What is Iceland Photo Map?

A library of photographer-curated GPS map files for Iceland. Every location is hand-picked as a photography viewpoint and shipped as KML, GPX, and GeoJSON files you can load into your phone, GPS device, or laptop and use offline.

Which map should I buy first?

If you're doing a single-subject trip (only waterfalls, only lighthouses, etc.) buy the matching category. If your trip covers two or more subjects — most Ring Road and 7+ day itineraries do — the All Maps bundle is cheaper than buying two individual maps.

Will the files work offline in Iceland?

Yes — that's the point. Once imported into Google My Maps, Gaia GPS, Google Earth, Garmin, or Maps.me, the waypoints live on your device and don't need cell service. Iceland's coverage is patchy outside the Ring Road, so offline is non-negotiable for the highlands, F-roads, and Westfjords.

Can I import the files into my GPS app?

Yes. We have step-by-step guides for Google Maps, Google Earth, and Gaia GPS. The files are standard formats — they also work in Garmin BaseCamp, Maps.me, OsmAnd, Locus Map, AllTrails, and any other app that accepts KML or GPX.

Is this a one-time purchase?

Yes. Pay once and download immediately. No subscription. Personal-use license covers your phone, a backup phone, a tablet, a GPS handheld, and a laptop.

How is this different from a printed photographer's map?

Printed maps don't load into your phone, can't be searched, can't run on a GPS device, and can't update when locations change. Our files are designed to live in the apps you're already using — and to work where the road ends and the signal drops.

Why isn't my KML file showing in Google My Maps?

Google My Maps allows up to 10,000 features per layer and 10 layers per map. If you imported a large map and the points didn't show, split the file across layers or use a different category map. Also confirm you uploaded the .kml file (not a zipped .kmz) into the import dialog.

How do I get a GPX file onto my iPhone?

Email or AirDrop the .gpx file to your phone, then tap it and choose "Open in" your GPS app (Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Maps.me, Locus, etc.). Most apps register .gpx as a supported file type after install.

Can I use these on a Garmin GPS device?

Yes. Use Garmin BaseCamp or the Garmin Express app: connect your device over USB, import the GPX file, then transfer it to the unit. The waypoints appear under "Where To?" → "Waypoints" or "Tracks" depending on your unit.

Will I lose data if I switch from KML to GPX?

No — every map ships in all three formats. The coordinates and names are identical across files; only styling and metadata vary slightly between formats. Pick the one your app prefers.

Can I edit a map after importing it?

Yes. Once in Google My Maps, Gaia GPS, or Locus, the waypoints are yours to rename, recolor, regroup, or delete. We recommend duplicating the file first so you keep a clean copy of the original.

Do the maps include driving directions?

The map gives you the destination coordinates. Your app of choice (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, your Garmin's routing engine) generates the driving route. This is intentional — Iceland's road conditions change daily, so live routing beats baked-in directions.

Guide

Import Your Maps

Follow these steps to load your Iceland photography waypoints into your preferred mapping app — ready for offline navigation in minutes.

Google My Maps: step-by-step

Open Google My Maps

In your browser, navigate to google.com/maps/d and sign in with your Google account.

Create a New Map

Click the + Create New Map button. Once the map is created, double-click on it to open the editor.

Name Your Map

In the Map title field, type a friendly name for your map, then click Save.

Import the KML or GPX File

Click the Import link to open the file-upload dialog.

Import KML or GPX file into Google My Maps

Upload the Map File

Click Select a file from your device, then choose the KML or GPX file you downloaded.

Waypoints Imported

Your waypoints are now visible on the map. Click any pin to see detailed information about that photography location.

Imported waypoints displayed on Google Maps

Explore Waypoint Details

Click any waypoint to view its name, coordinates, description, and photography tips. You're all set to explore Iceland.

Waypoint details view showing location information

Next steps

Plan the shoot after your map is imported

Once your KML or GPX file is loaded, pair the waypoint map with location-specific field notes for timing, access, and conditions.

How to Avoid Crowds at Iceland Photo SpotsTiming strategy guide Vestrahorn Photography GuideTides, reflections, and Stokksnes logistics Iceland Highlands Photography SpotsRoute planning with map context

Map downloads

Use these steps with Iceland GPS maps

Waterfall GPS MapKML · GPX · GeoJSON Lighthouse GPS MapKML · GPX · GeoJSON Landscape GPS MapKML · GPX · GeoJSON Church GPS MapKML · GPX · GeoJSON

Troubleshooting

Common import questions

Quick fixes for the issues photographers hit most often when loading a KML or GPX file.

Google My Maps allows up to 10,000 features per layer and 10 layers per map. If you imported a large map and the points didn't show, split the file across layers or use a different category map. Also confirm you uploaded the .kml file (not a zipped .kmz) into the import dialog.
Email or AirDrop the .gpx file to your phone, then tap it and choose "Open in" your GPS app (Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Maps.me, Locus, etc.). Most apps register .gpx as a supported file type after install.
Yes. Use Garmin BaseCamp or the Garmin Express app: connect your device over USB, import the GPX file, then transfer it to the unit. The waypoints appear under "Where To?" → "Waypoints" or "Tracks" depending on your unit.
No — every map ships in all three formats. The coordinates and names are identical across files; only styling and metadata vary slightly between formats. Pick the one your app prefers.
Yes. Once in Google My Maps, Gaia GPS, or Locus, the waypoints are yours to rename, recolor, regroup, or delete. We recommend duplicating the file first so you keep a clean copy of the original.
The map gives you the destination coordinates. Your app of choice (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, your Garmin's routing engine) generates the driving route. This is intentional — Iceland's road conditions change daily, so live routing beats baked-in directions.