"Free" USGS topo maps on iPhone

[+user13371]

I'll be posting a review on the AppStore in a day or two. Here's a quick sketch...

 

http://appshopper.com/navigation/topo-maps

 

Just upgraded to v1.5 -- overall I think this is the best topo map app on the iPhone to date...

 

Good stuff:

 

- Downloads complete USGS topo quads to your phone for offline use.

- Only takes two touches of the screen to download an entire quad.

- Once downloaded to your iPhone, you don't need to be online to use the maps.

- Maps can be viewed as they were scanned as individual sheets, or stitched together for seamless look

- Map appearance is speedy, smooth, and clear. Also has optional range-rings and measuring tools.

- GPS position can be shown on map.

- App is only $7 and the maps are free.

 

Not so good stuff:

 

- Even though it only takes two touches to download a quad, you have to d/l each one individually.

- The "overview map" used for selecting/downloading maps is a high-altitude image showing quad names/borders, and some place names only. It can be hard to read sometimes.

 

Would like to see:

 

- A clearer overview map for selecting quads.

- A way to group-select quads for batch download.

- A way to set/view my own waypoints and tracks on the maps.

 

...(more later - anybody have any questions?)...

Edited September 15, 2009 by lee_rimar