I contacted Garmin CEO Clifton Pemble in Kansas with my request, the need and the marketing advantage for Garmin. That prompted a phone call from the head of automotive (don't remember his name). About four months later automotive told me an update to Basecamp was going to be released. I don't know when or what will be updated - but it's a start.
Well the staff have I believe been long gone. Without them I can't see the CEO writing new BaseCamp code himself? BaseCamp as is does pretty much what everyone needs and with declining sales in the automotive market there really is no need for it to be improved.
Yes I read what you wrote. BC works for all my automotive devices and my handhelds so while you may have issues they aren't of great consequence in the overall scheme of things. Yes, occasionally folks need help but generally it's nothing that would be solved by a BaseCamp update.
I took a quick look in the iOS app store and there are at least three apps that claim to do what you want (bridge heights, truck stops, etc.), one of which has really good ratings. I suggest you look in the iOS App Store or one of the Android App stores and see if there's something there that will suit you. Badgering Garmin about a niche use of abandoned software is unlikely to work.
SUSSAMB, are you telling me the message I got from automotive was fake or a lie? I'm glad to see you now taken an interest in this topic, unlike before. Have you been told recently there was a change and there is no update coming?
Basecamp is incredibly functional and useful as is. An update would be great but wont keep me from using it. .
1. Also, my impression is that there's not much need for something like that anymore.
2. I don't think I could get a custom route into my built-in Garmin in my Honda Pilot; in any event, it wouldn't be easy.
3. Putting a custom route into my wife's Nuvi is possible but also not easy
4. From what I gather most people these days use their phones for navigation, not stand alone GPS's. So I don't know how much need there is for a new RoadTrip, or even a new Basecamp (most people construct routes on line from what I gather).
1. Perhaps for the unwashed masses....
2. Reason I don't buy cars with built-in navigation.. Most are appalling to use, expensive and/or no map updates available, compared to what's possible with a good Garmin.
3. One you learn how, it's a piece of cake and I frequently update weekly for local routes, that I don't need to get there but do anyway to keep current. To maintain proficiency with the GPS, requires a certain amount of use just as a pilot needs a certain minimum hours in the cockpit on an ongoing basis.
4. Try doing that in an area where cell phone coverage is sketchy, and most likely where the GPS need will be most critical, there's trouble on the horizon. For anyone going into remote, especially off road areas, cellphone based mapping is asking for trouble.
Net: I think it boils down to not enough of the market as Garmin sees it, have a requirement for a tool like BaseCamp for serious, extended trips. The fact that it is a giveaway with the GPS is to me almost odd. I'd gladly pay for the application if that's what it took for it to continue to be available and with updates. .
I have found one doesn't undertake an 8000 mile blue highway trip lightly. Given the time, money and expectation of the trip, it is wise to do a lot of research and planning on a large screen computer (one of the more enjoyable aspects of the trip) then use the trip plans downloaded into the GPS.
Quite a parallel to my retired Navy carrier pilot brother when we would go flying in the local club Cessna 172 or 182.. Roll the aircraft out of the hanger, sit in the cockpit studying the sectionals, approach plates, get the ckeck lists outs, check the plane's log, and only then start the engine.
Given all we hear about accidents caused by distracted driveing, perhaps if more people got in the habit of a little pre-driving planning especially if a GPS is needed, there might be less problems.
We may be a small part of the market, but when Garmin no longer has a MapSource, Basecamp type of capabilty and compatible route downloadable GPS products, they're history for me.
We may be a small part of the market, but when Garmin no longer has a MapSource, Basecamp type of capabilty and compatible route downloadable GPS products, they're history for me.
Agreed. Having said that provided you can load a gpx file into a Garmin there are other apps available, but I suspect BaseCamp will be available for quite a while yet.
With Basecamp development stopped we're just one little Windows or Apple software update away from Basecamp becoming a dead pile of bits. When it's time to replace my Montana I'll definitely be looking beyond Garmin.
