So, what are .kmz (KMZ) files?

KMZ files are Google Earth files. They contain individual trails and waypoints. In addition to using them on Garmin GPS units, if you have Google Earth or Google Earth Pro (both free) on your desktop, the trail will open up on Google Earth when you click on the KMZ file once it is downloaded to your desktop. This is a great way to zoom in and review your trip when planning. Also, for our purpose here, you can transfer the KMZs, using your desktop, from the FPTA website on your desktop to a phone navigation app, so that you can use it to navigate the trail with your cell phone. Below are the instructions for cell phone usage.

DESKTOP/CELL PHONE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download the free version of GAIA GPS to your phone. For an iPhone, download the GAIA GPS app from the Apple Store, for an Android phone, download the GAIA GPS app from the Google Play Store. Follow the GAIA GPS registration to set up your account. This is required even for the free version. Remember your Login User Name and Password.

2. Go to your desktop and open your web browser. Go to gaiagps.com, and Login to your Gaia Account. Click on the Gaia Logo in the upper left corner.

3. Go to the FPTA website. (A) Click on the menu bar. (B) Select “Paddling Resources.” (C) Select “Paddling Trails.”

4. This will direct you to a page displaying a map with the FPTA regions. Find the Region you plan to paddle. Each region is divided into Segments.

5. After identifying the region, scroll down and click on the image for that region (in this example, we are selecting Region F: Calusa / Paradise Coast).

6. This will take you to the two Segments in Region F. We are interested in Segment 13, so scroll down to there.

7. This will take you to a page displaying all the mapped trails in that area. Select the area (in this example we are selecting Marco Island/Cape Romano area.)

8. Locate the paddle you want - From here, you have 3 choices: Selecting a Map, Info Sheet (important details about the paddle), and/or a KMZ file.

9. (A) Click on the green “KMZ” file button. This will download the KMZ file to your desktop. (B) On your desktop, go to your account on the GAIA GPS website, and from the map menu select Import Data. You will be prompted to select  a file. Navigate to the  downloads folder on your desktop,  and select the KMZ file. Click the "Save 1 Item" prompt, which will then save the new file to your online GAIA account. (C) Close the FPTA website, unless you want to save multiple trails.

10. Open the GAIA GPS app on your phone and (A) go to the SAVED FOLDER tab at the bottom. (B) Locate the name of the KMZ you uploaded in Step 7 (if it does not show up, close and reopen the GAIA GPS app on your phone, then go back to Saved). (C) Click on the KMZ map that you want.

11. Click on the small map and Select “Show on Main Map”.

12. This will open your map on the full screen (below). Your location will appear when you are at the launch site.

13. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES:

(A) GPS devices and navigation apps work directly from satellites and do not need cell service. (B) Make sure your phone is fully charged before launching. (C) An important safety check is to have your saved KMZ loaded into your app prior to launching while you still have cell service and checked to make sure everything is up and running properly. (D) To save your battery during your paddle, it’s very important that you place your phone in “Airplane Mode” (in Settings) to save battery life. Only switch to Airplane Mode after you know everything is functioning properly. Despite being in Airplane Mode, the GAIA GPS app will be usable and track you (but you will not have cell service or receive phone calls).