Although I have been using the tool and predecessor intensively for almost 20 years, these pages will not go into Garmin Basecamp, So if you are a BC fetish I would advise to search for other Sources.
Garmin used to be a pioneer in routing software for Motorbiking.
In the early 2000 they came with a tool called Map-Source. The predecessor of the current BaseCamp.
Keep in mind....Google maps did not exist!!
With Map-Source Garmin provided something completely new for the consumer market.
It was the only thing around and did a great job then!
And now... after using Map-Source- and Base-Camp for almost 20 years I can say that I know a little about it.
Development of Basecamp more or less stopped 10 years ago. Garmin provided updates and patches to ensure BC stayed compatible with Windows & Mac, but nothing fundamentally changed.
The devices progressed and people were searching for better alternatives to plan.
And as of the XT2 Garmin officially communicates that the tool is no longer compatible with the device. Not that means a lot since output from BC is GPX, and the XT's are compatible with that.
But it's a strong signal that Garmin will drop BaseCamp all together and starts to move towards the cloud starting with 'Garmin Explore' and the latest step is the 'Garmin Tread' app. But Tread is not jet ready. Not that it is useless but it really needs a lot more functionality to make it a great tool.
The lack of development over the last decennia made a couple of enthusiasts start creating their own software, and by now we can name quite some great online tools that do a much better job than BaseCamp.
Visualization is better
Large range of different MAP material that incorporates scenic road classifications
Due to these map's the tools do great suggestions . Automated routes hardly need corrections.
The tools have massive POI libraries
Extensive warehouse for existing routes
Creating overlay's to help you plan the route
Sharing material in the cloud.
Planning where ever you are on what ever device you have
And much much more....