As for the maps, yes of course you can create routes on other programs/web pages that may have different maps, the point about Basecamp is that if you want to it will read the maps off your device. Plus of course in many cases you can install them onto your PC. I've done that with all my maps.
I can create a route on Basecamp faster than on BikeHike ... although I do use BikeHike to check routes afterwards as it's easier to compare it both to map and satellite image at the same time. Horses for courses :)
The major problem I find with Basecamp, is the constant moving of the mouse pointer off the map to operate it.
I tend to agree with SMICKF! (Although I know you can use the arrow keys while "working the mouse.")
With programs like Google Earth, moving the map is simple and feels "natural." (regardless of the chosen tool, for the most part whenever you hold the mouse button and move the mouse around the map moves) ~ With Basecamp, you're constantly re-selecting between the "hand tool" (and back to the other tools) to move the map. ~ Of course you can still use the map controls (or optionally click near the edge of the map multiple times to move the map with the pointer mode selected), but this does not "feel right." (Especially since you have to keep clicking over and over to move the map "little by little." ~ Holding the button down should scroll continuously!)
Even better, why not have an "Auto-Scroll" feature? While the mouse approaches the borders (regardless of mode) have the arrows appear, and make the map scroll automatically. (without having to depress any mouse buttons)
~Presently, you have to keep clicking the mouse to move little by little when you're in "pointer mode" near the map border. There is also a problem with this: If you click too fast (to keep the map scrolling) with BirdsEye imagery showing..... The BirdsEye property screen pops up unexpectedly (which you have to close manually). To avoid this, you have to "click slowly." (Again, here a better solution would be to allow the user to just keep the mouse button depressed and have the map keep moving until the button is released.)
I've become use to this navigational limitation in Basecamp. Irrespective, Google Earths "Drag override feature" (which moves the map regardless of tool chosen WHENEVER you move the mouse with the left mouse button depressed) is sweet!
Since we are still talking about 'Monterra Battery Charging'....
SMICKF, SUSSAMB, TRAKBACK, (and others): You do NOT have to constantly move the mouse pointer off the map to change tools if you use good old fashioned Keyboard Shortcuts, like we did back before the mouse was invented! :p
Yes, I know you can use the arrow keys, and keyboard shortcuts are only zooming controls on my computer it would appear. Maybe the PC version is different?
I want to move diagonally or any-which-way just like you can do on other mapping systems without having to take my hand away from the trackpad.
Since we are still talking about 'Monterra Battery Charging'....
SMICKF, SUSSAMB, TRAKBACK, (and others): You do NOT have to constantly move the mouse pointer off the map to change tools if you use good old fashioned Keyboard Shortcuts, like we did back before the mouse was invented! :p
Well aware of that (and stated as such), but why should you have to use both hands (one on mouse and left hand crossed over to get to the arrow keys?) ~ The technology world seems to forget we're not "octopus." (So why make it any more "inconvenient" or "less user friendly" than it needs to be?) ~ PS: I think "slipping off-topic" may be considered "slightly" more acceptable here than in other places on this forum. (since we're "at the water cooler") :)
