How do I install maps to base camp?

I have been using Basecamp for years on my Mac Book Air. When I first downloaded Basecamp I somehow downloaded North American maps. But how I did it, I cannot remember and have not a clue.

So now it is four years later and I just purchased a brand-new MacBook Pro. I downloaded Basecamp a couple of days ago and now I am having the same problem of trying to figure out how to download my North American maps. I have product codes, unlock codes and a whole bunch other North America Map information, I've tried connecting my GPS to the computer but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to get my North America Maps installed in Basecamp. I have spent two days trying to figure out the installation process. I have searched Garmin websites and Basecamp forums, and have literally spent hours groping around trying to install maps . . . all to no avail.

I am comfortable working with my computers and my Garmin GPS's but I've got to say trying to install maps in Basecamp is a totally frustrating and annoying experience [and this seems to be a recurring theme judging from the forum posts I read]. No other software that I use is this difficult and complex to update! Not even close! Sorry for the editorial comment.

So let me get to my question . . . where can I find simple step-by-step and current instructions on how to install maps [North America] to Basecamp?

I have MAC OS X 10.11.4 and Basecamp 4.6.3 installed.

Thank you for your help,
GSSUV

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

It's really easy. Run Express and you can update both your device and download the map for BaseCamp to use. This assumes you have lifetime maps?

0 gssuv over 8 years ago

"It's really easy. Run Express . . ." Ok, I thought that's what I was doing. I know at some point during my hours and hours long update attempts I tried using the latest verion of Express and I also tried some other Garmin download device but I couldn't get Basecamp to update with the latest maps.

I have two GPS's with lifetime maps, one is a BMW Navigator IV [Garmin 660] and the other is a Garmin 2730. For some reason the computer does not see the BMW Navigator GPS when I connect it to the USB port. When I connect the 2730, both the computer and Basecamp see the GPS but when I try to update nothing happens.

I know this is SUPPOSED to be easy . . . but it is not. I am obviously missing something. I remember having the same difficulties about four years ago when I first started using Basecamp. But I will try again and hopefully not with the same result. Because if I keep getting the same results by doing the same thing over and over again it may mean that the Basecamp update process is driving me insane!

Wish me luck. I will report back one way or the other, but hopefully with good news.

GSSUV

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

If you're having problems with Express downloading map updates please try posting in the Express forum, there are Garmin staff there who can help.

0 gssuv over 8 years ago

Ok! I again downloaded Garmin Express for probably the fourth or maybe fifth time yesterday. After this fourth or fifth download Express finally updated GPS and Basecamp maps. I haven't a clue why the previous three or four Express downloads did not work. What a mystery! I go through this same frustrating hit-or-miss process whenever I have updated maps since I began using Basecamp about four years ago.

My maps are up-to-date now. For what it's worth, I think the update process is way too cumbersome for somebody who does not work with Garmin software every day. Simplified step-by-step instructions would be helpful. Even better would be a simple Update Button in Basecamp that automates the entire process with just one click. There must be a good reason, but on the surface having to download Garmin Express to update maps just seems to add an extra layer of complexity and lots of room for error.

GSSUV

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

Express is the 'one click way' to update both your device and BaseCamp. I've used it since it started and not really had any issues.

With your device connected you should simply be able to select the option to install to device and computer and leave it to it, for me that normally completes in an hour or so.