Hey folks, I am new to GPS units on motorcycles (currently learning to use a Dakota 20), but thought I would start a thread dedicated to Basecamp information. I am very green when it comes to Basecamp software but see that it could be extremely handy for ADV riders. If you have favorite maps, tutorials, links, or any other Basecamp/navigation related info please post it up here. As I learn a little more about how to use the software I will post some of my favorite rides near Pisgah National Forest. Right now the biggest deterrent to doing this is RAIN I can't seem to get out for a ride to log in the GPS...
Not trying to pee in your fruit loops, but this is a very limited group spread out all over the world. Go to ADVriders GPS area (layin' down tracks) for all you could ever want to know. http://advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37 This section in particular for your area. http://advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=38
I have been using Basecamp recently/daily and the new version allows viewing in Google earth. G-Raster is a additional piece of software that makes slices of the images embedded in a KMZ file for better use in the Garmin. http://moagu.com/?page_id=155 I grab maps from any pdf files or images I find online and then create KMZ files on Google Earth with image overlays, then slice in G-Raster, which re-saves a new KMZ, and drop into Basecamp.
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MapSou...&qid=1374697291&sr=8-5&keywords=base camp gps Scroll down to the first review. I found this write-up very helpful when I was new to BaseCamp. There are also a couple decent YouTube clips out there too.
I've used BaseCamp, it's predecessor MapSource, StreetAtlas, Microsoft Streets & Trips, and variety of others. I'm firmly in the Microsoft Streets and Trips ($19.95 these days) camp for ease of use and route visualization. That said I usually use it for either for hard core competitive scavenger hunts mostly on paved roads using the wonderful utility of colorized and different shape pushpins...so I've developed a very ritualized process that doesn't bank on complimentary internet access for things. That and I've use companion utilities of Excel for waypoint naming and GPSU to bridge any gaps when it comes to uploading data to the GPS. For BaseCamp....I've just never been able to like Garmin's stuff for software...even after I wade through their Byzantine process for map activation or get over the idea of having to have your GPS connected and powered while you use it. Bleh and bleh! If I had consistent internet access I've found Google Maps a pretty-good tool when set to bicycle or hiking mode for off-road ADV use..although haven't gotten the whole .KML file to a GPS waypoint routine consistently down. The price is certainly right though.
This is a good start for me, thanks folks! Work is picking up again right now, and there are a ton of little items around the new house that need attention, but I will start wading through the advice above.
