Map Software

Does anyone use any type of map software?

I'm looking for something like GoogleMaps, etc, but where I can have more control in planning and plotting personal course, mileage, etc.
I would also want to store routes, map points, to repeat the same trip for a later date, etc.

Take a look at Delorme Topo 9. Not the easiest software to get used to, but very up to date and will do everything you want. The one nice thing is the topo capability so you can see terrain not just roads. It also has the ability to add data such as free National Parks Depending on where you are traveling, you can purchase only half the country for half price.
check out this link http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/

Trailer life has map software and if you have a GPS you can use it with the software. There are a number of GPS units you can plug into a USB port on a laptop and they are relatively inexpensive. Here is a link to Trailer Life.

http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/...productid=24OK

Garmin 'Road Trip" software will do pretty much everything you are wanting it to do. In addition, if you happen to have a Garmin GPS, you can load routes to the GPS (later models only). I think the Garmin software is free, but you have to biuy the map data to use with it. You can find it on the Garmin web site.

DeLorme's Topo USA certainly is one choice (I have version 3.0), but the Garmin MapSource software that came with my Street Pilot 2730 GPS is excellent, and the routes (as well as waypoints) can be loaded from the software to the GPS (or vice-versa). Both MapSource and its road database (same as on the GPS) are updateable from the web (the database for a charge, of course). DeLorme's Street Atlas is good, too, and while it doesn't have the topographic info, it has a bit better (at least in my versions) database of points of interest, motels, restaurants, and other businesses, along with parks, etc., than does Topo.

The 2730 has, many times, helped me find motels, gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., especially helpful in places like Vermont where road signs seem to be unknown for businesses, but still quite useful elsewhere.

So typically, for a trip, I'll plan the route on MapSource then, once the trip is finalized, dump it into the 2730 (USB connection) for use on the road. I can do this from either my laptop or my desktop machine, so changes on the road are perfectly feasible (of course you can change it within the GPS, too).

So MapSource seems to me the most useful (for me), but I use Topo USA (it's also on my laptop) when I need topographic information and, if I choose, I can hook the GPS to the laptop and let Topo track me, as well as the 2730 itself. I can even use Garmin's nRoute (free download, but mostly usable only with Garmin GPSs) to track my route on the laptop (I don't do that very often).

I have been using MicroSoft Streets and Trips. I can plug in my hiking GPS into it if needed for real time positioning. The newer versions of this product have a GPS that you can purchase that plugs into the USB port of your laptop. This type of set up is not for everyone. I use it because I just happen to have all the pieces to make it work already available.

Originally Posted by Joseph

I have been using MicroSoft Streets and Trips. I can plug in my hiking GPS into it if needed for real time positioning. The newer versions of this product have a GPS that you can purchase that plugs into the USB port of your laptop. This type of set up is not for everyone. I use it because I just happen to have all the pieces to make it work already available.

I now have a garmin so I don't need it, but i used to use Streets and trips and I liked it.

[fosterdiaz]

Hi rumbleweed.

Nice idea for providing us information about Map Software. Would you mind to let us know more about this? Thanks!

Originally Posted by HappyWDWCampers

I now have a garmin so I don't need it, but i used to use Streets and trips and I liked it.

Hey all, just thought I'd let u know that the 2010 Streets and Trips can work with certain Garmin models either through USB ( see this url for the info: http://www.microsoft.com/streets/en-us/devices.aspx ) In addition, if you don't have a Garmin but have a unit with MSN Direct, you can also use it with these models... http://www.msndirect.com/services.aspx

I have been using Streets and trips for years and like the ability to change routes on the fly while traveling--I hated having to open the computer on long trips and so I recently purchased a garmin for DH that we can take with us on longer trips.) Now, I won't have to program two different units (it was a pain going to TX trying to force the Garmin to use the routes I wanted)...

Another idea, I bought the Mountain Directory a few years ago and made a master map that I modify when I start new trips and have been pushpins to note steep grades and the list keeps growing so now when I plan trips I can tell which ways to avoid.

[scrubjaysnest]

We use mapsource as noted in this thread: http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...8828#post78828

We also use Garmins TOPO mapping software for geocaching along with Delorme Street Atlas. Use GSAK to load the caches into Street Atlas, connect a second GPSr to the lap top and one has a fine tool for urban geocaching.