MacGPS Pro

Name: MacGPS Pro
Rating: 3.9 (33 reviews)
Author: James Associates

Used MacGPS Pro for Mac?

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MacGPS Pro Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

MacGPS Pro is an educational software designed for Mac users that offers extensive mapping capabilities. This application allows users to access, view, and manage GPS data efficiently. With features such as route planning, waypoint management, and map customization, MacGPS Pro caters to both casual users and serious outdoor enthusiasts. The software supports various map formats and provides tools for importing and exporting GPS data, making it an invaluable resource for navigation and outdoor activities.

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Additionally, MacGPS Pro includes functionality for analyzing tracks and routes, enhancing the user's ability to plan trips effectively. The interface is user-friendly, ensuring that even those new to GPS software can navigate its features with ease. Compatibility with a range of GPS devices further enhances its usability, making it a versatile tool for anyone needing detailed mapping solutions on their Mac.

MacGPS Pro

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: November 12, 2013

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 10.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

OS X 10.8
Mac OS X 10.6
Mac OS X 10.4
Mac OS X
Mac OS X 10.7
OS X 10.9
Mac OS X 10.5

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 9,209

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.9/5

33 User Votes

Overly complex product with tough learning curve
sjd10February 10, 2012
Pros
I will write about that once I can get it to run properly.
Cons
I hike extensively and have used a handheld Garmin GPS for many years. The out-of-the box Garmin interface has been fine, but limiting. I recently shifted from PC to iPhone/Mac. After reading the MacGPSPro product promotional material on-line, I downloaded it to my MacBook Pro, in order to interface with my GPS. Should have read the reviews. A common theme is that this product is complex and doesn't adhere to Apple's (intuitive & wildly successful) user interface guidelines. I don't buy the argument that it's broad capabilities offset the complexity. Today's developers package much more complex capabilities in very elegant interface designs. Simplify it.
Summary
Terrible user interface
Love This Software
steve_orMay 7, 2011
Pros
I plan my hikes on my Mac, transfer routes to my Garmin 60CSx, and transfer my tracks back to my Mac afterward. These maps on my computer screen have more detail than the Garmin ones on my GPS. Every feature works as described. Happy!
Cons
None at all
Summary
Great New Features...
GPSTomJanuary 9, 2011
Pros
MacGPS Pro updates regularly. I have found the developer responsive to my questions. Easy to follow Help Menu gives step-by-step instructions. As I boat with friends in the Spring, I look forward to the BSB charts stitching together in Real-Time.
Cons
I don't have any complaints for this software.
Summary
This satisfied Garmin owner loves MacGPSPro!
msteitzJanuary 9, 2011
Pros
Data flows both ways as advertised. I find this product invaluable. You can't "upload a map" to Garmin GPS due to Garmin limitation, that's tightly controlled. You can upload way points, routes, etc.
Cons
None that I can find!
Summary
Developer is quick to respond to questions and offer help, great product!
Watch for
rainer.engelmannDecember 1, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. ... our new iPhone App coming soon! Found on their website.
Usless for GARMIN OWNERS - CANNOT UPLOAD MAPS!
SBernieFebruary 13, 2009
Pros
Nothing positive!
Cons
CANNOT UPLOAD ANYTHING TO GARMIN UNITS!
Summary
Pros: Garmin owners can ONLY use the maps on their desktop/laptop. Garmin onwer can ONLY use this to download & manage where they've been. Otherwise - USELESS for Garmin Owners. Cons: Maps CANNOT be uploaded to GARMIN GPS UNITS! Garmin owners can ONLY use the maps on their desktop/laptop. Garmin onwer can ONLY use this to software to download & manage where they've been. Otherwise - USELESS for Garmin Owners. Summary: Garmin Owners can ONLY manage where they've been. MAPS CANNOT BE UPLOADED TO MANY GARMIN GPS (and some others). Website is intentionally misleading: Home page shows green double ended arrow (indicating that data can go 2-ways)... WRONG! Compatibility Chart shows that the maps are "compatible" with ALL Garmin GPS units. But, after you buy their product, you learn that their maps CANNOT be UPLOADED to Garmin GPS. You'll discover this little fact buried in the back of their website, under Tech Support , FAQ. No one ever goes to Tech Support BEFORE they buy a product.... they are scamming Garmin owners! How many people just throw this in the trash & don't bother returning it?
Worthless Maps
SBernieFebruary 13, 2009
Pros
Garmin owners can ONLY use the maps on their desktop/laptop. Garmin onwer can ONLY use this to download & manage where they've been. Otherwise - USELESS for Garmin Owners.
Cons
Maps CANNOT be uploaded to GARMIN GPS UNITS! Garmin owners can ONLY use the maps on their desktop/laptop. Garmin onwer can ONLY use this to software to download & manage where they've been. Otherwise - USELESS for Garmin Owners.
Summary
Garmin Owners can ONLY manage where they've been. MAPS CANNOT BE UPLOADED TO MANY GARMIN GPS (and some others). Website is intentionally misleading: Home page shows green double ended arrow (indicating that data can go 2-ways)... WRONG! Compatibility Chart shows that the maps are "compatible" with ALL Garmin GPS units. But, after you buy their product, you learn that their maps CANNOT be UPLOADED to Garmin GPS. You'll discover this little fact buried in the back of their website, under Tech Support , FAQ. No one ever goes to Tech Support BEFORE they buy a product.... they are scamming Garmin owners! How many people just throw this in the trash & don't bother returning it?
difference
alberto2602March 25, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. I am thinking that I have a very good GPS antenna: I found it trought Mac GPSPro. Anyway, I am thinking that the "interface" between the antenna and mac could be the difference.
MacGPS Pro - One of my all-time favorite...
Paul PetersMarch 22, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
...applications This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. I've used MacGPS Pro for quite a few years and watched it's capabilities grow along with that of the Macs on which it runs. Other mapping programs have come and mostly gone but Dr. James has always kept McGPS Pro up-to-date with the Mac OS and ever changing lines of GPS receivers. I go back a long way and can remember a time before there were personal computers and when my mapping was done on printed quadrangles. As time went on I purchased a Garmin 38 and some digitized quadrangles on CD from the USGS that I could view on my new Powerbook. Things didn't come together however until I purchased MacGPS and suddenly I could calibrate my quadrangles and view my Garmin's waypoints and tracks on these quads with my Pismo. I could even attach my Garmin to my laptop and display my moving position. I was hooked. Todays faster Macs allow MacGPS Pro to have even more powerful features such as tiling multiple quads or (as of the 7.6 update) tiling quads with different datums. You don't even have to calibrate your quadrangles anymore, with MacTopos you can have a complete set of calibrated quads for any U.S. state. There is talk now of new mobile Macs and I can't help but wonder if Dr. James will get MacGPS to run on these. Some reviewers have criticized MacGPS Pro for not adhering to Apple's "User Interface Guidelines" or for omitting certain features and while these concerns are often valid in my mind they pale in comparison to what MacGPSPro can do. I know of no other good alternative to MacGPS Pro on the Mac and few on Windows and so feel very fortunate that Dr. James has maintained it so well for so long. If you want to route a trip along America's highways get a TomTom or NuVi but if you want to see what's beyond those highways get MacGPS Pro.
Enjoyable, effective app
msteitzDecember 27, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. I have received personal assistance from the developer. This application has served me well, and I have successfully calibrated multiple maps of varying scales using the product. Highly recommended

Developer’s Description

By James Associates

Connect a GPS to a map display on your Mac.

MacGPS Pro is Mac software for communicating with GPS Receivers and viewing your position on moving digital maps and nautical charts. These images can be viewed with no GPS receiver connected or used in real-time as a moving-map display of your current position and velocity.

It imports maps from a wide variety of sources in the following formats: TIFF (TIF), JPEG (JPG), GIF, PNG, PICT, BMP, Photoshop (PSD), PDF, and ECW.
It manually calibrates and imports maps that you scan yourself.
It imports nautical charts in Maptech BSB (v.1, v.2, v.3, v.4, v.5) format.
It supports NMEA 0183 input from all serial port, Bluetooth, and USGlobalSat USB receivers.
It graphically generates and edits Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks for two-way transfer between your Mac and many Garmin and Magellan Serial Port and USB Receivers.
It exchanges data with Google Earth.
It imports Waypoints from Geocaching files.
It imports and exports Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks in the GPX interchange format used by other GPS programs.
It shows elevation profiles.
It prints maps.

MacGPS Pro

MacGPS Pro Analysis

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User Reviews

Overly complex product with tough learning curve

Love This Software

Great New Features...

This satisfied Garmin owner loves MacGPSPro!

Watch for

Usless for GARMIN OWNERS - CANNOT UPLOAD MAPS!

Worthless Maps

difference

MacGPS Pro - One of my all-time favorite...

Enjoyable, effective app

Developer’s Description