Garmin updated its Communicator Plugin on August 2, 2011 to the 3.0.1.0 version, an upgrade from version 2.9.3.  The Garmin Communicator Plugin is a free internet browser plugin that sends and retrieves data from Garmin GPS devices.  The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website.

The plugin works with IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® XP or Vista operating systems with Internet Explorer 6+ or Firefox 1.5+ Intel-based or PowerPC G3 or later Mac OS 10.4 or later with Firefox 2.0+ or Safari 2.0.  It is not compatible with Windows 2000 computers and will not install and/or function properly.  It is not compatibe with 64-bit browsers, but it does now support Google Chrome!

Changes made from version 2.9.3 to 3.0.1:

• Added support for new devices
• Added support for detecting association between memory card and its host device
• Fixed issues related to detecting and updating GTU 10 devices

Garmin’s Communicator Plugin page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/

Garmin has released version 3.2.2 of the BaseCamp software, which includes 15 new features or fixes from version 3.2.1.  BaseCamp is software to view and organize your maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks and send them to your Garmin device.  It works very similar to MapSource.  BaseCamp displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on your computer screen, including elevation profiles. Then you can view and rotate the maps from any angle.

Features:

• View 24K or 100K topographic maps and other topographic data.
• Displays maps in 2-D or 3-D, including elevation profiles.
• View and rotate maps at any angle.
• Create waypoints and routes on your computer and transfer maps, waypoints, routes, tracks and geotagged photos between your computer and device.
• Transfers satellite images to your device (with the purchase of BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagerysubscription).
• Shows animated playback of routes and tracks over time.
• Supports geotagged photos.
• Easily organize data into folders.
• Prints full-page, color maps.
• Exports user data for viewing in Google Earth™.
• Includes advanced geocaching support; can import data from geocaching.com.

Changes made from version 3.2.1 to 3.2.2:

• Fixed an issue with migrating waypoints with thumbnails from previous versions of BaseCamp to 3.2.1. This issue could have corrupted the database.
• Fixed an issue with tracks that had been duplicated becoming corrupted.
• Added a prompt to notify the user when data loss might have occurred.
• Added a ‘restore from previous version’ menu item.
• Added support for exporting of fitness data (heart rate and cadence) in tracks.
• Changed to attempt to fix the paths in Garmin Custom Maps (KML ground overlay) files at start-up without notifying the user that there were problems with the file.
• Changed the message displayed at start-up when the current video mode/card doesn’t support 3D.
• Improved initial download size estimates for some BirdsEye products.
• Fixed some issues with undo/redo.
• Fixed several issues related to application shutdown.
• Fixed an issue with not recognizing Garmin mode USB device (such as the GPSMap 60) arrival and removal.
• Fixed several issues related to aborting transfers to Garmin mode USB devices.
• Fixed some issues related to ejecting mass storage devices.
• Fixed some issues with changing folder selection while using the BirdsEye wizard.
• Fixed an issue with reading geotagged photos from many smartphones.

System Requirements

•  Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later is required.
• .NET framework 3.5 SP1 is required. A current version of .NET will be installed if needed.
• Windows Media Player 11 or greater is required (a free download from Microsoft).
• 1 GB of system memory is required, 2 GB of system memory is recommended when using BirdsEye Imagery or Garmin Custom Maps.
• A video card that supports OpenGL version 1.3 or later is needed to enable the 3D view.
• If you experience problems when interacting with the map views, please make sure that you have installed current video card drivers.
• BaseCamp will recognize all MapSource products except BlueChart.
• BaseCamp does not work with serial GPS devices.

The most efficient way to keep your Garmin GPS unit’s firmware current is to use the WebUpdater tool.  Simply attach your Garmin unit to your computer with a USB cable and power it on.  Open WebUpdater and your GPS will be automatically identified.  WebUpdater will then check Garmin’s servers to see if firmware updates or other software is available and automatically download and install them if you allow it.  The WebUpdater page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-99999-27, Windows and Mac versions are available.

From Garmin’s web site:

Upgrading software for your Garmin GPS just got easier thanks to WebUpdater—Garmin’s free new application that automatically detects and installs the most recent version of operating software for your compatible Garmin GPS.

WebUpdater’s simple interface makes it easy to upgrade your operating software. Just connect your Garmin GPS to your computer, run WebUpdater, and follow the screen prompts. After confirming that you want to perform an update, WebUpdater will download that update for you and install it on your GPS. WebUpdater always checks for its own update first before performing a unit update. Unlike previous versions, you no longer need to download Web Updater every time you upgrade your unit software. Once installed, simply run it from your computer —no need to download anything else yourself!

As an added benefit to our customers, you can download the latest version of WebUpdater software for free from our website.

Compatible computers: IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® 2000 or XP operating systems | New! Intel-based Macs or PowerPCs (G3 or newer) running OS X 10.4 or later

What is WebUpdater?

WebUpdater is an application which communicates with the Garmin server over the Internet and updates your Garmin GPS with the most current software version available.

It’s easy and it’s automatic. You don’t even have to know the model numbers or software versions of your GPS. WebUpdater takes care of all of the details for you.

How Does WebUpdater Work?

WebUpdater’s simple interface makes it easy to upgrade your operating software. Just connect your Garmin GPS to your computer, run WebUpdater, and follow the screen prompts. After confirming that you want to perform an update, WebUpdater will download that update for you and install it on your GPS. WebUpdater always checks for its own update first before performing a unit update. Unlike previous versions, you no longer need to download Web Updater every time you upgrade your unit software. Once installed, simply run it from your computer —no need to download anything else yourself!

Notes:

• Supports Windows XP Service Pack 3 or greater. For the legacy version click here.
• This software requires Windows Media Player 11 (a free download from Microsoft).
• WebUpdater guides you through the process of updating the software in your GPS.
• For some unit updates, this software will clear user memory, including ‘Recent Finds’ and ‘Favorites.’ Please back up important data such as routes, tracks, and waypoints to MapSource prior to updating.
• WebUpdater is not compatible with Palm and Pocket PC devices, fixed-mount marine units, chartplotters, fishfinders and some discontinued units. For these products, please seearmin’s additional software page.
• WebUpdater does not perform Beta updates.

Changes made from version 2.5.1 to 2.5.2:

• Fixed issue with GTU10 compatibility
• Fixed issue with being able to continue through the wizard without choosing a device

Garmin has released version 3.2.1 of the BaseCamp software, which includes 40 new features or fixes from version 3.1.3.  BaseCamp is software to view and organize your maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks and send them to your Garmin device.  It works very similar to MapSource.  BaseCamp displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on your computer screen, including elevation profiles. Then you can view and rotate the maps from any angle.

Features:

• View 24K or 100K topographic maps and other topographic data.
• Displays maps in 2-D or 3-D, including elevation profiles.
• View and rotate maps at any angle.
• Create waypoints and routes on your computer and transfer maps, waypoints, routes, tracks and geotagged photos between your computer and device.
• Transfers satellite images to your device (with the purchase of BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagerysubscription).
• Shows animated playback of routes and tracks over time.
• Supports geotagged photos.
• Easily organize data into folders.
• Prints full-page, color maps.
• Exports user data for viewing in Google Earth™.
• Includes advanced geocaching support; can import data from geocaching.com.

Changes made from version 3.1.3 to 3.2.1:

• Moved the various property tabs to a separate dialog
• Added swapping the map and data list UI regions
• Added activity profiles to allow easier changes between common routing configurations
• Added activity profile selection dialog at startup, improved migration of existing route settings and routes
• Added dragging photos onto the map views
• Added dragging files into My Collection and the user data list
• Added better preserving app state when restarting (selected tool, selected folder, selected view modes, etc)
• Added support for restoring backups from different computers
• Added geocache search integration with OpenCaching.com
• Added photo sharing site upload (currently for Picasa)
• Added track statistics that correspond to the selection in the track points list
• Added additional statistics to the elevation profile
• Added display of elevation profile when batch editing routes or tracks
• Added heart rate and cadence to the track points list and elevation profile
• Added route to track conversion
• Added display mode for geocaches
• Added the ‘Duplicate’ menu item for most user data types
• Added continuation of route/track drawing when switching between tools
• Added route avoidance checkboxes to the route options (such as ‘Avoid U-turns’)
• Added a basic dialog for creating routes
• Added draw order control for new BirdsEye Imagery that is downloaded
• Added user selection of application language
• Added option to restore the application to default settings
• Added tips dialog when entering full screen mode
• Added a keyboard shortcut to snap the map back to North up
• Added file import/export support for the TCX file format
• Added file export support for tab-delimited and comma-delimited text
• Added properties and create waypoint commands to the list of POIs that is displayed when hovering on the map
• Added optional collection of analytics to help us improve the application
• Added display of the detailed coverage region of card/device based maps
• Added notification to user when updates are available for devices
• Added receiving FIT course points and activity data from many fitness devices. These are converted into waypoints and tracks.
• Added support for the GroundSpeak geocaching 1.0.1 extension
• Changed geotagging photos from a track to add links to those photos in the track
• Changed to not allow changing the location of geocaches when they are part of a route
• Changed the divide tool to create a new waypoint or trackpoint at the division point
• Changed drawing style of routes and tracks to use thinner lines
• Fixed issue where we didn’t always remove all waypoints created as part of a route
• Fixed issue with adding and removing links on various property tabs
• Improved find address near center of screen
• Removed filtered routes

System Requirements

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later is required.
• .NET framework 3.5 is required. A current version of .NET will be installed if needed.
• 1 GB of system memory is required, 2 GB of system memory is recommended when using BirdsEye Imagery or Garmin Custom Maps.
• A video card that supports OpenGL version 1.3 or later is needed to enable the 3D view.
• If you experience problems when interacting with the map views, please make sure that you have installed current video card drivers.
• BaseCamp will recognize all MapSource products except BlueChart.
• BaseCamp does not work with serial GPS devices.

The most efficient way to keep your Garmin GPS unit’s firmware current is to use the WebUpdater tool.  Simply attach your Garmin unit to your computer with a USB cable and power it on.  Open WebUpdater and your GPS will be automatically identified.  WebUpdater will then check Garmin’s servers to see if firmware updates or other software is available and automatically download and install them if you allow it.  The WebUpdater page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-99999-27, Windows and Mac versions are available.

From Garmin’s web site:

Upgrading software for your Garmin GPS just got easier thanks to WebUpdater—Garmin’s free new application that automatically detects and installs the most recent version of operating software for your compatible Garmin GPS.

WebUpdater’s simple interface makes it easy to upgrade your operating software. Just connect your Garmin GPS to your computer, run WebUpdater, and follow the screen prompts. After confirming that you want to perform an update, WebUpdater will download that update for you and install it on your GPS. WebUpdater always checks for its own update first before performing a unit update. Unlike previous versions, you no longer need to download Web Updater every time you upgrade your unit software. Once installed, simply run it from your computer —no need to download anything else yourself!

As an added benefit to our customers, you can download the latest version of WebUpdater software for free from our website.

Compatible computers: IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® 2000 or XP operating systems | New! Intel-based Macs or PowerPCs (G3 or newer) running OS X 10.4 or later

What is WebUpdater?

WebUpdater is an application which communicates with the Garmin server over the Internet and updates your Garmin GPS with the most current software version available.

It’s easy and it’s automatic. You don’t even have to know the model numbers or software versions of your GPS. WebUpdater takes care of all of the details for you.

How Does WebUpdater Work?

WebUpdater’s simple interface makes it easy to upgrade your operating software. Just connect your Garmin GPS to your computer, run WebUpdater, and follow the screen prompts. After confirming that you want to perform an update, WebUpdater will download that update for you and install it on your GPS. WebUpdater always checks for its own update first before performing a unit update. Unlike previous versions, you no longer need to download Web Updater every time you upgrade your unit software. Once installed, simply run it from your computer —no need to download anything else yourself!

The current version of DNRGarmin (5.4.1)  is not entirely compatible with ArcGIS 10. That is, the toolbar will show up in ArcMap 10 and it will launch the DNRGarmin application but DNRGarmin does not recognize that ArcMap is open. We have not yet begun programming the new version.

The work around for the time being is:

File->Save To->File and File->Load From->File. You can save to a shapfile and add it manually to ArcGIS 10, as well as load from shapefiles created/modified in ArcGIS 10.

Garmin has released version 3.1.2 of the BaseCamp software, which includes fixes for 11 different issues from version 3.1.1.  BaseCamp is software to view and organize your maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks and send them to your Garmin device.  It works very similar to MapSource.  BaseCamp displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on your computer screen, including elevation profiles. Then you can view and rotate the maps from any angle.

Features:

• View 24K or 100K topographic maps and other topographic data.
• Displays maps in 2-D or 3-D, including elevation profiles.
• View and rotate maps at any angle.
• Create waypoints and routes on your computer and transfer maps, waypoints, routes, tracks and geotagged photos between your computer and device.
• Transfers satellite images to your device (with the purchase of BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagerysubscription).
• Shows animated playback of routes and tracks over time.
• Supports geotagged photos.
• Easily organize data into folders.
• Prints full-page, color maps.
• Exports user data for viewing in Google Earth™.
• Includes advanced geocaching support; can import data from geocaching.com.

Changes made from version 3.1.1 to 3.1.2:

• Added localization for Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
• Added the ability to move the BirdsEye Create tool selection box.
• Added automatic naming of BirdsEyes based on the region of the map it is over.
• Fixed issue with creating user data on Windows XP with the property tab splitter shrunken to a very small height.
• Fixed problem with not showing the correct map layer for cards that contain raster data (such as GB Discoverer).
• Fixed various issues related to the user data filter and selection changes.
• Fixed issue with a gap in the distances of the find results.
• Fixed drawing of labels behind terrain in the 3D view.
• Fixed issue renaming data items in the list if the list wasn’t sorted by name.
• Fixed an issue migrating routes from 3.0.6 to 3.1.1 that were originally created in MapSource.
• Improved recovery from memory allocation issues.

System Requirements

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later is required.
• .NET framework 3.5 is required. A current version of .NET will be installed if needed.
• 1 GB of system memory is required, 2 GB of system memory is recommended when using BirdsEye Imagery or Garmin Custom Maps.
• A video card that supports OpenGL version 1.3 or later is needed to enable the 3D view.
• If you experience problems when interacting with the map views, please make sure that you have installed current video card drivers.
• BaseCamp will recognize all MapSource products except BlueChart.
• BaseCamp does not work with serial GPS devices.

Garmin updated its Communicator Plugin on November 10, 2010 to the 2.9.3.0 version, an upgrade from version 2.9.2.  The Garmin Communicator Plugin is a free internet browser plugin that sends and retrieves data from Garmin GPS devices.  The Garmin Communicator can send and retrieve data from any supported website.

The plugin works with IBM-compatible PCs running Windows® XP or Vista operating systems with Internet Explorer 6+ or Firefox 1.5+ Intel-based or PowerPC G3 or later Mac OS 10.4 or later with Firefox 2.0+ or Safari 2.0.  It is not compatible with Windows 2000 computers and will not install and/or function properly.  It is also still not compatible with the Google Chrome browser.

Changes made from version 2.9.2 to 2.9.3:

• Fixed debug logging that was broken in Windows
• Fixed a number of Workout transfer issues
• Added support for GTN aviation updates

Garmin’s Communicator Plugin page is located at http://www8.garmin.com/products/communicator/

Garmin has updated its MapSource Windows-based mapping software.  MapSource is included with the purchase of a Garmin map on DVD or CD. Features include:

• Back up important trip data separately from your Garmin device.
• Plan routes from the convenience of your computer instead of on your device.
• Create, view, and edit waypoints, routes, and tracks.
• Plan extensive or complicated routes, in which you travel to several locations in an order you specify.
• Transfer waypoints, routes and tracks between your computer and your device.
• Transfer selected map from your computer to your device.
• Find items, addresses and points of interest included in the map data.
• View your maps in detail on your computer screen.

You can even download a MapSource tutorial at http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapsourceTutorial.html.

Changes made from version 6.16.2 to 6.16.3:

• Fixed some map display issues (22s & 71s labels instead of highway names).
• Fixed Pedestrian routing.
• Fixed some other routing issues.
• Fixed Find Nearest Waypoints issue.
• Fixed vertical profile custom scale settings (right-clicking on the scale of the vertical profile).
• Fixed selection issue (waypoints were not de-selected when selecting a track before).
• Fixed an issue where MapSource did not remember the grid setting correctly.
• Fixed an issue with the updating process.
• Fixed sort by number of via points in the route tab.
• Fixed an issue with spot soundings.
• Fixed a Polish localization issue.
• Made MapSource more robust when encountering invalid map products.

Garmin has released version 3.1.1 of the BaseCamp software, which includes fixes for 13 different issues from version 3.0.6.  BaseCamp is software to view and organize your maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks and send them to your Garmin device.  It works very similar to MapSource.  BaseCamp displays topographic map data in 2-D or 3-D on your computer screen, including elevation profiles. Then you can view and rotate the maps from any angle.

Features:

• View 24K or 100K topographic maps and other topographic data.
• Displays maps in 2-D or 3-D, including elevation profiles.
• View and rotate maps at any angle.
• Create waypoints and routes on your computer and transfer maps, waypoints, routes, tracks and geotagged photos between your computer and device.
• Transfers satellite images to your device (with the purchase of BirdsEye™ Satellite Imagerysubscription).
• Shows animated playback of routes and tracks over time.
• Supports geotagged photos.
• Easily organize data into folders.
• Prints full-page, color maps.
• Exports user data for viewing in Google Earth™.
• Includes advanced geocaching support; can import data from geocaching.com.

Changes made from version 3.0.6 to 3.1.1:

• Added support for multiple new BirdsEye products.
• Added support for sorting, searching, browsing and filtering user data.
• Added support for ejecting devices from within BaseCamp.
• Added support for filtering tracks.
• Added support for display of track statistics and temperature.
• Added support for time offsets while geotagging photos from tracks.
• Added support for editing multiple waypoints, routes and tracks at a time.
• Added support for importing geotagged photos.
• Added support for full screen mode.
• Added support for non-rectangular selection area for BirdsEye downloads.
• Improved performance while importing, geotagging, autosaving and routing.
• Improved support for various DPI settings.
• Reduced memory required by BirdsEye imagery.

System Requirements

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later is required.
• .NET framework 3.5 is required. A current version of .NET will be installed if needed.
• 1 GB of system memory is required, 2 GB of system memory is recommended when using BirdsEye Imagery or Garmin Custom Maps.
• A video card that supports OpenGL version 1.3 or later is needed to enable the 3D view.
• If you experience problems when interacting with the map views, please make sure that you have installed current video card drivers.
• BaseCamp will recognize all MapSource products except BlueChart.
• BaseCamp does not work with serial GPS devices.