Pc Mapping Software

[+EskimoZooKeeper]

i am looking to purchase a good mapping software so i can create custom topo maps and print them out for various adventures.... and ideas or recommendations?

 

thanks, EZK

[+Sputnik 57]

I use NG Topo! Back Roads Explorer. Great topo maps down to 100K for all 50 states on 16 CDs. About $100.

 

You can also add state-by-state maps down to 24K for about $100 per state. I haven't gotten the Texas one (yet).

 

Good maps, with lots of off-the-beaten-path roads.

[The Foster Clan]

I've never heard anything bad about the National Geographic software. When I have some extra money, I plan to buy it too. Sam's Club had it for a while at a decent price...

 

Jon.

[+NightPilot]

Take a look at USAPhotomaps. You can download any topos you want, and convert to .jpg and print.

[Bobthearch]

I just bought the DeLorme USA Topo. It covers the entire country and costs under $100. Might be nice for custom maps since it has the ability to display in 3D with light shading, and other cool features.

 

If you need quad-maps on the computer, several companies sell those including DeLorme, National Geographic, and AllTopo. The benefit, you can print out and customize actual topo quad maps. The downside, each is around $100 per state.

 

Happy Shopping,

Bob

Edited October 26, 2004 by Bobthearch

[+Jeeters]

I like ExpertGps myself. Similar to USAPhotomaps in that you download the USGS maps and satellite images from the Internet. You can print them, whatever. Also has GPSr support, waypoint management, and can import/export gpx files, etc. It's at least worth trying the 30-day free trial. Broadband recommended, though.

 

I picked up Delorme USA Topo when 5.0 came out and they offered the discount at the time of release. I've not been impressed. It's vector based so just isn't as detailed as what you get with expertgps or National Geographics state-specific maps.

[+Team Trail Walker]

I recently purchased the National Geographic TOPO! State series for "Colorado" and I'm very happy with it. 4x4books.com had a good price on it , $79.95. Amazon had it for a good price too but they were always out of stock. I also have expertgps and have used it for about a year. It works fine for general hiking or caching but the thing I wanted out of a map was the ability to scale a coordinate in the field. The NG TOPO! maps make it easy using standard 24K tools. I print on adventure paper, two sides, using a 30 second grid. Perfect for hiking and caching in the mountains of Colorado.

[+DuncanClan]

Team Trail Walker:

I print on adventure paper, two sides, using a 30 second grid.

 

What is "adventure paper"? Can you buy waterproof paper for an inkjet printer?

 

DC

[+Jeeters]

Adventure Paper

[+Team Trail Walker]

Yes, Adventure paper is a waterproof, tear-resistant paper for the ink jet printer. It's a little pricey at $.80 a sheet, but well worth it in my estimation. I can usually fit my hike on a single 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. I fold it into quarters and slip it into a small pouch on the belt strap of my pack for easy reference. I cant do that with larger maps. You can find the paper Here but I buy mine at REI locally.

[+Geo Terp]

I prefer this paper from iGage. It's about half the price of the NG Adventure Paper.

 

http://www.igage.com/WeatherP.htm

 

You can get it online from http://www.waterproof-paper.com/

 

Amazon also sells the 11x17 size if you have a printer that supports it.

 

-Kevin

[+EskimoZooKeeper]

thank you all for all your input !!! now i need to do some research on all these products....