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What is a good Topo map program to have?

M

Mike Hillis

Well-known member
I'm looking for a good computer topo map or program. Any recommendations or favorites out there??

Thanks,

Mike
 
Hi Mike,

"it depends". First decide if you want to interface a particular GPS unit to it. Each model GPS has specific software that interfaces and displays onscreen. Then decide whether you would prefer the software to dictate the GPS or vice versa. Then decide if you want DEM digital elevation models (vector) or real scanned topo maps (raster).

The most comprehensive software would be GIS software by ESRI like ARCview or ARCMap all part of ARCinfo 9. You can use ARCExplorer a free viewer to look ar ARC files as well. You would download the topo maps as georeferenced TIFs or shape files from your local Geologic Survey or university. Perhaps from a USGS portal.

DeLorme makes a wide variety of consumer products. I have tried TopoUSA and 3D TopoQuads. Both OK products and updated these days to interface with certain GPS units.

I also have the Magellan GPS with the 3 yrs old Mapsend Topo. This is mearly OK. It is low res, projection slightly off in some parts of the US and black and white on my GPS. It is a digital elevation model instead of the scanned topos but gets the job done and is very cheap. The GPS locates precisely but the onscreen maps may be off slightly.

And of course if you just want to view topos and such you can always do that online at websites like Topozone. Also most states have an online GIS site where you can view the whole state in topo fashion, other map types or even view the aerial photography like on Google Earth; microsoft.terraserver.com etc.

enjoy

-=j=-
 
I like terra server for two primary reasons. It has a distance measurement tool, and an opaque paper map overlay from around 1959.

HH
BarnacleBill
 
I use "TOPOZONE". I have an older GPS that does not interface, so I just use this site to print maps of different area's, & I can just put the cursor on a spot & it show's me the numbers.....
If your planning on interfacing, John has some great info below...
 
n/t
 
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