Garmin BaseCamp

Garmin BaseCamp -Synchronizing Data in the Newer Hand-held Units with the PC or MAC
This review is based on using the Dakota 20 ° Obtain BaseCamp (HERE) ° 3 Nov. 2009
For specific questions about this product, log onto the GPSInformation.net FORUM
8 Dec. 2009 - Update Track Plotting and Version 2.08 Map Viewing Expansion
12 Jan.2010 - Initial Discussion about Custom Maps (With Global Mapper)
Return to Home Page

Program Page

OVERVIEW:
BaseCamp can download data from all Garmin outdoor handhelds that support a USB connection.
However, only those with the latest data transfer system (DataSync) can BaseCamp edit and upload data.
These are the Oregon 550 & 550t, and Dakota 10 & 20 v. 2.40.
Colorado and Oregon 200, 300, and 400 are not DataSync compatible.

Use MapSource to install maps with DEM elevation data (the only type of map displayed by BaseCamp): TOPO U.S. 24K and TOPO 2008.
UPDATE to Ver. 2.08 to be able to view all Mapsource maps on your computer. However, they will not display the 3D effect unless they contain DEM data.

In the left-hand panel are:

LIBRARY: 'My Collection' and 'Recently Imported'. When selected, lists of waypoints and tracks are shown at the lower-left.
NOTE: Anything Imported will be ADDED to My Collection.
DEVICES: GPS or Removable Disk. When selected, Lists of Internal Data are shown at lower-left.

In the lower panels are:

Properties of waypoints or tracks selected in the List.
Geotag Photos
A mini map of the main map (if selected).

WORKING WITH WAYPOINTS:
1. Waypoints can be uploaded to the unit directly from Map Source, however, they can not be downloaded from the unit to MS.
2. Waypoints can be imported from .gdb or .gpx files into BaseCamp (Recently Imported) and then "copied" to the unit's List.
3. When waypoints are deleted from the unit's List, they are also deleted from the unit.
4. Waypoints and tracks in the unit can be edited in the bottom panel.

In the unit: To delete all waypoints, go to: Setup. Reset. Delete All Waypoints, (Tracks and Trip Data also can be deleted here).

WORKING WITH TRACKS:
1. The Current Track inside the unit is not displayed by BaseCamp when plugged in.
2. To display the unit's Current Tracks, they must must be Imported from X:\Garmin\GPX\Current\\Current.gpx.
3. Tracks that have been uploaded to the unit DO appear in the List of Internal Data on the left.
4. Any selected track can be edited in the bottom panel, Properties.
5. Highlighting track segments in the bottom panel changes their color to orange in the Properties and can be deleted.
6. Also available in the bottom panel is the profile of the track.

THE PROGRESS BAR:

NOTE: When uploading or deleting data in the Dakota, one must wait until the green line under the DEVICES disappears, before unplugging the unit, or else the data will be lost. The data transfer rate to the .gpx files seems slower than that with Garmin's protocol in MapSource.

Typical 2D/3D Dual Panel View (Gran Tetons)

ADDITIONAL BASECAMP FEATURES:
1. Free-hand draw your own track, handy for trip planning (Select:: File, New, Track)
2. Work with geocaches (Import Pocket queries, move to device, etc.)
3. Create additional "smart folders" that contain a subset of "My Collection", a good way to package a bunch of tracks, waypoints, photos,
geocaches, etc. from a trip (past or future). When you select a smart folder, only the "relevant" data is displayed.
4. Track Playback is particularly interesting when you have the map above the elevation profile below.

VIEW IN GOOGLE EARTH:
Google Earth is a free download (HERE). Once installed, one can view any waypoint or track in any List in Google Earth

Click on thumbnails for larger views
.....
BaseCamp and Google Earth 3D views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone viewed from the south west of the canyon.

.....
Photo of the Copper Canyon in Mexico ° 3D rendering of the scene by Google Earth

Recorded Tracks can be Displayed on Google Earth

NOTE: In order to get nice thin tracklines without 'boxes': In the Google Earth 'Places' field on the left side of the Google Earth window there should be a folder named 'Temporary Places'. If you click on the '+' next to it you should get 'GPS device'. Clicking on its '+' should show 'Waypoints' and 'Tracks'. Opening individual tracks should eventually show 'Points' and 'Path'. If you either delete or uncheck the 'Points' you should get a clean path. Right-clicking on the path and opening properties you can change the color, opacity, and thickness of the line.

Now don't get lost out there -youall!

jack yeazel