I'm a software developer. I know how to use a computer. Complex software doesn't bother me (Final Cut Pro, XCode, etc).
Yet, I've been trying to use Basecamp to plan a ~7,500 mile trip and I find it nearly unusable. It is exceedingly slow on both my i7 desktop with Windows, and my 2013 Macbook Pro w/Retina display. I'm using it with a somewhat older Garmin GPS, but I figure that shouldn't matter too much right?
Is there an alternative? I'd use Google Maps for everything, except it doesn't do everything I need.
ANSWER::
Microsoft Streets and Trips is decent planning software. You can plan routes and then save them as a .gpx file for export to Basecamp which you can then use to load the .gpx file into your gps. Other programs may be just as good or better but I've been using S&T for so long that it's second nature.
ANSWER::
There is a learning curve, but Tyre (free version) works fairly seamlessly with Google Earth. You can develop a route in Tyre and switch back and forth with Google Earth and incorporate all Google Earth's power to some extent. You can then export the final product via Tyre to your GPS in various formats.
I have played with the program, but never really put a lot of effort into it, but I think it has potential.
ANSWER::
I use Mapquest.com these days. It works well for me, and from the web browser can export to my Garmin.
ANSWER::
I've been poking around with Google Earth Pro and its working quite well. I don't know why Garmin is so bad. Like... my computer isn't slow by any means, but it makes it feel ancient.
ANSWER::
???? comment below..
If you really want to see bad, look at Delorme's TOPO USA. That makes Basecamp look utterly fantastic.
ReplyDeleteStill, that doesn't help. I agree, it's a bit of a pain. I find myself using good ole Google Maps to plan most of my trips... then I use Basecamp with the Topo 24k maps to examine trails and topographical features more closely. I tend to google campground names to find more info on them, etc, etc. I'll also use Google Earth to look at the satellite view (tilted so it gets that slightly 3D appearance) to look for potential campsites, etc. Sometimes I have all this stuff open at once. I really need a third monitor!!
I honestly think Garmin really has no clue how to write usable software. It shows in their GPSes too. Having used an iPhone and Android for a few years (phone/tablet/etc), when I go to use my Montana, it just seems so damn clunky in how it does things. They have that new Monterra GPS which is basically an Android phone without the phone plus their own mapping UI, but I have yet to hear much good about it. I know the Garmin Oregon still has various issues that have yet to be resolved.
I think it'd be way cool to have Basecamp that'd run on an iPad. Much as it does suck, being able to carry that with you would be great. Easier to pack than even a netbook or 11" MacBook Air and better battery life too.
Rob
I agree. Garmin seems to be stuck in the past. I was thinking of buying a Navigator V for my R1200GS LC, but it sounds like there are some critical bugs with it that they aren't in the mood to fix anytime soon with bluetooth and Schuberth headsets (C3 Pro here). I'm ok to pay a lot, but for that type of money it needs to be beyond perfect. Why it costs more than an unlocked iPhone, and is way slower and less bug fixed? It isn't like they just started making GPSes last week...
ReplyDeleteMapSource?
ReplyDeleteI don't do Routes but it does everything I want with Tracks.
How do you create your tracks?
I assumed you created a route first and then converted it.
Mapsource is much faster than Basecamp.
Here is a link on how to get a copy of Mapsource. I assume the procedure works.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=757088
My Basecamp was unusably slow with my old XP machine. But I upgraded to a new Dell All-in-One earlier this year, and now Basecamp runs fine from a speed standpoint.
But I still prefer Mapsource for serious trip planning.