How to use BaseCamp without having to plug in your GPS

Or you can simply copy the files onto a USB stick/card if the maps are no longer eligible to download to your PC.

Have I missed something here. Is'nt the easiest and more sensible way to have the maps available is to install them on the computer. I use Garmin Express as an example where you can update and/or install maps to either the PC or your GPS or both.

That isn't possible wih a download version or SD version of a map.

Or you can simply copy the files onto a USB stick/card if the maps are no longer eligible to download to your PC.

Agreed, though you would still have to plug the flash drive in each time. The hard drive image is many times faster at loading the maps and can be automatically mounted when you launch BaseCamp (see detailed instructions). With a one-off hit you can simplify and improve this process on an ongoing basis.

That isn't possible wih a download version or SD version of a map.

Agreed, and this seems to be the route they are taking moving forward :(

That isn't possible wih a download version or SD version of a map.

I am sorry. You will have to clarify that statement. As far as I know you can download and install maps to the PC. Obviously if the time limit has run out then you can't download.

I am sorry. You will have to clarify that statement. As far as I know you can download and install maps to the PC.

Well the confusion arise because there are two type of downloads.

1) A new map, purchased at Garmin's site in the "download" format, cannot be installed to anything other than the device you purchased it for. In fact all you get is a gmapsupp.img file.

2) A pre-loaded or DVD map update (one-time or lifetime) can be downloaded and installed to both a PC/Mac and/or your device.

Now in Garmin's terminology the "download" format refers to 1) above.

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

Hello,
I own a Nuvi3597 and the maps are in the unit, is there a way to copy them on my hard drive so I can use them with Basecamp?

Yes, there is. First you have to change the connection mode to "USB Mass Storage" (this isn't necessary when you have a Mac). This can be done like this:
Go to the volume screen and press & hold the top right corner for several seconds; then you will get a configuration screen. In this screen go to "MTP Settings", select "Mass Storage" here and select "Save".
The maps are stored in a hidden folder named .system, so you have to change some settings of your OS to make it visible.
Or you can use JaVaWa Device Manager to do the copying for you (the USB mass storage trick is still required here).

Not sure what you mean by Go to the volume screen and press & hold the top right corner for several seconds
When I connect my Nuvi it automatically connect to my PC, I tried holding dow the top right corner but nothing happened.
Should I try before connecting my Nuvi?

OK, got it... you really meant VOLUME on the gps screen.
Now I cam see the maps, I will try to copy them on a usb stick.