Garmin announces mapping improvements for flagship smartwatches

Earlier this month, Garmin pushed Beta Version 17.12 to the Fenix 7 series, as well as Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro, Enduro 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 smartwatches. For reference, that software update has not reached stable status yet. Instead, Fenix 7 series smartwatches running stable builds remain on Software Version 16.22, which arrived in mid-March.

Nonetheless, Garmin has now announced improvements that will benefit multiple smartwatch series, regardless of which software distribution channel upon which they have been enrolled. In a press release, the company explains that it has expanded Outdoors Maps+, a $49.99 annual service that debuted just over a year ago. In summary, Outdoors Maps+ adds the following features atop of Garmin's standard mapping software:

• Satellite Imagery: See a high-resolution perspective from above with photorealistic maps that download directly to compatible devices, available worldwide.
• Night Lights: Find the best locations away from light pollution for stargazing, camping or just getting away, available worldwide.
• HD Relief Shading: Utilize improved mapping detail with shading that helps visually depict elevation changes and terrain features in all 50 U.S. states and many European countries.
• 2D Buildings: Specific to European countries, view a map layer with an area footprint of buildings, which can be toggled on or off at the user’s discretion.

Previously, Garmin limited Outdoors Maps+ to the US. However, the service is now available in Europe, along with 'all 50 U.S. states and Canada'. Based on Garmin's product page, Outdoors Maps+ provides global coverage for its Satellite Imagery and Night Lights functionality. Conversely, it only provides HD Relief Shading across the US and select European countries. Please see Garmin's Outdoor Maps+ product page for full coverage and compatible device details.  

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