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GPS City Q&A » Automotive GPS » Does this come with Mapsource to plan routes?

Automotive GPS (8 replies)

Item

Original Question

Does this come with Mapsource to plan routes?

› Garmin Nuvi 550

Author

Reply

Kevin
New Jersey

Original question asked on Apr 22, 2012, 6:46am

Looking to order the Nuvi 550 instead of the Zumo.

However, in doing research, people say you need to have Garmin Mapsource in order to plan your routes (for a motorcycle) and transfer then to the unit. Is this something that is included, or is that an extra purchase?

Kind of confused as I want to preplan motorcycle routes before I leave the house.

Kevin
New Jersey

Reply #1 on Apr 23, 2012, 7:43am

I want to plan a route and the GPS to follow it for motorycle use. Some people say its possible but you need mapsource..

Roxie
GPS City

Reply #2 on Apr 23, 2012, 7:43am

Mapsource has been replaced with Basecamp now, and it is a free download from garmin.com. However the Basecamp or Mapsource programs did not include the city navigation software so you may need to add the maps for more details.

Kevin
New Jersey

Reply #3 on Apr 23, 2012, 7:52am

Does "adding city navigation software" cost money for basecamp. It looks like the zumo includes that but the nuvi doesnt? Can you verify?

Roxie
GPS City

Reply #4 on Apr 23, 2012, 9:24am

You are correct, the City Navigator software is an additional fee for use with the Nuvi 550. The Zumo's do have this software included in their package.

Kevin
New Jersey

Reply #5 on Apr 23, 2012, 10:23am

Roxie -- Doing further research, can you confirm if you really need city navigator? Some are saying that if you plug your GPS unit into the computer, then open it with Basecamp, then you can use your GPS's maps and make a route. Once you make a route, you just import it into your GPS.

Can you confirm if this is true? or do you really need to buy the city navigator software for basecamp?

Kevin
New Jersey

Reply #6 on Apr 23, 2012, 10:36am

Roxie - I ask becuase the Nuvi is Preloaded with City Navigator® NT North America (U.S. and Canada. So do I really need to buy it for basecamp or will basecamp just use the GPS one if plugged in?

Roxie
GPS City

Reply #7 on Apr 23, 2012, 2:33pm

You are correct, if you have the Nuvi 550 plugged into the computer and are running BaseCamp then you can preplan routes using the detailed City Navigator maps. But when the GPS is not plugged in the maps will no longer be visible.

Kevin Vieth
New Jersey

Reply #8 on Apr 23, 2012, 5:30pm

Roxie -- Although I had to do a bit of research to get the answer I was looking for (garmin forums), your responses were helpful, especially the last one.

As an FYI I just purchased a nuvi package based on your support. Thanks!

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