Newbie Question - what is MapSource?

Mapsource is a software product. It contains the same map that is on your c550. However you can't download those maps to your c550.

A waypoint is a point or a designated place along your route that you might be inclined to stop at. It is pretty much the same as a poi. Some units will allow you to create multiple waypoints along one route. Our c550 doesn't.

You can use mapsource to "manage" your "favorites". You can import your favorites from the 550 edit, change or delete, save then send back to the 550.
You can also use mapsource to create a poi file, and is handy in creating your own TourGuide Files.

You can open a file in mapsource, and with the right mouse clicks, you can select a waypoint and then have it show that position on the map.

You can create a route and do a dry run, although you can't upload that route to your c550. Could come in handy if plotting a long xcountry trip for example.

I'm sure there is more, and I'm confident others will add to this.

You'll need MapSource to move maps/waypoints/routes to and from your computer to your GPS. I also like MapSource on my PC to see the map/waypoints or plan a route on a larger screen then my GPS.

http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapsourceTutorial.html

can't move maps or routes w/mapsource and c550
But can manipulate waypoints/favorites/create/edit gpx files.

Nuvis do not support moving maps or routes - you can only manipulate what MapSource calls 'waypoints' - which show up as 'Favorites' on Nuvis.

Not true. You can move maps between your Nuvi and MapSource. Garmin Topo is one of many options. There are also many free maps you can install on a Nuvi with MapSource. You are right a Nuvi does not have tracking, but can emulate tracking with lots of waypoints.

Back to the original post. A newbie asked what MapSource can do? He also did NOT state which GPS so I listed all the possibilities. I should have mentioned capabilities vary per GPS model.

Looks Like I have to come up with some Topo maps and play...

If you just want to play.. try some of the maps at these sites:

http://rwsmaps.griffel.se
http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php
http://home.wtal.de/noegs/freemaps.htm

The Garmin Topo Maps work fine on Nuvi EXCEPT they are not routable. So if you need a route compute it with NA NT then switch to the Topo map and the route stays...note "Recalacuating..." will mess up your route.

Also the free World Map v3 which outside of the USA/Canada is much better then the Nuvi base map is at:

http://www.elsinga.net/map_wwbmap3

Looks like the originating questions states they bought the c550

Yikes! He did mention C550. I've been reading too many post...Argh.

I was wondering about hacking a way around to import a route into my Nuvi 350. I guess a lot of waypoints would do the trick.

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