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Using the Most Recent Map Data on BaseCamp
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Should work fine Dominic. I've been updating maps to the computer for years. You have to look around the Garmin Express page for options or something like that before pressing go on the update of the maps. It will give you a box to check to update both the unit and the computer if I remember correctly.
Jerry,

Thanks for that, I'm trying the update now.

Interestingly, I asked the Garmin tech rep that exact question (if there was a method to update the maps on a laptop / desktop), and he stated that 'no, there was not'.

Dominic
Dominic,

I think you missed an option in Garmin Express. There is an additional screen where you can choose to do both. I took a screenshot of it.

One thing to remember, though, if you update your maps multiple times a year, is that those map updates are around 5 gig each on your computer. You need to delete a few after a while...

Jerry
All,

One of the foibles of BaseCamp is that Garmin (usually via Garmin Express) will only, repeat, ONLY, update maps to specific devices, and not to BaseCamp itself.

What this means is that if you keep your device updated (which in my case is an old-ish Nav IV), you must plug that device into your laptop or desktop if you want to plan a trip or route using the most recent Garmin map(s).

In my case, when I plug my Nav IV into my laptop, BaseCamp on my laptop reads the data on the Nav IV and temporarily, repeat, TEMPORARILY, gives BaseCamp access to the map data on your device.  The BaseCamp user (you) can access that map data under the BaseCamp pull down menu labeles "Maps".

The downside is that when you unplug your device from your laptop / desktop, that BaseCamp-to-Device access is removed.  The route or trip data remains unaffected.

Hope that helps,

Dominic
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