Here is a new video for the Garmin GPSMAP 66i MapShare Training playlist.
Why is Garmin MapShare Important?
Why do I need to use MapShare? Well, I’m glad you asked.
MapShare allows your family and friends to:
- follow your outdoor adventure on a map.
- Initiate a message with you
- This is the only way a “non-inreach user” can initiate a 2-way message with you.
- send a location request (careful with this. These location requests cannot be deleted)
MapShare Setup
First, you need to select the “Social” tab at the top of the page.
Once on the Social Page you will see this.
This is where you’ll have some decisions to make.
- Choose your email
- Decide if you want to allow your Facebook and Twitter followers to have access to MapShare
Now you need to Enable MapShare.
Then, check your MapShare Settings.
Add you name, outdoor adventure description and add a password if needed. Also, check any of the three boxes at the bottom of the page, depending on your preferences.
Now it’s time to check your filter settings.
After you have your MapShare settings correct for you, now it’s time to share with Email, Facebook, and/or Twitter. Since I only use email, let’s take a quick look at that.
That’s all there is to it. Now, let’s look at what the recipient will see when you send them the email link.
What the Viewer Will See
The messages are the same if viewed on your smartphone or on the computer, so we’re only going to look at what is seen when you view the MapShare email link on the computer.
First, you will receive an email notification and link.
Select the top link and you will be re-directed to the Explore Map page where you will see the inReach Users location and tracks since the tracking began.
At the top left you will see LOCATE, MESSAGE, AND SEND.
You can select “Locate” to see the location of the inReach User, but be careful with this, as these locates can never be removed. This is more of an EMERGENCY location request.
The inreach User will not see this locate request. Only you will see the location after Garmin locates them.
The next thing is sending a message. This is important as it is the only way an non-inreach user can initiate a message with the inReach User.
Once you select “Message” you will see the following screen.
The inReach User will receive the message and then can reply to you.
The last thing to do is to wend a location to the inReach User.
Here is what the inReach User will see when the message is received on the inReach satellite communicator.
Final Thoughts
MapShare is really helpful for locating the inReach User and to initiate a message to the User.
Using MapShare does require a subscription but there are ways to reduce costs on the subscription and how many tracks are put down.
Don’t hesitate to leave me a question below and I’ll get back to you quickly.
Check out this YouTube video below for more information.
- Large 3 inch Sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the geos 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, two-way messaging via the 100% Global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription required)
- Preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device Birdseye satellite imagery downloads (no annual subscription), includes multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors
- Cellular connectivity lets you access active weather forecasts and geocaching live
- Compatible with the Garmin explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 35 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode and 1-minute tracking mode (display off), 200 hours in Expedition mode with 30-minute tracking
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
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