View Preloaded Maps, Preprogrammed microSD/SD Cards, and Downloaded Maps with BaseCamp

The updated version of Garmin BaseCamp™ software allows you to view device preloaded, downloaded, or preprogrammed Garmin maps within the program. MapSource® mapping software does not have the ability to view maps in these formats.

NOTE: Garmin BaseCamp software is designed to work with Garmin mapping. We do not test third party mapping and therefore cannot guarantee or assist in its functionality with our program.

Important

• Garmin BaseCamp software will not work with any ocean or commercial mapping, it is designed for street, topo or lake mapping only.

• Garmin BaseCamp software will also not display any mapping that was loaded to a device or microSD/SD card using the MapInstall™ program.

Viewing Map Data Within the Garmin BaseCamp Program:

Garmin BaseCamp software can be downloaded for Windows and Mac from Garmin's website.

First, connect the Garmin device or memory card to the computer.

• If using a Garmin Mode Outdoor device (including the GPSMAP® 60/76 Cx or CSx; eTrex Legend®/eTrex Vista® Cx or HCx; and the Rino® 520/530 HCx outdoor handhelds):

  1. Access the Main Menu.

  2. Select Setup.

  3. Select Interface.

  4. Select USB Mass Storage.

  5. Connect the device to the computer.

• If using a Mass Storage or a Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) device, connect the device.

• If using a card reader, insert the card into the card reader. If the map is on a microSD card, you may have to first insert it into the larger SD card adapter.

• If using an Automotive device with Map Updates (including the nüvi®, Drive, or DriveSmart™ series), you can download City Navigator mapping to the computer via Express. For more information, review this FAQ.

  • NOTE: Not all devices are compatible with downloading maps to a computer.

Once the Garmin device or memory card is connected to the computer, the maps can be selected in the Garmin BaseCamp program with the steps below.

Selecting Maps:

1. Open Garmin BaseCamp.

2. Select Maps.
   

3. Select the desired map product from the list.
   NOTE: TopoActive and TOPO 24k map products may include multiple files for different regions of a larger coverage area. The map names listed in the settings of BaseCamp or Garmin devices may appear to be duplicate maps at first, but are actually for different regions (e.g. TopoActive US vs. TopoActive Middle America). Make sure to select the correct map region to view map details for the desired area.
   
   

   Some maps may take an extended amount of time to set up in BaseCamp the first time they are used. The progress can be viewed in the left panel of BaseCamp under the name of the card or device:                                 Windows                                                                                      Mac

                       

After selecting a map product from the list, the maps should be viewable in BaseCamp. 

NOTE: Due to certain limitations, some mapping products restrict the ability to print.

Detail From My Map Is Still Not Showing:

If you followed the steps above and your map detail is still not displayed, see below for possible reasons.

• Ensure your map is not zoomed too far out or too far in.

  • Windows users: The current zoom level is indicated at the bottom right corner on the map.

  • Mac users: The current zoom level is indicated at the bottom left corner on the map.

  • Example of what this looks like: .

• Windows users only: Make sure the Basic Map Only is not selected. This overrides any selected map and will only display major cities and highways.

  • Select View from the top toolbar. Basic Map Only is selected if it has a check-mark, just click on it to un-check.

If you continue to have issues, see - Maps Installed to a Garmin Device or microSD/SD Card Fail to Display in BaseCamp or HomePort™