Mapping software.

Hi everyone.

I would like to hear opinions on different mapping software available (National Geagraphic, DeLorme...). I am talking about the kind that you use on a computer (not GPS), where you can plan your hike and print the map at home. Also, I am only interested in the kind that has high resolution, like the 7.5 min quads. I don't really care for something to help me drive.

If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know. My primary use would be for hiking/backpacking.

Thank you for your time.

Just in case you are wondering, I am thinking of buying the Delorme Topo USA Mapping Software 6.0 West Region, which is only $40 on Amazon. Any comments on that one will be appreciated.

OK, now I am going to take some pictures.

If you are looking at the Delorme package, you might look at getting the whole US system. It seemed that the difference was small between the western region and the entire US. My Dad has been using the Delorme system since maybe version 2 or 3. He has liked it a great deal and the product has gotten significantly better in 3D rendering over the years. I've got the Delorme Colorado Gazetteer and Atlas, which I keep in my jeep and I combine that with guide books and field reports and specific topo quads before I go, so I've never really had the need to add this to my kit.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Delorme and NG systems both will allow you to load data back from your GPS into the software and show mapping info that way as well. Nice to have when you get home to document your trips.

I've been using Maptech's Terrain Navigator for several years, it's easy to use, and the maps are scanned USGS topos. I was able to get Colorado and New Mexico together for $120 on Amazon.

Momo, mark me down as another happy MapTech user. I've had it for about 5-6 years, and really like it the best. I have the Colorado Nat Geo program also, and its fun too, but the MapTech works better for me. Really, its the 3D on the MapTech I like the best.

I originally bought the CO/UT combo pack when it was only about $100. I upgraded a few years ago to the Colorado MapTech Pro before that version went so expensive ($299 per state! ) Here is a comparison chart between the two: MapTech Comparison sheet (PDF)

Keep in mind that the aerial photos they are talking about cost a yearly subscription. When I first got it, they gave you a year free, which was cool. But with stuff out there today like Google Earth, I see no reason to use the MapTech version of images. So, I'd say the regular, not Pro version would do you just fine.

OK, I'll stop sounding like a salesperson from MapTech! Here is a web page I put together a few years ago when I answered this same question on another forum. Hope it helps a little! Have fun!!!

MapTech sample page

Google Earth is what I use to explore an area - without a doubt. I've tried a bunch of different programs for printing maps to take on my hikes and backpack trips - NG Topo, TopoZone.com, and most recently DeLorme Topo 6 (check eBay for the best prices, but watch out for copied/pirated software). I'm most pleased with the printed maps from DeLorme. But I'm still not crazy about their user interface for navigation. It takes some getting used to, but it is workable.

I have NG TOPO for Colorado and Delorme Topo USA 5.0. Like Scott, I've found the Delorme interface less than intuitive. Of the two, NG is easier to use while Delorme has much better graphics. You can see some Delorme screenshots on my Wind Rivers Trip Report.

Both allow for dowloading waypoints, routes, etc. to a GPS if you ever want/need to, but won't download the maps themselves, at least not to a Garmin; that requires whatever software comes with the GPS.

I think I paid just a little more for the entire US version of Delorme Topo USA than I did just for the Colorado set of NG TOPO. If you don't mind investing the time in learning to use the interface, the Delorme is a better value, imo.

Thank you everyone for the input.
Rick, those 2D and 3D maps on your website are awesome. If they are accurate, that is all I will ever need in terms of resolution.
It looks like DeLorme might be the best value for me, but I will check out MapTech as well.

Thanks again.

Delorme actually has the same 3D features as MapTech and allows you to tilt the map and see the relief. I also like their "shaded relief" feature that gives their maps more of a 3D look even when presented flat. I still use version 4.0 which has a quirky user interface. I'm not sure if this changed in later versions.

Guy

I have used Delorme for a long time. Another nice feature of the Topo 6 software is that my old Topoquad 2.0 discs work in it also. I can see the old 7.5' maps along with the newer Topo6 series. The old quads have more information on them such as ruins and old closed roads and trails.

Hi Ken. That extra feature sounds very useful. Would you know where I can buy Topoquad 2.0 discs?

Hi Momo,

Topoquads 2.0 mapsets are here but quite pricey!

https://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCSrdSrchResults.jsp?minisite=10020

Ken