Elevation profile

Only if the map contains a digital elevation model (DEM). For example, Garmin's 24k topo series. The City Navigator series do not contain a DEM. I'm not sure if the latest 100k topo has one or if there are any free maps with elevation data.

I also need this feature

I work with radios on wildland fires, and need this feature to pick repeater sites. It would be nice to pick two mountain tops as waypoints and see the elevation profile between the two mountain tops, along with a bearing between the two for the directional antenna. Is this possible with Basecamp? I'm trying to find out the best software for this purpose. Thanks.

I would advise using the elevation tool at this url:
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/elevation
In Basecamp you can first draw a track manually on build one from a route, then export it to a gpx file
then you load the file on the tool and use the convert & add elevation button, obtaining a new gpx file, which can be imported back into Basecamp
the imported track can be opened and you should be able to see the elevation profile.

Line of sight terrain and ridge profiling using the Digital Elevation Module of any application can get a little tricky due to the need to consider the elevation and coordinates of the base view point. However, anyone using such a Topo app in the field should see the issues pretty quickly, even if unnoticed on the computer back home.

@Onelick

If you have a map with a DEM in BaseCamp (the Global map that comes with BaseCamp does not have a DEM), then a direct line of site with direction and elevation profile is possible. The best way would be to create a two point Direct route. This can be done either using Waypoints or directly clicking on the two mountain tops after selecting the Route tool. After double clicking the Route, the true direction will be given on the Route Properties tab and an elevation Profile will appear on the Graph tab.

I don't know if this is the best solution for your needs, but it is the one than can be done within BaseCamp. In the US, the Garmin 24k regional topo maps run around $130 for the DVD. I do not know if there are any free maps available with DEM data in the US. Outside the US, I am not sure what is available.

Thanks for all the replies,

The one fire I was on last year the Comm Unit Leader had Topo North America and it was very fast. He just clicked the two mountain tops and it gave him the profile view and the bearing. But with the merger between Garmin and DeLorme, I'm not sure what will happen with TNA. I'm willing to purchase it, but if they are going to revamp, revise and update it I will hold off and use BaseCamp. I currently have a GPSMap 64st with the 100k maps preloaded. Just playing around with it I don't think those maps have the DEM attached to them. It could be that I'm just not clicking the right buttons. I've just now started exploring BaseCamp by enacting scenerios I might need out in the field. Now in the off season is the time to find out if something doesn't work. Since there is a chance I could get sent to 49 of the 50 states, I would need to spend a fortune for all the Garmin 24k maps. Topo NA is only $80 and has all the features I need.
Usually we have to get this information within a minute or two. How long would it take to import, export, translate files, etc? Sounds like it might take a while.
Thanks for the help.
Onelick

adding elevation data to a track at the gps visualizer webpage is very quick, if you send the basecamp export files for example to the Downloads folder is just a matter of :
1-On Basecamp, select track, export selection
2-On web page, Upload file, convert and add elevation, download gpx file with elevation
3-Back on Basecamp, Import into Library, select gpx file with elevation

Usually we have to get this information within a minute or two. How long would it take to import, export, translate files, etc? Sounds like it might take a while.
Onelick

I'm not sure what you want to do. Most software designed for use with a GPSr will be able to import and export the .gpx file format. This format came into being so that data could be shared between users with devices made by different companies. If Topo North America supports this format it could work for your purposes.

As an example, let's say all field devices are Garmins. Topo North America could be used to create a line of sight Track which could be exported as a .gpx file. This could be read into BaseCamp which could be used to send data to devices. Similarly, BaseCamp could be used to export .gpx files from devices for importing data into Topo North America. From what you wrote, a Track file from Topo NA should contain elevation data so an elevation profile could also be seen in BaseCamp. Similarly, if it is a straight line of sight track, direction data could be obtained in the Track Properties tab.

If your work requires working with devices made by different companies, you might want to look for a freeware interface to get data to/from the devices or free interface software from other companies.

I assume that an internet connection is not guaranteed so that a stand alone solution on your computer is required.

There is also a way to do this trackpoint altitude set offline with the GPS Utility program: http://www.gpsu.co.uk
you just need some initial setup, going into a DEM setup where the program lets you download one time the DEM files for your area of interest. After downloading those files you can open a desired gpx file with waypoints and or tracks, and use the tool to Set Alltitude from DEM