Basecamp

Basecamp is a Garmin's desktop software application to browse the maps, create and edit routes and tracks and send maps, route and tracks to the GPS device.

Basecamp has replaced Mapsource as Garmin's default mapbrowser and has some nice features like 3D (not available on Openfietsmap, choose in Map Views 2D map - Ctrl+2), better track management, filtering road or waypoint types and better elevation profiles. Although Garmin has stopped the development of Basecamp software, it can still be used. Below are some tips & tricks to optimize the use of the Openfietsmap.

Display settings

  • Select 2D instead of 3D view:

  • View > Basic Map Only (Ctrl-G) must be switched off

  • Edit > Options > Activity Profile > Map display features : all Line Elements ON

Calibrate screen

Route not aligned with the roads? Calibrate the screen:

      • View - Align North Up

      • or key Ctrl+N

Navigation Activity Profiles

In the menu Edit>Options (Ctr+O) > Activity Profile

Driving will avoid semi/unpaved trails, in the activities Bicycling/Tour cycling Toll road avoidance (will route on bike routes, see below) is unfortunately not available in this profile. Activity type Walking will ignore oneway streets which can be useful in cities. Hiking will do the same but here are Interstates/Major highways selected and greyed out (interstates/major highways are cycleways and -routes on OFM)

Route preference:

    • Shorter Distance

    • Faster time (prefers cycleways and -routes)

Road Type Avoidances:

    • Never avoid major highways because the cycleways are the major highways!

    • Residential roads: avoid footways/forest trails

    • Unpaved roads are also gravel compacted bikepaths

Feature Type Avoidances:

    • Nothing selected (except cable cars/climbing paths, they have no function on OFM);

    • Toll road avoidance will prefer routing on bicycle routes,

    • carpool lanes avoidance have no functionality anymore


Cycle touring via cycle routes

    • This type of cycling will only seek for cycle routes, to select this, set toll roads avoidance on.

    • This is not available in the bicycle profile, so you need to use the motorcar or car profiles:

Recreative cycle touring profile

(cycle route navigation)

Racing bike

(avoids unpaved roads)

MTB navigation


Walking/hiking:

Use this activity for cycling in cities (ignores oneway traffic) , walking, horseback riding etc

Device transfer

Don't select any option. Especially "Always match route to the map" can cause broken routing (straight lines) when selected.