Waypoint Management software

[AaronWKU]

Whats my best option on PC to upload my waypoints to and clean and organize?

[wallyandre]

Reefmaster

[Mike2718]

I’ll expand on “wallyandre’s” answer. ReefMaster Waypoint Management software, NOT ReefMaster’s mapping software. It is the best for Lowrance units.

[bgibson]

Reefmaster is EXCELLENT! Very easy to use with great features. I have over 14,000 waypoints so its a must for me!

[Gofish2day]

Can you then download into Garmin format?
have a friend with Garmin

[dkinney6]

Any Mac options out there?

[Mike2718]

Can you then download into Garmin format?
have a friend with Garmin

Both Garmin and Lowrance can use gpx format. Most of the symbols are different between the brands but either brand can import/export gpx format. ReefMaster is made for Lowrance units/symbols. It can open a Garmin gpx file but will change most of the symbols.

If you need a Lowrance file converted to a native Garmin file or vice versa just let me know. I can help you with that. I can convert either one so it is either 100% Lowrance or Garmin format.

Any Mac options out there?

There really isn’t much of a Mac option that I know of other than GPS Babel. I believe GPS Babel still has a Mac version. It really doesn’t do much other than convert between different formats though. I don’t have a Mac but my understanding is you can run Windows programs if you use the “Parallels” Windows emulator. That would open up some options for you.

[TNReb]

Any Mac options out there?

I’m not saying this to be a smarta**… I have a Mac also. Your best bet is probably to use VMWare/Parallels/whatever and run Windows on the Mac.

If you have a M1/M2 Mac, it could get tricky. You’ll be limited to Windows 11 ARM. I haven’t tried Reefmaster on that yet. I will give it a try and report back.


UPDATE: I'm running Windows 11 ARM with VMWare fusion 13 on a Macbook Pro M2. I was able to install the trial version of Reefmaster Waypoint Manager with no issues.

[z520brewer]

I have a new iPad Pro. Would I have the same issues as those with Macs as far as having to run a windows emulator?
thanks

[TNReb]

I have a new iPad Pro. Would I have the same issues as those with Macs as far as having to run a windows emulator?
thanks

You can’t run Windows on an iPad Pro. You would have to use something like Windows 365 for a remote Windows host.

[TNReb]

I'm running Windows 11 ARM with VMWare fusion 13 on a Macbook Pro M2. I was able to install the trial version of Reefmaster Waypoint Manager with no issues.

I just figured I would provide an update in case anyone searches for this in the future...

I'm currently running a Win 11 Insider Preview edition. Reefmaster Waypoint Manger installed without any issues - but it doesn't work. It crashes just seconds after starting the application. It crashes the entire Windows instance. I would look for other options if possible, at least until there's a proper ARM version of Windows available.

[tj]

Any Mac options out there?

'BaseCamp (2D only)' software got updated in 2023 > version 2.3.1.0 . [FREE download]
internet > "The 2D Only one is for older computers where the device drivers do not support the 3D rendering Basecamp uses."

Garmin software programs work great on my 2012 W10 Dell desktop. Garmin Express, BaseCamp (2D only), MapSource (Lake maps, TOPO maps). I have Garmin GPS(s) & Lowrance MFD(s).

BaseCamp might work for a Mac; if nothing else does
Mac^® Requirements [BaseCamp]

• Intel-based Mac running OS 10.13 or higher
• 1024 MB RAM (2048 MB recommended)
• M1, M2 or newer chips in Apple computers

Also good for managing Missouri Department of Conservation's Table Rock Lake gpx file (1255 waypoints, downloaded 3/12/2021). MDC also has a corresponding 'Table Rock Lake Fish Attractor Maps Index' pdf. Or Oklahoma Conservation Department's Grand Lake gpx file (34 waypoints, downloaded 3/13/2021).

Export waypoint(s) in gpx format from Lowrance to mSD
Put mSD/SD-adapter into PC
Open Garmin BaseCamp (2D only) program (Windows or Mac), [or 3D rendering version]

Drag/drop gpx file from file explorer to ‘new list’ window of BaseCamp
All the waypoints will appear in ‘new list’ window & on Lake map(s); have to move map to your lake(s) with mouse [or touchscreen ??]

Can select desired waypoints (from ‘new list’ or ‘lake map’);
*for waypoints in new list - use Shift key to select consecutive waypoints AND Ctrl key for non-consecutive waypoints
*for waypoints shown on map - use Shift key to select multiple waypoints OR Click Tools/Select, then use mouse to create any size rectangle on the map to select all waypoints in that rectangle [click Tools/Pan to return use of mouse to relocate map]; OR click S key for Select, and H key for Pan

selected waypoints can be deleted or saved as a new gpx file
click File / Export / Export Selection (from selection step)
give the new gpx file a name, and select folder where to save file

drag this new gpx file from file explorer to a mSD/SD-adapter, for transfer to MFD

[kissfan]

I use the c-map app. Works on phone/iPad and browser. Also syncs with your Lowrance unit.
That combined with Genesis maps seems to be a good solution.

[Mike2718]

'BaseCamp (2D only)' software got updated in 2023 > version 2.3.1.0 . [FREE download]
internet > "The 2D Only one is for older computers where the device drivers do not support the 3D rendering Basecamp uses."

Have three Garmin software programs on my old Dell, which all work great. Garmin Express (update Lifetime highway maps every winter, free), BaseCamp, MapSource (Lake maps, TOPO maps). I have 3 Garmin GPS & some Lowrance MFD(s).

This might work for a Mac; if nothing else does (maybe). Plus my 22-inch Dell monitor is bigger than my iPhone.

Export waypoint(s) in gpx format from Lowrance to mSD
[below is what worked on my 2012 Dell W10 desktop
Put mSD/SD-adapter into PC
Open Garmin BaseCamp (2D only) program (Windows or Mac)
Drag/drop gpx file from file explorer to ‘new list’ window of BaseCamp
All the waypoints will appear in ‘new list’ window & on Lake map(s); have to move map to your lake(s)
Can select desired waypoints (from ‘new list’ or ‘lake map’); [use Shift key to select consecutive, or use Ctrl key for non-consecutive]
click File / Export / Export Selection (from previous step)
give the new gpx file a name, and select folder where to save file
drag this new gpx file from file explorer to a mSD/SD-adapter, for transfer to MFD

Mac^® Requirements [BaseCamp]

• Intel-based Mac running OS 10.13 or higher
• 1024 MB RAM (2048 MB recommended)
• M1, M2 or newer chips in Apple computers

BaseCamp is a good Mac option BUT BaseCamp uses a different set of symbols than Lowrance units use. They’re a few symbols that are the same across all the different brands but most won’t convert correctly across the different brands. They get converted to “default” symbols. IF symbols are not important to you, then BaseCamp would be a good Mac option. If using different symbols is important, then I would not recommend using it.

[dneals]

Garmin BaseCamp is great for users who work with Garmin devices, allowing you to upload, edit, and organize your waypoints easily. It offers a user-friendly interface and various tools for planning your routes.


If you’re looking for something more advanced, QGIS is a powerful open-source GIS application that lets you manipulate waypoints in detail, although it has a steeper learning curve. It’s fantastic if you need more analytical features.


While you're setting this up, if you're also looking to manage projects or tasks related to your waypoints, keep an eye out for clickup discounts that can help you optimize your workflow.

[TNReb]

I use the c-map app. Works on phone/iPad and browser. Also syncs with your Lowrance unit.
That combined with Genesis maps seems to be a good solution.

The one thing I absolutely hate about it is… when you sync your waypoints, it changes the date on them. You can no longer click a waypoint on your unit to see when it was created.

[Gofish2day]

I recently downloaded my waypoints from my Lowrance Carbon 12 in GPX format. Do this from your Carbon onto a data chip.
Then uploaded into a friends Garmin and was very pleased with the results. Check out and watch a Utube vid as you need to make a Garmin directory on the data chip.
Not the same icons but used different icons for different items same as I did on the lowrance.
I thought it was perfect. He was very pleased to have my Crappie Brushpiles and paths thru the stumps and trees.