Gps routing

Hi
I was wondering if I could get some advise please regarding the best GPS program I can use? Hopefully using google maps and compatible to download into a Garmin GPS I have a Zumo 550 on my Xt600e and a Zumo LM390 on my Multistrada.
I've been riding for years but relatively new to the gps thingo coz the Basecamp thing frustrates me no end, I get to the point I just can't be bothered.
I want to start going off road with the xt and do some camping which is why I bought it, I mainly use the Multi for touring.
I'd really appreciate some advise if that's ok?
Regards Mutly12

I have been playing around with this. Seems pretty good so far.
https://kurviger.de/en

Basecamp is not the most user friendly but it is good for managing your Garmin device. Better the devil you know kind of thing... but you can definitely create/plan tracks elsewhere and load them up (with Basecamp). I usually plan with Furkot and use Basecamp to upload and view my recorded tracks. If you need help just shoot any specific questions (pref. with a screen shot if you're stuck) and I'll be happy to help.


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What frustrates you about BaseCamp?

It's a seemless interface with Garmin GPS units - and fantastic when run with topo maps

One of the first things to learn is the difference between GPS 'routes' and 'tracks' - routes are dynamic, in the sense that the GPS adapts / optimises the route as you go - tracks are static, in the sense that they are a fixed path

Tracks are far better offroad than routes - using a Garmin GPS unit you can navigate to tracks

I agree with @Hoots in that Basecamp provides a great tool for managing your Garmin devices (and maps, tracks and waypoints) and also is quite a good mapping/planning tool if you have your maps loaded into it (via a plugged-in Garmin device).

I work in user interface design and in my opinion Basecamp's is quite poorly resolved and could prove challenging to some new users — this can be compounded by having to learn all the GPS jargon at the same time. I can understand why @Mutly12 might be doing it tough.

Initially, a tool like Google Maps or Furkot can be a bit less intimidating (and more familiar) for planning your first few trips, and they can then be moved into Basecamp to continue the learning process.

A more experienced user should be comfortable planning and editing tracks in Basecamp too. I tend to switch between a few different tools, usually depending on the "scale" of the trip, i.e. km/day. As @Hoots says, there's a big difference between routes (GPS says "turn left in 100m") and tracks (GPS shows your position as a marker on a line). I almost never use routes unless typing an address in a city directly into the GPS.

@Mutly12, maybe the best way to help is to walk you through planning an actual trip. Got one coming up?

Had a look — looks pretty good!

I use Basecamp all the time. Took a little while to get used to it, but good now.

I bet one of your issues is joining tracks/routes and getting some weird thing with straight lines everywhere. Just check that the tracks are in the correct order before joining.
It's little things like that that made it a little painful for me.

I love following that pink line and not having to stop and check maps, discuss where we are and things like that. You cover so much ground more quickly with a little work on the puter.

Just had a look at Kurviger. Not enough track detail for my liking.

Instal a good topo map on your GPs and Basecamp.

Read the Basecamp tutorials in the mapping section of advrider.

Go and play making a simple track to then transfer to your GPS.

Better still find someone to show you the basics. It takes practise and repetition.

Use tracks not routes to plot your intended path.

ive used this
https://ridewithgps.com/

loads to my garmin

This sums it up well

If you can get BaseCamp and a good GPS unit working for you, you can do so much more in a day

And the planning also becomes enjoyable

I generally scope out routes using Google maps, then create a track file in BaseCamp

Whether doing big bike stuff on gravel roads or forest fire trails, you just can't beat the combination of a good GPS unit (Montana is still the benchmark), BaseCamp and a good topo map

I like Garmin Topo - but AusTopo is also good

Once you know what a dedicated GPS system (unit / software / topo maps) can do, you realise that the freeware (including the smartphone apps) just doesn't cut it

Have to agree with that.
Haven't seen an app that really cuts it. Some are good to get a good overview of your position, to work out where you are relative to landmarks, towns etc.

Austopo has detail down to quite minor tracks that many of the others don't.

I'm a 650T man and love that pink line, or whatever colour you want to make it.

I am a basecamp user too , 1st key is , have a good topo map ( I have Garmin topo V5 ) loaded in your GPs unit and have it connected to your computer so it displays on your screen . I then plan a route by puting Via points before and after ( Close to) each turn to make the program follow the route I want it to . once the route is set right from start to finish I then save the route , rename it with a name I associate with that route and then double click on the route , this brings up a box with data and a key at the bottom of the pane to make the route into a track so it follows the track / roads closely .I press this key to make a track , I then alter the colour the track is shown on the screen as , to fit in with my usage intent and then export the track to the GPS unit . All this is well and good , but zumo's don't all allow tracks to be followed . Which is one reason I bought a Montana . If your Zumo will not let you use tracks , via points are the only way to get the route to go exactly where you want it to . Converting a track to a "direct" route (direct in Profile box ) with the same method as above will also do the same thing with lots of via points . It is a learning curve and I don't have it 100 % but I reckon 95 % is good enough .

Some very good tips in this thread but possibly a bit overwhelming for a newcomer, especially with a Zumo. I'm happy to talk you through the absolute basics on the phone if you want @Mutly12 - just direct message me.


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I have been using Garmin Mapsource (it preceeded Basecamp) for many years and find it a lot more intuitive than Basecamp. It's still available as a free download with a bit of mucking around. I have lots of different maps loaded into Mapsource including Garmin Topo, Gamin City Navigator, OSM Australia, Shonky Topo and Tracks 4 Australia. The first 3 allow auto routing which I find is the easiest way to get things started. Once the route is determined I then convent it to a track (or number of tracks) using a great little free program called WinGDB3. I have also downloaded the free OSM maps for USA, Canada and Europe and used them with my GPS when travelling overseas (non bike related!).

Cheers

http://brouter.de/brouter-web/ is a good one for web based planning.
Has some good routing intelligence and drag and drop route modification which I like alot. Engine is also commonly used in Locus Pro too...which is still the king of GPS apps IMO.

yep that's me

Thanks so much for your responses, ill be a little more patient with Basecamp and give it a red hot go, if I have any questions be sure ill ask, thanks again
Regards Mutly12