New to GPS

[Micaiah]

I have only ever had Google Maps (phone).  I'm planning to travel across Asia, and think a dedicated GPS would be a good thing.  But I've found that many countries are perhaps not featured in Garmin supplemental software purchases - just on their basic World Basecamp software.  I've not been able to get any idea of what their preinstalled World Basecamp software would include - no examples anywhere.  I'd like a GPS system that shows me where I am in cities, and on buses between cities.  Would the basic Garmin Basecamp software be sufficient for me, or is there something better for, say, Pakistan, Iran, Burma, etc?  If not, is a dedicated GPS system even worth the money?  Garmin Help-desk is less than helpful and I don't want to buy one of their more expensive models, sight unseen, without examples of what I might expect from their World Basecamp software.  And is there any supplemental GPS software/maps that would fill in their gaps with more detailed mapping for places like backcountry Asia?  Can anyone please offer me any KNOWLEDGEABLE information (rather than opinions?)  I need some real, definite information.  Thank you!

[Boyd]

The world basemap will be pretty useless aside from showing (maybe) what city you are in, what major river flows through it and one or two major highways. Basecamp is a free download and it includes a global map that is also really crude. Probably different from the actual handheld basemaps, but it will give you some idea of how much detail to expect. Play around with it: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435

Have you looked at what's available through the free openstreetmap project? http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl

You can try installing these or some of the maps from this site and see how you like them. None of this will cost you anything and you don't need to purchase a gps until you have found maps that you like.

[popej]

Have a look at OpenStreetMap: http://www.openstreetmap.org

OSM maps can be put into Garmin GPS for free:
http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
http://gmaptool.eu/en/content/asia-osm-base

Then there are multiple maps for different countries in Asia. Some come form Garmin, other are 3-rd party free or commercial products. See for example:
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/maps/on-the-road-maps/asia/c452-c454-atFILTER_REGION_ASIA_01-p1.html
http://www.garmin.ru/topograficheskie-karty-cat/dorogi-rossii-rf-topo.html
http://www.malsingmaps.com/portal/
http://uud.info/en/map/
http://rotweilermaps.com/maps.cfm
http://www.globalmap1.com/index.html
http://www.bicimapas.com.mx/HBB.htm
http://maprb.ru/
http://www.globalmap1.com/

I hope you have already looked at maps offered at this site.

[Micaiah]

THANK YOU!  I'm impressed with the speed I've gotten replies, and the very real info!  Bless you for your help!  I'll take a look at the links.