Am I stuck with Garmins software for trip planning?

[burmbuster]

Had my Zumo 550 for several years now and would like to start uploading planned routes. Problem is I have changed computers a few times and no longer have the CD for the map software. And I remember when I first got the Zumo that the mapping software program was a PITA to use at that time, 5 years ago. So am I religated to using the OEM software or is there some other mapping software I can use thats more user friendly?

Thanks
Brad

[Yossarian™]

Perhaps you were using Mapsource; if so, I would give BaseCamp a try:

http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp

[burmbuster]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

Perhaps you were using Mapsource; if so, I would give BaseCamp a try:

http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp

Yep. It was map source. Many thanks for the link. I am just getting into the route planning stuff with no addresses so I am sure to have another stupid question or two as I continue to learn the in's and out's. Thanks again. Downloading now!

Brad

[Emmbeedee]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

Perhaps you were using Mapsource; if so, I would give BaseCamp a try:

http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp

Surely you jest!

If he was finding Mapsource hard to comprehend, his brain will explode when he tries to use BaseCamp.

Perhaps the Harley Route Planner would be more useful? People seem to like it, but I haven't tried it myself.

[Yossarian™]

Originally Posted by Emmbeedee

Surely you jest!

If he was finding Mapsource hard to comprehend, his brain will explode when he tries to use BaseCamp.

Perhaps the Harley Route Planner would be more useful? People seem to like it, but I haven't tried it myself.

I was honestly trying to be helpful.

[DennyIndy]

All joking aside.......

Garmin's Softwares are the best tools available for use with Garmin devices.

There are many reasons, but the most frustrating one is the fact that the maps do not match exactly
so that will make your routes do funky things when you transfer them to the Garmin device.


I've tried several ways to make routes...... If you are seriously interested in making routes that do NOT follow main highways, there is nothing better than Garmin's software for making routes to use on Garmin devices.


I've read lots of accounts by others who will explain how they use other tools to prepare their routes.
In the end the last step they use it to transfer the route to BaseCamp or MapSource and make adjustments before transferring it to their Garmin GPS.

I still think it is easier and more than worth the effort to just bite the bullet and use Garmin's software from the git GO!!!

there is quite a learning curve. Start by reading BaseCamps help files within the program.
It is NOT intuitive but again the results are worth the effort.

[9Dave]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

I was honestly trying to be helpful.

And the suggestion was appreciated.

But as noted, at least for me, Basecamp is a PITA that is more difficult to use since I've been using Mapsource for years.

The biggest benefit of Basecamp is that it will allow you to use the map data on your Garmin GPS.

The biggest drawback, IMHO, is that the interface SUCKS!

[onefastrph]

Originally Posted by Emmbeedee

Perhaps the Harley Route Planner would be more useful? People seem to like it, but I haven't tried it myself.

HD Ride planner works like a charm, is free & is web-based.

Sent from my ADR6325 using Tapatalk 2

[Emmbeedee]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

I was honestly trying to be helpful.

I know, and I was just trying to be facetious.

But after all the complaints I've heard from people about how BaseCamp is so hard to use, I couldn't help but wonder how much he'll get out of BC. That's why I suggested the Harley Ride Planner.

[OceanMtnSea]

Originally Posted by Emmbeedee

Perhaps the Harley Route Planner would be more useful?

I was intrigued and played around with the website for a bit. I checked out a few routes I have traveled and saved in BaseCamp.

I have to say I was impressed with its ease of use and options for exporting GPX files. IMHO is a good tool for anyone who wants simple, fast and efficient routes for their GPS.

Mind you - you can't save stuff on the site like on BC, GoogleEarth or DualSportMaps, but for a quick gpx file for a route (with the option to avoid highways) I have book marked the website.

It is worth a look!

J

[Motera]

If you are only interested in route planning, and not in transferring data to your GPS, there are many options.
Besides Garmin'S Mapsource and BaseCamp, (whole world)

DeLorme Street Atlas (north america)
Microsoft Streets and Trips (north america)

Both of these are easier interface than Garmin products , but require helper applications to move the data into your gps.

As well as many web-based route planners.

I have tried them all, and prefer BaseCamp.

[Unstable Rider]

I have tried the Harley link, and it is bit tedius. I think the Garmin software sucks, myself.

Another inmate shared this link on another post, and I was amazed how simple and effective it was to learn, use and save files appropriate in dot gpx formats, etc.

Maybe just me..... but in an hour or so, I pretty well learned how it worked and managed to write a three state trip on all back roads, scenic secondary routes and roads along lakes and so forth.

It was all free and worked like a champ, and it's web based.

I think it was intended for bicycle people, but don't see how that matters, I have to think they would be even more interested in the roads less traveled by cars, right?

Here ya go, give it it whirl, I think I had to establish a login and password, no more trouble than ADV and it was free.

link:

http://ridewithgps.com/

[DennyIndy]

All the tools I have tried work pretty good until I actually try to navigate the route.
Since the maps usually do not match Garmins maps that's when I get the difficulties.


Let us know what kind of experience you have when you actually use that route from ridewithgps on your Garmin.

[TRUBRIT]

Just have to be patient with Basecamp. Used Mapsource for years, but Basecamp is a bit different in how you do things. Takes some getting used to. Building a Trip right now from Key West to Alaska. Keep in mind that Basecamp is the application that Garmin are going to continue to support. They have stated they are not going to be supporting Mapsource much longer. Basecamp has a lot of potential so I think it is worth the time spent to get to know it.
I run a Zumo 450.

[TenereTom]

I just got a 665 installed this past week. Was I have been screwing around for two hours now trying to plan out a route for tomorrows ride.

NOPE NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

Cant get anything to stick! Flags and pins and little tootsie footsie foot prints. Total faggitry!