Attention Motorcyclists - What would you want?

Former Member over 14 years ago

If BaseCamp offered a motorcycle mode that customized the way BaseCamp works, what would you want it to do?

We need your feedback, but in order to get it in a way that allows us to better priorities features we need you to follow the following guidelines.
Please list two things you would want the mode to do or change. You may only list the 2 most important items, any more and the post will be deleted.

Also, please list 1 or 2 things that you currently like about the latest BaseCamp release so we know what should stay the same.

0 JaVaWa over 11 years ago

- Make the maps available on the Mac. I have to connect the GPS to get the latest maps. I want to use BaseCamp without a GPS connected. My option now is to use OpenStreetMaps instead.

You can already get the map on your Mac. Use the latest version of Garmin Express; there is an option (click "Advanced options") to install the map on your computer too.
Using OSM in BaseCamp isn't a good idea. It's not because of the quality of the OSM (it's a good map); it's just because it isn't the same map as the one on your device. A route created on another map will be recalculated by the device; generally this is not wat you want to happen...

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

1. Ability to import CSV or tab-delimited data (Like Streets and Trips can).

2. Ability to further adjust routing speed (current slider does not have enough range to reduce speed for off road riding average speed)

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

You can already get the map on your Mac. Use the latest version of Garmin Express; there is an option (click "Advanced options") to install the map on your computer too.
Using OSM in BaseCamp isn't a good idea. It's not because of the quality of the OSM (it's a good map); it's just because it isn't the same map as the one on your device. A route created on another map will be recalculated by the device; generally this is not wat you want to happen...

I found out after my post. It still strange to me that Garmin has 2 programs that do about the same (Express and Webupdater) And why not have all the functionality in Basecamp?

BR, Casper

0 JaVaWa over 11 years ago

Express and WebUpdater don't do the same. WebUpdater is for updating the firmware of a device (and of several not map rellated files), and MapUpdater (that still exists too) for updating maps.
Express replaces them both, but it's a good thing the older programs still exist because Express doesn't always work like it should...

0 azdrmn over 11 years ago

When I am distance running on my Motorcycle, in addition to avoiding highways, I would also like to be able to avoid major metropoliton areas. IE have the GPS go around say Pittsburgh, pa. and stay off the interstates. Is this possible?

Area avoidance is is definitely on our wish list, but it isn't in our upcoming version. For now you can drag a route leg to create a "shaping" point to go around any area you want. Manual and not as nice, I agree.

0 azdrmn over 11 years ago

A very positive step to start asking the users.

I use BaseCamp to plan routes to ride alone or with a group and I check the routes afterwards with the track log.
Improvements:
-Better syncing with the GPS. I have a 340LM and I have to remove tracks and routes manually and every time there are duplicate routs on the device. Any other mobile device has decent syncing with respect to updates of files and device management. Make this available in BaseCamp. My GPSMAP60 was better in organising tracks and routes.
- Make the maps available on the Mac. I have to connect the GPS to get the latest maps. I want to use BaseCamp without a GPS connected. My option now is to use OpenStreetMaps instead.
- Not only avoidance area's but also preferred streets or roads. There is a Dutch Map, Onroute, with preferred motorcycling (and other) roads indicated. Routing a nice road is very easy with this map but it is expensive and I do not always agree with the preferred road selection.

Casper

Thanks for the feedback. We are making some changes in the upcoming version to better sync with Nuvi's and Zumos. It still won't be quite as nice as with the outdoor devices unfortunately. We are working on adding the ability to make maps available all the time. It's not a technical issue, but a legal one. Some European topo maps already have the concept of "Named Trails" which are basically preferred roads. I'm hoping we are able to expand this to support interesting motorcycling routes too.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

Express and WebUpdater don't do the same. WebUpdater is for updating the firmware of a device (and of several not map rellated files), and MapUpdater (that still exists too) for updating maps.
Express replaces them both, but it's a good thing the older programs still exist because Express doesn't always work like it should...

The discussion is about Basecamp on a MAC. A lot of users will have an iPhone or an iPad. Those devices need to have updates, sync data like photo's, music etc and have updates for programs. This goes quite easily within 1 program: iTunes.

No try to remove old tracks and routes on a Zumo. I now use your programs, JAVAWA, and they work ok for now but it is not possible in a Garmin MAC program. My point is that Garmin should make this function available in Basecamp.
BTW, I still did not get a good answer why there are 2 programs. The different functionality is not a good reason to have separate programs. Joining functions into 1 is a better option (my opinion).

0 SUSSAMB over 11 years ago

As has been pointed out Express aims to do what you're suggesting ... WebUpdater is a legacy program that currently remains. I suspect at some point it will be withdrawn, as will MapUpdater.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

#1. When exporting a track log as a KML for use in Google Maps, allow filters to not show all points and other data (i.e. speed). I have many trips that I have tried to export in KML, but they appear to contain to many points and the Google Maps processor dies loading the KML. Currently I need to use GPSBabel to filter down the number of points to a max of 2500. Also, I don't need the tree pane in Google Maps to show all of the data points and their associated data.

#2. When navigating the track logs on my Zumo 660, I frequently see old logs there and some of the new logs that should be there are missing. I can find the missing logs by importing from the Zumo's GPX archive folder. This is more a bug than a feature request.

Real #2. Allow me to select the columns that print, when I'm printing route directions.

0 Former Member over 11 years ago

1. When I'm connected to the Internet, I want to be able to switch between my Map and the corresponding high res Satellite Imagery just like all online mapping systems do today. In order to validate my Route Planning today, I must export my data to Google and I don't want to do that. I want to keep my data in BaseCamp. This would be worth the $30/yr subscription fee I will no longer be paying for BirdEye Imagery.

2. I'd like to see more online searching partners alongside Yelp.

I like the way BaseCamp is evolving. It is, almost, providing all of tools I need. I see v4.3.x as a big improvement and hope the funding continues so that I might see my #1 above before I can't ride any more.