Tread Changes Exisiting Routes - Shaping Point Issues

[jfheath]

Thanks for that update Steve. It suggests that they didn't sort out the possible issues at design time. Back to the drawing board stuff.

I don't care any more. That is - I don't care whether they fix the synch issue or not. I won't be using it whatever the outcome - although I have a suspicion that at some point you will either have to synch with tread or not have it at all for weather, traffic etc. But thanks to Frank and a few of us adding help here and there, we have an XT and XT2 device that we can rely on. Almost as reliable as the 590 was.

I wonder if an update will break other parts of the system, like they managed with POIs.

[Oop North John]

Thanks for that update Steve. It suggests that they didn't sort out the possible issues at design time. Back to the drawing board stuff.

I don't care any more. Thanks to Frank and a few of us adding help here and there, we have a device that works and that we can rely on.

I wonder if an update will break other parts of the system, like they managed with POIs.

My cynical view is that in recent times, ie the last 5 years or so of Garmin's updates is to find a version of the software you can live with, and then do not do any more updates.

[Lanso]

Here's my complaint to Garmin about this issue.
For all other users, please send a similiar complaint or either copy mine.

The more complaints the better.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello.
I have a complaint about an ongoing issue since the launch of this device back in April/May of 2023.

When sending premade GPX files trough the Garmin Tread app, It will drastically change or corrupt GPX files.
Specifically shaping points.
Tread's cloud sync service appears to force it's "faster road" algorithm upon synced GPX's, overruling any shaping points made by the user.

Garmin Zumo XT2 6.40
Garmin Tread 2.12.45 Android
Serial: xxx

please see examples below

Example 1
GPX v1.1 (route, track POI) "broekie Bochtjes.gpx
note: built on HERE map using MyRouteApp, checked with basecamp
Collection: Test Garmin 1

Route on MyRoutePlanner:

Screenshot 2025-12-31 152600.png (1.79 MiB) Viewed 405 times

Track imported trough USB/SD, tread sync disabled:

3333.png (648.45 KiB) Viewed 405 times

4031.png (494.63 KiB) Viewed 405 times

4448.png (539.09 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Route imported trough USB/SD, tread sync disabled:
Route imports with 99% match to the original GPX.
Minor differences such as road closures and XT2's algorithm.
Shaping and Via points succesfully imported, acceptable result

5553.png (896.29 KiB) Viewed 405 times

9075.png (771.51 KiB) Viewed 405 times

9440.png (775.4 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Route imported trough Garmin Tread synced:
Route corrupted.

64292.png (61.39 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Route will either corrupt or severely change post sync.


Example 2
GPX v1.1 (route, track POI) "14122025.gpx
note: built on HERE map using MyRouteApp, checked with basecamp
Collection: Test Garmin 2

Route on MyRoutePlanner:

Screenshot 2025-12-31 141826.png (1.88 MiB) Viewed 405 times

Screenshot 2025-12-31 141915.png (846.96 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Track imported trough USB/SD, tread sync disabled:

11043.png (575.49 KiB) Viewed 405 times

15444.png (414.97 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Route imported trough USB/SD, tread sync disabled:
Route imports with 99% match to the original GPX.
Minor differences such as road closures and XT2's algorithm.
Shaping and Via points succesfully imported, acceptable result

12909.png (857.7 KiB) Viewed 405 times

14074.png (784.86 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Route imported trough Garmin Tread synced:

68540.png (63.37 KiB) Viewed 405 times

Route will either corrupt or severely change post sync.


Picture of behavior when route is not corrupted, but severely changed by Tread sync's algorithm:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you can see, the issue lays within Garmin's Cloud sync, destroying users GPX files.
This issue is easily reproduced by importing premade GPX files trough the Garmin Tread app (Bluetooth).

Imported GPX files loaded trough SD or USB work perfectly, until Tread Sync is enabled.
Then those same GPX files get uploaded to the cloud, and destroyed in the process.

The only way to use premade routes is by disabling Tread sync.
This prevents the user from importing routes wirelessly to their Zumo XT2.
Which for a navigation device built in 2023 is simply unacceptable and archaic.


We know for a fact that this issue has been reported quite extensively towards Garmin Support since launch.
Multiple tickets have been made for this issue since the Zumo XT2's launch. A lot of them have been very extensive.

After 3 years, there is still no fix.
We (a large number of XT2 users on the forums, Facebook groups) feel betrayed by Garmin's lack of care for their customer base regarding this issue.

-What is the update on this bug, is there a plan for fixing it?
-Is there a lack of talent to fix this issue? Surely it can't take 3+ years for Garmin to fix this bug.

Suggestion 1: Make ability to import GPX route over Bluetooth without Tread sync being enabled. (preferred solution, similar to Garmin Drive)
Suggestion 2: give user the ability to disable Garmin Sync's algorithm override on users GPX's.


Thank you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[jfheath]

Thanks @Lanso

Just for information - your last image will not display. Rather than being a picture stored on the forum, it is pointing to an image stored at i.imgur.com - which I can see if I use a VPN, but not otherwise.

[Lanso]

Oh yes, i couldn't upload it as it exceeded the 8mb file size limit.

Wasn't sure how to downgrade the filesize easily.

[jfheath]

Well done - you beat me to it - I was just about to post them !

[TheoTiger]

“Maybe it’s time to take legal action and file a class-action lawsuit against Garmin for delivering a product that does not do what, according to Garmin’s own description, it is supposed to do??? I’m not a lawyer—perhaps an XT2 user who *is* a lawyer can provide more clarity.”

[Lanso]

i've just received the following reply from Garmin.

Hello Lansa,

I managed to duplicate your report using City Navigator EU NTU 2026.20. After updating to the latest, 2026.30 the route matched the original with exception to a few turns. These turns were corrected by adding a shaping point (https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=1 ... tab=topics).



Our devices need the latest mapping to sync correctly with Tread app as well. Please try the following and respond with the results. Again, what you're experiencing is possible since the routes were created from another software.



Delete the imported data stored from Broekie_Bochtjes.GPX on the Tread app and zumo XT2
Update the maps on your zumo XT2 to CN EU 2026.30 (You can use Wi-Fi or Garmin Express to update)
Upload the data from Broekie_Bochtjes.GPX again to a new collection
Allow the Tread app to calculate the route
Find the route imported to the Tread app
Select "Edit route" via Tread app
Wait for the Tread app to finish calculating the route
Confirm the route matches the original before saving
Allow the zumo XT2 and Tread app to sync
Confirm the route is correct on the zumo XT2


The "cannot calculate route" error was resolve doing the same as well.


Thank you for choosing Garmin,

Jonathan
Product Support
Garmin International
For 24-hour access to support videos, manuals, FAQs & more, visit the Support Center.

If i'm reading this right, they're saying to not use external programs anymore?

[smfollen]

If i'm reading this right, they're saying to not use external programs anymore?

It is a common excuse and, in my opinion, is complete nonsense.
The only thing Garmin officially supports appears to be the Tread App.

The zumo XT2 supports import of gpx files of course, but not anything that creates them.
In my opinion, it is a ridiculous excuse.

Their customers have been using gpx files for many years. Many of those were created by Garmin products or software (e.g.Basecamp).
Do they expect their loyal long standing customers to just throw their libraries away?

The reality is that the Tread App is broken. Garmin has known that for a long time and they have still not fixed it.

From my perspective any software that changes any user input, without the user's explicit consent is broken. That is software engineering 101.

[proofresistant]

Hope dies last, but I still hope, even though I no longer believe that Garmin will get the Tread app under control.

Am I supposed to recalculate every route I import in the Tread app? That is not an acceptable or viable solution.

Then they write on their support page: “NOTE: When using the zūmo® XT2 GPS navigator, Tread® GPS Navigator, and all models in the Tread® series, it is recommended to use the Tread app for creating waypoints, routes, and tracks.”
Do they seriously believe that, recommending planning with an app that is not designed for planning? Sorry Garmin, I wouldn't dare recommend that, or do you want to completely alienate your experienced users?

I think Garmin has fundamental problems with the Tread app and they can no longer fix the basics.

Shaping points are recalculated by some algorithm and moved around at will, and that's their problem in my eyes.