MapQuest No Longer Exports To Garmin

RZRBUG

I realize many of you depend on Android and iWhatevers for your mapping needs, but I have been using Garmin almost exclusively and have come to greatly depend on it.  I planned my trips on my computer in MapQuest and then sent them to Garmin.

Within the last few days, MapQuest stopped supporting this plugin, and you can no longer send your maps from there to Garmin.  Needless to say, I am disappointed, but I will find another way plan my trips.  Let me say ahead of time that I have a Samsung Galaxy S5 with several travel apps, but I don't like it.  I like my Garmin.

mickietucs

Larry - I have this on my wish list (Garmin or something similar) so perhaps I'll need to look into another type (?). Or do you know if Google Maps would work? Michele

RZRBUG

Michele, Garmin still works great, and you can still download custom POI's (Points of Interest) to it that has all kinds of camp information.  It's just that MapQuest was a great option and easy to use.  Garmin also has a program called BaseCamp that is similar (and free to download for Garmin owners), but is much more complicated, at least to me.

At present, I know of no way to send Google Maps to Garmin, I although I've heard talk that someone may develop a program that converts map data to files that Garmin can use.  So far, I've not been able to find one.

Everyone has their own preferences for trip planners and map applications, so look around and get what you think you will be most comfortable with.  I like simple and easy (if there is such a thing in GPS equipment), so I got the Garmin 50LM, which has since been replaced with the 52LM.  LM stands for Lifetime Maps, which means you can update your map base for the lifetime of the unit.

Nomad

There's a standard format that all GPSs can read (maybe more than one). A lot - most I've used - can save or export in those formats. I used to used a dedicated Garmin but switched to iDevices but I had several devices and mapping programs I used when I was out shooting photos. I'd exports those in standard data formats and import them into the Garmin or Basecamp. Are you sure MapQuest doesn't support one of those others in addition to the proprietary Garmin one?
GPX is one format but I wouldn't be surprised if you found some others that will work. I think Google maps uses a KML format.

RZRBUG

Garmin uses GPX.  Up until about a week ago, MapQuest supported a plugin that allowed direct export to Garmin.  They gave some kind of lame excuse about browsers migrating away from plugins, etc.  I have not been able to find a way to save one of their maps in a GPX format or convert the data, although some independent geek, hopefully, will develop one now that Garmin has stopped.  The Garmin gurus at POI Factory have not come up with one yet, that I can find.

Don't get me wrong, the iDevices are great, but I just prefer the dedicated GPS.  For one thing, they are easier for me to operate while driving (I didn't say that).

I'm way over my head here and just kinda fumble my way along from what I can find on the Internet.  After a device gets past "push this button first," I get lost.

Nomad

I do agree that the dedicated GPS is easier in many ways while driving. Too many features on many other devices. But, you get used to them. Need a good device mount though. I prefer using my iPad because the map is huge.

Rad

PXLated said:

................. Basecamp.................. 

I use a Garmin Zumo on both my motorcycle and in my TV when I travel. I have used Gamin for years and I almost gave up on Garmin when they switched to Basecamp.

What a horrible, complicated non user friendly program.  I now never use it,  I go very simple and just plug in my destinations and go from there.

I use to spend countless hours planning out routes and stops, etc. Traveling became like work, places to be at certain times, etc. often times now I just have a destination, sometimes just a direction, and I go.  Traveling is much more relaxed for me now.

RZRBUG

I agree that BaseCamp is not user friendly, but I am gradually learning my way around it...just enough to get by.  The main reason I like to use a mapping program is that Garmin will sometimes lead you astray, but if you have a planned route plugged in, it doesn't happen as often.

I don't let a planned route lead me by the nose, however.  If I want to deviate, or change it completely, I just take off.  I can always go back to the planned route.  It's a necessary evil for me because my sense of direction is non-existent.

Nomad

I never used Basecamp for planning only for viewing and saving pre-recorded tracks.
i've never been impressed with anything Garmin has ever produced software wise. GPS companies probably won't exist in another 5 years, they're getting killed by pocket computers and companies with some software chops. Another one of those industries that did good enough products that no longer cut it.
And don't get me started on in-dash nav systems - Luckily my Jeep dealer was willing to rip it out and replace it with a simple radio/cd system. Saved me $2k - Really, $2k for that outdated piece of junk?