically download for your area, but use little storage space. Ie. Canada Brandon – base map is 38 MB.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1
Android Compatible:No
Paid/Free: Free
Supported File Types: .kmz .kml .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 3 Access Data: 3
General Comments: Most user friendly for iOS. Gpx and kmz files open with different appearances. App has many editing capabilities to customize data. Base map downloads required if detailed maps are preferred when offline (base maps use significant storage space).
See what the app looks like… IMG 1, IMG 2, IMG 3
Android Compatible:Yes
Paid/Free: Free
Supported File Types: .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 1 Access Data: 1
General Comments: Data uploads not very attractive. Base maps downloads are required to view terrain.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1
Android Compatible:No
Paid/Free: Free
Supported File Types: .kml .kmz .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 2 Access Data: 2
General Comments: Base maps must be downloaded, but use little data storage. Overlays do not work.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1
Android Compatible:Yes
Paid/Free: Free (Subscription option)
Supported File Types: .kml .kmz .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 3 Access Data: 3
General Comments: Free but requires subscription to download alternative basemap layers for offline use. Basemap dowloads use little data storage. Overlays (.kmz) do not work on this app.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1
Android Compatible:No
Paid/Free: Paid
Supported File Types: .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 1 Access Data: 2
General Comments: Default data uploads not very attractive, but map has many functions and can be customized.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1
Android Compatible: No
Paid/Free: Paid
Supported File Types: .kml .kmz .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 2 Access Data: 2
General Comments: Requires to subscription to pro version to access additional offline base map downloads.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1, IMG 2
Android Compatible: Yes
Paid/Free: Free (Paid Pro Version)
Supported File Types: .kml .kmz .gpx
Offline Capabilities: Online & Offline
Attractiveness (Poor 0 – Excellent 3):
Contour Data: 2 Access Data: 2
General Comments: User friendly for Androids. Need the pro version for offline mapping. Marker waypoints on contour data can be messy. Overlays do not work.
See what the app looks like…. IMG 1
iOS Favorite Free App- Map Plus
Map Plus has been chosen as a smartphone example. Map Plus is only available on iOS devices but is free, with offline capabilities and is compatible with both .KMZ and .GPX files for all trail, contour and overlay data. Illustrated in the videos is how to import lake and access data after download using the “Map Plus” app, plus how to access basemap downloads for offline use and other setting features. If you are having troubles viewing videos on your computer, right click and either “open view in new tab” or view in “picture in picture”.