Mac/Windows Software

Basecamp Windows Using US Nuvi map with Basecamp

Using US Nuvi map with Basecamp

Former Member over 12 years ago

I have a UK Nuvi 2495LMT but will be travelling in the US soon and want to buy US maps.
I thought I'd buy CityNavigator for the lower 49 states. When I look at Basecamp documentation it says that I can only use maps that show as compatible in the "requirements" tab and it isn't mentioned, so it's clear it won't work.

So what do I need to do to get the US maps to work on both the Nuvi and Basecamp?

With MapSource and my QuestII it was fairly easy. I just installed the US maps on the computer and transferred what I wanted to the Quest, and could use them on MapSource for route planning, and on the Quest.

(I've asked this question of Garmin support twice in the past four weeks, but had no response).

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Well as Ken noted this is a user-to-user forum and not Garmin support except in an unofficial way when some Garmin employees reply.

I don't recall seeing your post(s), as described. Maybe I was tired that day...

I'm pretty sure he's referring to sending the questions to tech support, not asking in here.

...ken...

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

I'm pretty sure he's referring to sending the questions to tech support...

Ohhhh....

Yes well, good luck with that.

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

For me the bottom line is choice.
That's why I put up with the insanity of their product development, the complete lack of standardization across common features, the generally low competence of their technical support, and the almost total lack of useful documentation and information. ..... Other than that, I love Garmin. :-)

...ken...

That's me in a nutshell!! :eek::mad::confused::p

(Poor OP, he asks a reasonable question and gets a five page rant!)

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

(Poor OP, he asks a reasonable question and gets a five page rant!)

Some people have a knack of hitting the "right" nerve :D

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

I'm pretty sure he's referring to sending the questions to tech support, not asking in here.

...ken...

Indeed I was.

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

While Garmin does have an FAQ about the different ways to obtain maps it doesn't seem to be widely read and/or understood.

Should I purchase mapping for my GPS on a disc, pre-programmed datacard, or as downloadable content?

It says specifically that "you will not directly have access to the mapping on your computer", and "to find out if the map is compatible with Basecamp, check the requirements by clicking the Requirements tab for the specific map product".

But when you look at the SD and the download requirements, there is no mention of Basecamp. So Garmin is saying that neither SD nor DL can be used with Basecamp, which has now been confirmed by Garmin support: "The maps need to be downloaded to the computer to be able to be used with BaseCamp, unfortunately you cannot do this with additional mapping unless it is installed from a DVD."

0 SUSSAMB over 12 years ago

Yes it is confusing but what they mean is that the map files are not on your PC for Basecamp to use directly. They will work with Basecamp using the methods I explained.

0 Former Member over 12 years ago

Yes it is confusing but what they mean is that the map files are not on your PC for Basecamp to use directly. They will work with Basecamp using the methods I explained.

Thanks (although I haven't yet figured out how to make a "dummy GPS" on a stick, although I'm guessing it just means creating the full base file/folder structure from the Nuvi).

It's even more confusing when you look at some Garmin info on Basecamp that says "Import and view maps, including TOPO and City Navigator® series" and "import maps you’ve downloaded or purchased on DVD or microSD™ card"

One of the problems of having so many different versions of the same products is that it's essential for Garmin to show clearly how they inter-operate with each other. But they never have, and I guess never will.

In the meantime I've got free USA maps into Basecamp, and they work just fine.