Not liking Base Camp

Ctrl + T allows you to make a new waypoint.

Or you can simply click on the map.

Of course there is nothing to stop you continuing to use Mapsource, many still do :)

many still do :)

Yup <=== :)

MapSource 6.16.3 works fine for me. As do GarminMapUpdater and WebUpdater both of which Garmin has replaced with Garmin Express.

My advice is to use what works for you not what you're told to use.

BaseCamp: So what present alternatives are currently supported?

I agree, Basecamp sucks, especially the way data is saved. I still use mapsource and then import the data into Bascamp to copy the data to my Montana. I wish they would re consider updating Mapsource, it works a lot better for many functions IMHO.

Just curious as to your comment about how the data is saved....... (I'm also using it with a Montana.)

In many regards, I have to disagree. Even with the quirks and bugs still prevalent in 4.2.4 I find basecamp "usable"..... I've looked over and over again for something better and have yet to find any software that can do what Basecamp does... With the one major exception of not being able to display multiple basemaps concurrently (and it's inability to differentiate between active favorites and archived data on the GPS), Basecamp is a fairly powerful tool. (a few other minor things too like lack of a good SYNC & problems like duplication of data on back & forth transfers etc.) ~ If they would just SUCCESSFULLY clean up the bugs....

I have thought about downloading Mapsource for comparison, but being a non-supported "dead-end" product, I can't justify it.... As for the other programs I've tried: All very disappointing. (Expert GPS, ArcGIS, TopoFusion etc.) They're either too slow to download aerial imagery data, or they wreak havoc when transferring data back and forth to the GPS units. The integration is just not there either.... (getting imagery onto the unit etc.)

I'm still looking though.... (I'm about to evaluate GPSMaster found @ http://www.gpsmaster.nl)

I dislike BaseCamp too.
It wants to remember every waypoint, route, track I've even made.
As I make routes for our club that means lots and lots of routes in all their stages of development.
Besides the problem that you can't have more than one BC open, you still have the problem with the search function.
Try to do a proper search and you end up nowhere.
It's a pity that some newer GPSses can't communicate with MS, so those people have to work (struggle) with BC.
As I try to help in our club, I also need to know some things a bout BC.
One problem I have sloved.
I've written a script that deletes the user database before starting BC (I have to adjust the script with every major release).
In this way I can start a clean BC when I want.
I still and probably will keep on using MS as long as I can.

Long Time Mapsource user, new to Basecamp ...

I've used Mapsource for years, with a 60CSX and a Nuvi something or other, and got Basecamp when connecting my Nuvi to a new laptop. It seems powerful - I *love* that it can convert a route to a track! - but also annoying.

I hate the little balloon that pop-ups every time the mouse cursor hesitates somewhere on the map. The fact that it hides other data, and doesn't go away after some time, and doesn't move unless the cursor moves more than some unknown amount - these are all really annoying.

The fact, as someone mentioned, that you have to manage the database, rather than just getting a fresh copy each time, is a pain in the butt.

The fact that you can only have one instance is BAD!!

I guess I cannot load maps onto my 60CSX using Basecamp - so I'll need to keep Mapsource around for that ....

Basecamp has a lot of functionality missing from Mapsource - but since I NEED to use Mapsource for some things, Garmin has complicated my life, not made it simpler.

Dan

Is there anything better?

The thing is: You can search high and low, and I don't think you'll find another software tool that provides the same level of overall functionality (and GPS integration) as Basecamp. Bugs & missing features aside, I have yet to find anything that even comes close. ~ I've been searching for several years.....

My biggest gripes are: 1.) A lack of a useful true Sync with the unit. (tired of getting unexpected duplicates etc.) 2.) No differentiation between directory locations listed on the unit when connected to Basecamp. (Basecamp can't tell me which tracks are "favorites" and which ones were previously archived.) 3.) Old aerial (BirdsEye) imagery. ~ Like a decade or MORE old! (SHAME ON GARMIN)

I'd love to find a better tool that supports imagery, but every other one I've come across is a pain in the #$$ to use.

I just use both. I use Mapsource for the majority of what I do and Basecamp for the few things that Mapsource can't, eg. Convert a track to a route or vice versa.

I never connect any of my Garmin units when I run Basecamp. That has multiple benefits.

...ken...

never connect devices to basecamp?

I never connect any of my Garmin units when I run Basecamp. That has multiple benefits.

...ken...

Ken - just curious what the benefits of this are. can you elaborate?

thanks
Dan

Hi Dan,

1. Basecamp loads much quicker if there is no device for it to "inventory".

2. By never loading anything from the device into Basecamp I keep the Collection relatively clean so I don't have to purge it so often.

3. I avoid the risk of Basecamp transferring anything to the device and making a mess of things, like a bunch of bogus categories that I didn't create.

I use Mapsource to manage the data on all my Garmin devices so no risk of the data on either the PC or devices getting messed up.

Basecamp has a mind of its own and we do not always have a meeting of the minds. :)

...ken...