Mapping Software Question

Gary Miller · 07-31-2003, 10:44 PM

I am considering purchasing some mapping software.
Can anyone please give me some advise... Are the maps of good quality? Is there a specific brand that you can reccomend? Are they worth the money?
Are they up to date? I will be using the maps for scouting new and existing elk and deer hunting locations.

Thanks for your help
Gary

tailchaser · 08-01-2003, 06:25 AM

I have one and really love it. Anywhere my cursor moves the gps coords and elevation will follow on the bottom of my screen. I can punch in trails, springs, and anything I may need in the field long before I even arrive. Very useful tool. I have it at home but can give you the name of it tonight if you want. I can also plot out trails and it will give me the vertical cross section, as well as miles so I can compare travel coming from different directions to the same spot.

tc

Gus Orviston · 08-01-2003, 07:06 AM

Most map SW now days uses USGS topo maps as their base, so basically it is the same stuff you see in GI Joes, or Captains, but just on the computer. Garmin Mapsource deviates from this a bit, but I have Topo USA, Terrain Navigator, and Mapsoure. Topo USA and TN are basically copies of the USGS topos. The key difference is the TN stuff looks like a digitized version (literal photograph) of the USGS maps and Delorme Products are copies but not scanned.

I like all of maps, so don't ask me which ones I use the most. Mapsoure...works with my GPSs, Maptech TN is a exact copy of USGS maps, and Topo USA was my first map SW and it works well when traveling and showing my location on PC notebook.

If you have a GPS, look into what mapping SW it works with and use it. If you don't have a GPS (who doesn't

...apparently the guy lost it the fog last monday) decide which one you will buy someday and buy their SW.

Go to maptech's website and you will see an example of their mapping SW..BTW maptech is not cheap, but these are the the exact copies of USGS topos.

my 3.245365 cents. gus

[ 08-01-2003, 08:07 AM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

ColdSteel · 08-01-2003, 07:32 AM

I have Mapsource and the Washington State National Geographic Maps. Mapsource is ok but I really like the National Geographic software. Its based on the USGS maps and has basically the same features that TC mentioned.

These maps can also be printed out but with my printer they aren't as nice as the store bought ones. I use water proof map paper and print on both sides. My GPS is the Magellan SportTrak Pro and both of these software programs work great with it.

Get Bit · 08-01-2003, 09:09 AM

Gary,

Great to hear from you! A thought might be something I saw over at Sportsman's the other day. They have an internet access card/# you can purchase that buys you the access to a website that has all of the types of things you are talking about. The document I read indicated they have topos, GPS Coordinates, etc. The thing that caught me was that it's only $10 for a year of access. Didn't buy it then but I plan on it. It was back at the counter that sells the Electronics etc. Hope this helps ! Say hi to Blake ! Lets get together and do a hunt or something. ALso got a couple of Q's about your aquapods I want to ask.

Get Bit

glowball · 08-01-2003, 08:53 PM

I have delorme topo 4.0 and really like it. You can do some cool stuff with it.