Mapsource or Basecamp?

[don71uk]

Hi,

Recently brought a zumo 660, loaded the map disc that came in the box and the maps loaded and updated the version of mapsource on the pc.

My question is should I stick with Mapsource or Should I download Basecamp and use that instead?

Thanks in advance

Don.

 

[ghiribizzo]

Garmin Express to update and Basecamp.

 

[don71uk]

Ok, thanks for that, do you know if I can copy over/use routes saved in Mapsource to Basecamp?

 

[GrinningGSer]

Garmin promote Basecamp as the future of their developments. It is different from map source and I'd say more complicated althoigh is has no postcode search feature. Basecamp is the way forwards so that's the way to go. Either work with each other's routes.

 

[Pablo1]

Ok, thanks for that, do you know if I can copy over/use routes saved in Mapsource to Basecamp?

Yes you can

 

[John Armstrong]

Having used mapsource for a number of years I feel quite comfortable at getting the best out of it. I know I must start using Basecamp at sometime, just not looking forward to learning a new set of Garmins quirks = WTF do they do it that way.

 

[JoeBiff]

There's a couple of YouTube vids that some American chap has posted-up, which are the best examples I've seen showing how to use BC.

http://www.2wheelgeek.com/Routing/Routing.aspx

http://www.2wheelgeek.com/Tracks/UsingTracks.aspx

Aside from the "search/find/address" glitch, I find BC better than MS.

 

[GrinningGSer]

I've used mapsource for years and have forced myself to change to basecamp, which is indeed an uncomfortable learning curve because the basics are the same, but the operation is quite different.
I still think that mapsource is better, with full postcode search and it is a bizarre mystery why this function has not been carried forwards.
If you are new, then without doubt start as you intend to go on, i.e. basecamp. Both programmes work with each other's gdp or gpx files, routes and tracklogs so all are easy to import. These programmes are not easy and map updates add a further complexity with a plethora of required plug ins. Worth it when you get the hang of it.

 

[Redboots]

I still think that mapsource is better, with full postcode search and it is a bizarre mystery why this function has not been carried forwards.

Because its only in the UK that its used to pinpoint a location. The rest of us have "area" postcodes and addresses
I assume the software is US written, so not that high a priority

 

[The Grey One]

Because its only in the UK that its used to pinpoint a location. The rest of us have "area" postcodes and addresses
I assume the software is US written, so not that high a priority

In Holland too, I am told but I agree with you. We used to get guests arriving late and pissed off because the f***king SatNav got them lost. We now make a point of telling people not to expect a postcode to take them to our door. No longer do I have to wait until the free welcome beer is nearly gone before telling them that it was the f***king operator! Strange how some people assume everywhere else is just like the UK. Thankfully they are wrong.

John

 

[John Armstrong]

Because its only in the UK that its used to pinpoint a location. The rest of us have "area" postcodes and addresses
I assume the software is US written, so not that high a priority

IIRC early versions of Mapsource had partial post code searching, ie SP3 and 2610 era. Since then the GPS and Mapsource have given us full post code search, so why go backwards.

 

[Blackal]

There's a couple of YouTube vids that some American chap has posted-up, which are the best examples I've seen showing how to use BC.

http://www.2wheelgeek.com/Routing/Routing.aspx

http://www.2wheelgeek.com/Tracks/UsingTracks.aspx

Aside from the "search/find/address" glitch, I find BC better than MS.

Thanks for that!

I was comfortable with Mapsource, and find that Basecamp is a feckin chore.

Those vids will help. Thanks again

Al

 

[don71uk]

Thanks for the advice I have now loaded and have started to use Basecamp. The two videos are very useful.

Don.

 

[IainMac]

I'm weening myself of mapsource but will use both it and basecamp dependant on whats needed and when, ie for speedy waypoint location/route creation I'll use mapsource as I'm familiar with it. Sofar some of the new features in basecamp are nice , like looking at a waypoint/track in google earth, and the way you can group stuff together is useful too.
From whats been said about postcode location being very UK specific I cant see that feature coming to basecamp anytime soon, though I do wish the search was easier to use as I've drawn a blank on most of my attempts with it (could be operator error).

 

[Redboots]

Since then the GPS and Mapsource have given us full post code search, so why go backwards.

Oh, I agree and the "find feature" is bleedin' dire!

 

[cookie]

the whole search function is awful.

the file system is much better though

 

[Bumpkin]

the whole search function is awful.

I do agree, though it wasn't too clever in Mapsource either. The latest version of Basecamp (4.1) seems to have some attention paid to the search feature and TBH it's worse than it was previously

I tend to do any location searching in Google Maps, get the lat/long from there and then create a way-point in Basecamp. Garmin would need to go a long way to top the functionality and means to verify accuracy (satellite and street-view) from within Basecamp. Yes it's marginally more fiddly, but not by much. Only downside is that it needs a data connection.