Reviews (3)

Project Manager of Independent .COM
Where should I start.
I just came back from Six Flags (Jackson, NJ) with the use of this "software." I found this "software" to be a great leap BACKWARD in personal navigation.

Problems
1) The map renders remarkably slow. At lease 300ft ahead of the location you GPS provides at "high speed"

2) I have 20/20 vision and I can't make out the names of the road while I am driving.

3) Even when you are on course you still receive "Off Route"

4) Your position is represented as an "X" which is fine however you pass positions are also represented as "X's" which since the map doesn't reposition showing can

5) The software does prompt you (beeps) to make a turn however this is not always the case ... sometimes there is no prompt.

6) THERE IS NO REROUTING ..This I believe should be the heart of ANY navigation program. Consider getting lost in Trenton and all you get from you navigation system is "Off route"

7) I now can successful crashed the software at will -- try programming a route, follow route to end, then continue driving on the same road away from destination and then U turn and pass again ...never fails to crash. There is no recover other than reset

There is so many more problems with I really wish I could explain them all. I BEG you if you are an informed shopper DO NOT BUY THIS SOFTWARE

Fairly good, but complex, system
A few days ago I tried to install this GPS. After around an hour I got the 125 MB software installed and the GPS working somewhat, but the signal wasn't too good. The GPS has no attenna, so I had to move it around in the car to give it a decent signal. Even when I was holding it in the air near the back of the vehicle it still freqently lost it's signal from the satelites for a second or so. It did plot the trip well, but you only see the streets if you insert the eastern or western US cdrom.

Although the compass feature seemed okay, the odometer had a lag of around 4 seconds and seemed to show the speed as being 5 - 10 mph under what it really was.

Overall, this is a decent product. The installation is complex, the software difficult to learn, but it's pretty cheap and seems to plot the trip well.

StreetFinder GPS a REAL find!
Rand-Mcnally have been the travel and travel map business for many years, and those years of accumlated knowledge have really paid off for them in recent years. They have compiled all of their information into very comprehensive and easy to use software bundles. The latest version of the software now incorporates a GPS tracking device that can be used directly with a laptop via the PCMCIA slot (NMEA compliant GPS receiver is included in bundle). This bundle is called the StreetFinder Deluxe 2000 & GPS Receiver. This product is a continuation of their StreetFinder product line, and some fine enhancements have been made to an allready stellar product. The 2000 version includes up-to-date maps reflecting the past year's changes. The package comes with everything a laptop user needs, including PCMCIA card, software (3 CD bundle: installation software, EAST coast map and WEST coast map), and the GPS receiving device, which can work from inside your car, or anywhere else. Because it is designed for your laptop, you can take it anywhere! Use it on the road, and watch the software give you directions to your driving destination, while it tracks your progress via GPS! I have personally used this product, and have been very pleased with it. Before trying the StreetFinder, I used another similar product from Sony. These two products simply do not compare. The Rand-Mcnally is tailored for the person on-the-go, and comes packed with many more useful features than the Sony. The Sony seems more like a toy then an actual productivity tool that can help a person, while the StreetFinder was meant to be used by a real traveler. The ease of use of the software, and vast and limitless use of this product and features really demonstrates this. I cannot go on enough of how great a product it is. If the GPS receiver could somehow be incorporated into the PCMCIA card (has not been done by any manufacturer), it would earn this product 5 stars.

Map updates available online, and unlimited use of the product is free (of course). Happy travels! ... Read more

Features

• Automatic address-to-address routing on detailed street maps of the entire U.S.
• Detailed and accurate updated maps
• Over 6.2 million highways, streets, and backroads
• Over 4 million searchable points of interest in the U.S. and Canada
• Information and tools to easily customize, use, and print quality maps and directions

Reviews (27)

Great Program
I used versions 3,5 or 8 of Street Atlas (for years) and I thought they were great. Despite the bad reviews of 2004, I thought I'd take a chance and buy it. -I'm glad I did. The user interface is a lot different from previous versions, but I like it. I found the new version easy to use and more functional(and I hate to read help files and manuals). I think the routing routine has greatly improved as well as POI labeling and printing options. The new version had no problems (like the earlier versions) of finding routes using country roads.
I do miss the construction and weather updates that Delorme used to provide via the web.

We don't want to drive on dirt roads!!
We are retired and part-time RVing throughout the US and Canada and have been using Delorme Street Atlas USA 2004, which has a lot of great features. However, they are of no use to us in unfamiliar areas when the created route sends us onto dirt roads, which happens on a daily basis. Some of these roads are so vehicle unfriendly that the turns onto them are easily missed and the "road" can usually be mistaken as a ranch "driveway." Occasionally, the beginning of the road is paved, but then turns to dirt. Frequently, we've had to find a place to turn around and find another way to get to our destination. We've tried using the filters to "avoid" certain roads and even contacted Delorme Support, which is unable to offer us a solution and blames the local maps they use for the program directing us onto dirt roads. We can't use a program we can't trust. Since discovering this frustrating and sometimes dangerous "flaw" in the program, we only use it w/GPS to show us where we are on the map. We are definitely going to replace this with another program before taking off on our next trip.

User interface a bit cumbersome
I had MS Streets & Trips 2000 and wanted a newer product. Based upon the poor reviews of MS Streets & Trips 2004 (crashing etc.) I thought I'd try Delorme instead.

Regardless of what you may think of Microsoft, they *do* do a pretty good job of making their products easy to use. Delorme Street Atlas, in comparison, has an odd user interface that isn't easy to pick up quickly.

Street Atlas 2004 works very well for me
We have used the latest Street Atlas versions for the past three years at home, on short trips, and while traveling cross-USA several times. We have found them to be very flexible and convenient. The latest version is greatly improved in map handling and "feel" - especially handy for use in a moving vehicle by the passenger using a portable PC with only a touch screen mouse.

We use an older GPS detector connected to the portable by wire. I suspect that the new Bluetooth GPS unit would be much more convenient.

The ability to transfer maps to a PDA has made it possible for us to use the maps with the PDA attached to the center of the windshield next to the mirror for quick orientation and route following by the driver.

The timely oral instructions from the map software on PC or PDA have been most helpful in following complex routes. As a driver, I find the oral instructions very handy. And always correct - as contrasted to passenger instructions on complex city streets.

Avoid SA2003 & 4 & Read other One Star reviews - all true.
I completely agree that this is the other most unfriendly SA version ever. They told me via their Support email that there is no way to eliminate the Splash Screen (which on my PIII/500 takes a full minute to go away). I just want to say this.. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read all the negative feedback - I have used SA6 & 7 - and without any doubt - all of the negative comments are unquestionably valid. If I could give this product a negative rank - so that it brought the ranking to ZERO stars - I would. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great but no longer supported
Great program as long as you never upgrade to Windows XP. This company is no longer and they don't support the hardware anymore. In additon, 1.0 hardware won't work in any of the latest mapping programs. Worked great before I upgraded, now it's a waste of money.

Very Handy!
I bought one for myself and find that it is VERY useful when in unfamiliar territory. I would have had great difficulty finding a business that was tucked away behind other buildings and trees if I didn't have this to help me zero in on the location. As I got closer I kept asking for the distance to the destination. When the distance started getting greater I new I had passed my destination. Being able to use voice commands to get information and for it to respond with voice makes it much safer than trying to read a Thomas Guide while on the road. My Father was impressed so now I'm getting him one for Christmas.

For who tried The NeverLost On Hertz
This product is great one if you compare it with the one which work with Palm, the voice command is very cool and it better than Neverlost , however when it draw a route for you it didn't try to recalculate the route for you if you miss an exit or something. Last think it's not easy to operate it if you are alone in the care since you it work on laptop ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Experience the glories of Paris with this multimedia collage of photographs and paintings from the French Revolution through the present. The hundreds of photos include the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Carnavalet Museum. This CD presents modern-day Paris in striking photographs, in addition to the Paris of yesteryear illustrated through 19th-century works from the celebrated Carnavalet Museum.These period paintings, lithographs, and prints let you relive the dramatic days of the French Revolution. You can also tour Paris's other famous museums and discover France's incredible art treasures. Fourteen fully illustrated itineraries total more than 400 images and guide you through all of Paris, from the Left Bank to the Louvre. Musical passages evoke the special atmosphere of Paris and provide the perfect accompaniment as you navigate the heart of the Ville Lumiere (City of Lights). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good - But not what I expected.
Lots of historical information about some of the major tourist sights in Paris, with some really beautiful photography. A good virtual tour. But, not how to tour Paris. The title says "Touring Paris Made E-Z", so I thought it would have information about the metro, how to get from point A to point B; maybe info about currency exchange, how to rent a car, etc.

If you want a virtual tour, fine, buy it. Unfortunately, the sights covered are mainly close to the city center. It would be nice if it covered Versailles, something I'm really looking forward to seeing when I go to Paris in a few months. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

National Geographic made its name in multimedia bydigitizing the whole of its printed magazine. Since then, the companyhas produced several CD-ROMs, and this one, Trip Planner Deluxe,provides what you need to plan the perfect journey through the USA andCanada.

The software has a standard route planner component. If you give it astart and end point, and any stopping-off points in between, it willwork out a driver's route. Tell it how fast you tend to drive ondifferent kinds of road, whether you prefer scenic routes, and evenwhen to nudge you to take a rest, and it will take this into accountwhen planning.

The software incorporates a reference database covering everything fromhow to find the perfect camera bag to general weather statistics fordifferent times of year throughout the U.S. and Canada. There is anotebook for your own jottings, and a huge database called theGuidebook, which lists places to eat and stay, attractions, and evenguided walks around towns and country. If you find a place you want tovisit, a quick click locates it on a map at the appropriate scale. If aplace has been recommended by friends that have already tried it, slotit into the locator and the software will find it for you.

Trip Planner Deluxe is brimming with information, yet it remains easyto use. It could be very useful for anyone planning a North Americanholiday. --Sandra Vogel ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not impressed
I bought this product because I am a subscriber to National Geographic and have always been impressed with their magazine and maps. I was a little dissapointed with this product, in that it does not always find the towns and streets I am looking for, and the searching methods are a bit unuserfriendly. I also do not like the fact that it is CD-based, with no option to install everything on the hard drive. I don't use it much because I don't like searching for the CD everytime I want to map something. It's easier to look up a map on the internet.

Don't purchase! Get Rand McNally
Everytime I enter the name of a city this program tells me "no match". I then go through the cities listed and find the one I want. I have had to do this with large and small cities. I will go back to using my Rand McNally 1997 Triper Maker as it works when I enter a town. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

DeLorme's Street Atlas USA 9.0 quickly and easily maps the entire U.S. down to the smallest urban neighborhood. Features include automatic routing with a travel-time planner, fuel consumption calculator, stopping options, and easy-to-read travel directions. Detailed street and highway maps (6.2 million miles) locate places by address, intersection, area code, local exchange, latitude/longitude, ZIP Code, or place name. Print turn-by-turn travel directions via fastest, shortest, preferred, or scenic routes.

Street Atlas USA 9.0 plans your trip with precision and speed. Updated data quickly and reliably locates more than 4 million points of interest. Create automatic and customized routes without the need of Internet access. Easily locate exit services and interest points within a given radius or along a certain route. Search for banks, recreation areas, accommodations, schools, restaurants, and more.

Ideal for personal or business travel, the program can be loaded onto your laptop for maps on the go or connected to a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for real-time travel tracking. When used in tandem with DeLorme's Earthmate GPS receiver or an NMEA-compatible GPS receiver (including popular Garmin and Magellan brands), the program displays a large arrow that tracks your travel route in real time, guides you back on course if detoured, and also signals upcoming exits. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Very good mapping software
I have both Delorme Streets and Microsoft Streets and Trips. I usually use the Delorme product, because it is faster and produces a better map. Both products suffer from having small inaccuracies at the very local level. Whether you encounter one where you are looking is kind of the luck of the draw. Despite small inaccuracies, the resulting maps using Delorme Streets are usually more than good enough to enable you to find your way.

The Delorme Streets gives VERY accurate mileage assessments from one place to another, which alone makes it worthwhile. I use it anytime I am planning a trip and have always found it very useful.

Street Atlas USA 9.0 - Don't get your hopes up.
This is an OK product. I've used Map-N-Go for several years and Street Atlas basically is road travel software with street level capability. I just bought it, and tried it. If you are using it for city to city funtions, it will do fine. If you are using it primarily for street to street, it might raise your blood pressure. I tried it for my city, Seattle. I mapped from the airport to my house. It referenced a street for departing the airport that was not apparent at the airport. Then it directed me to take a road off of the highway exit that did not exist. I ran Yahoo map with the same stuff. It gave a flawless performance, using the same signs/postings that are at the airport and it gave the proper street to exit to my home. The next day we used it to map about 8 houses on our house hunting list to look at. Several times it referenced street names that were not posted or not commonly used. Bottom line, if I had been given a trial first, no question that this software funtions poorly on the street level. Your mileage may vary.

The Last Gasp of a Once-Great Company
Version 9.0 is still the best mapping software I have used, and I have tried many. Yes, it is now dated, and it's maps are dated, it being 2003 as I write this. I notice a bad review just above mine that mentions tabbed interface which is the later (and IMHO inferior) SA 200x versions, someone posted that review under v9 by mistake. This version is not MAXIMUM CAPABILITY, it is clean simple and trim, like mapping software should be. It does a limited number of things, but figuring out how to do the basics is largely intuitive to a Windows user. It doesn't have the atrocious tabbed interface Delorme adopted later.

V9 has many good things:
1) FAST and efficient!
I run my V9 on an old ThinkPad 560X (Pentium 233MMX) and it runs just great! Try that with newer mapping software. I like that I can leave my cheapo laptop in the trunk and not worry if it gets stolen after all it only cost me a hundred bucks off EBay.
2) SIMPLE
Using the classic Windows interface it's easy to operate. It may not have the new features of 2004 like voice commands or radar serch but then again it's not bloatware. It does the limited set of things it does, very well.
3) Back-on-track!
I love this feature if I overshoot the exit it will recalc and tell me how to recover.
4) Map extraction
You can run the map extractor and install only the states you need if you don't have enough space for the whole US. Nice! My 560X doesn't even have a CD-ROM so I installed the states I needed over the network and never have to refer to CD's again.
5) Voice navigation
Okay, voice is not the best and not changeable, but it does give me audible cue I need to exit soon or whatever
6) Quick keys. There are quick keys like page-up/page-down to zoom and arrow keys to recenter that are easy to find in the dark on most keyboards or in my case a slimline IBM numeric keypad.

Yes it has some issues and I have a wishlist of items I wish it had like select the voice to use, etc. but still the best out there! I just wish Delorme would sell map updates for this veteran. Ah well...

Unfortunately Delorme has become fixated on it's new tabbed product and discontinued this excellent product. Avoid SA 2003 and 2004. Find a copy of V9 on Ebay or in the bargain bin and use it for a few more years until something better comes along.

Better than in car GPS systems.
I use this product all the time. I have used a variety of GPS systems in different cars. This system, is by far, much better than all the rest. It even tells you radio stations in your area.

Great Product Wrong Seller
...This product works excellent, especially when integrated with DeLorme's 8 channel GPS Receiver

I have used their product for years staring with version 5.0 through version 9.0 and in terms of usability and accuracey you won't find a better piece of equipment for your money. This product will operate through most Palm/Handheld devices or for the over the road traveler like myself integrating both the hardware and software is easy and effective with the use of my laptop. I have used a variety of other brands like TravRoute in addition to the weak handheld GPS units like Garmon, Magellan and nothing in my "opinion" gives you more bang for the buck than DeLorme.

Word to the wise don't be too quick to get their latest version; Street Atals 2003. It's very new and very different and resembles their X-Map Business software which I found to be much more cumbersome and less functional in many ways. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

CoPilot 2000 increases productivity by taking the guesswork out of traveling by road. The included voice technology means you simply ask for directions and CoPilot 2000 responds, telling you when and where to turn, even naming the street. The package includes a 12-channel, high-performance GPS receiver; serial cable; lighter adapter; and software. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A great product, IN CONCEPT, but it needs work...
I've been using CoPilot 2000 for about a month and have had it on one 1000+ mile trip, as well as numerous shorter jaunts. Let's just say that I think it could use a lot more maturity, and that I'm greatly disappointed in the (lack of) tech support I've experienced.

The biggest issues are not in the accuracy of the database or the quality of the GPS hardware. Neither has been a real problem for me. The problems I have are in the general usability of the software. I haven't had any actual crashes, but I've run into several annoying bugs that make using this a lot harder than it should be.

I'm disappointed in the quality of the documentation, both written and online. A lot of things don't work as documented. In some places, the docs mention window buttons or tabs that don't seem to exist. Conversely, there are features and indicators that the program appears to have but there's no explanation in the docs on how to use them or what they mean.

Finally, some functions that I think are obvious don't appear to be there. For example, "show me where I'll be if I drive 550 miles along the chosen route" (so you can plan where to spend the night), or "scroll along the chosen route" (you can scroll the map, but you have to diddle the scroll bars yourself to keep your route in the center. Hard to do when you're in a bouncing car!), or "show me what I'll find at the next exit". This is all basic trip-planning stuff.

I'd love to talk to the folks at TravRoute and ask them about all of this. Perhaps I'm just doing something dumb and obvious, or not looking in the right place for help. But, so far anyway, their tech support is a black hole. Despite a couple E-mail messages and several phone calls, I have yet to speak to anyone or even get an E-mail or call acknowledging that they've heard me.

This product has a lot of promise, but it's not for the faint-of-heart. The execution doesn't quite meet the promise, in my opinion.

Great Product
A fantastic product! Makes my life so much easier when I am traveling for business. I Simply tell CoPilot 2000 where I want to go and it does everything else for me, it even talks to me and tells me where to turn. I haven't gotten lost in months!

Awesome!
A fantastic product! Makes my life so much easier when I am traveling for business. Simply tell CoPilot 2000 where you're going and then sit back and listen while CoPilot's spoken directions talk you through your entire trip. I haven't gotten lost in months!

CoPilot 2000
This GPS navigation system is first rate. After some initial set up problems, which are easily corrected after reviewing the Travroute web site, Q & A section. The program is super. We haven't been lost since. Even when you make a wrong turn the program re-routes you to your destination. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Say a sweet goodbye to gas station direction stops! DeLorme's high-performance Earthmate GPS turns your PC laptop or Palm OS handheld into an easy-to-use global positioning system (GPS). Earthmate comes with a 12-channel GPS receiver and DeLorme's Street Atlas USA Deluxe software. The receiver tracks your position in real time using satellite navigation technology, while the software displays your position on street-level maps with an easy-to-follow arrow. Plan address-to-address routes without an Internet connection. Find the best route to and from airports, restaurants, hotels, schools, and more. Whether you're headed down the highway or back home--whatever comes your way--you'll never be directionless again.

The Earthmate GPS receiver runs for up to 10 hours on four AAA batteries (not included), so precious car power sources remain available. Durable casing and moisture-resistant seals withstand a variety of road conditions, and the unit weighs just under 1/2 pound. Earthmate GPS is compatible with PC laptops or Palm OS handhelds. Handhelds do require DeLorme's Solus Pro software and an additional cable. Use Earthmate's receiver with a variety of DeLorme programs for a staggering range of mapping capabilities. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An idea ahead of it's time
I bought one of these a couple of years ago. I can't tell you how excited I was about it. Delorme has been a favorite company of mine for years. The Street Atlas USA software is as good as I've ever found in digitized mapping. The Atlas Gazateers are also great and I've usually had one close to me when travelling.

However, on this one the technology just isn't there yet. At least not for the high desert. The sensor is unfit for riding on the dash on a hot day, or on rough roads. The laptop attracts dirt and dust, sitting open, even more than everything else in the vehicle. In no time I had to replace a keyboard, just after a couple of attempts to use this device.

In areas with smooth roads and no dust it might be a good investment. I can imagine UPS drivers using and praying to it.

Mine's been sitting idle, batteries removed for a year and a half. I might never use it again.

NOT AS GOOD AS IT GETS
...
These software products are okay, but are nothing compared to the real stuff. For one thing, the voices sound like ROBOTS, not like humans, so it can be annoying after a while...
It is okay on accuracy, but only for streets that have been around for more than 5 years...

Never be the butt of an old joke again!
Please don't get me wrong, I love my wife, but traveling with my wife by car is, well, to use her words, an adventure. If she is driving, she refuses to follow instructions unless they are printed and she will only stop if there's a need for gas, a restroom, or if some business she noticies is selling Beanie Babies. If she is navigating, forget anything she says after fifteen minutes because her attention is off the map and can only be reoriented after stopping the car.
Enter the Earthmate 2.0 GPS. It transformed my HP 5135 notebook into into a big screen GPS. The green arrow shows your position and direction on a small or large scale road map, the status window displays Lat and Long for you mariner types, and with the addition of an adaptor cable and and inexpensive inverter, the system maintains positional information indefinitely. For you PDA users, with some additional software, the informational display is converted a scrolling screen and will maintain 10 hours of continual display on 4 AA bateries. This thing is terrific, and the price is right, my order totaled [amt] with the cable that powers the Earthmate from the notebook external keyboard port. Price any stand-alone GPS and see what you get for [amt]. As far I can tell so far, there is no downside to this package, no cons only pros. I give it 5 triumphant stars!

This Is For ALL The Men Who Don't Stop For Directions
You'll never have to again!!! With Earthmate GPS Just tell it where you want to go & the only voice you'll hear is your computer,... NOT THE WIFE saying,..."Won't You Just STOP & ASK SOMEONE"!!! Weather you are going cross country or just Garage Saling around your home town. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL!!! No computer skills needed,... Even if you miss a turn or just deviate off course for an adventure, Just say "Continue From Here" and it will automaticly get you back on track.

A MUST for us Men who LOVE GADGETS & Hate to say "We Should Have Listened To You"!!! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Nice, but misleading advertising
This is a very nice product, functionally speaking. In addition to Topo USA, I have tried both TOPO! and MapTech which are also excellent products. But beware! Delorme tries to contrast this product with the others based on price. In their own comparisons you will see dollar figures for the price of the map data covering the entire US for each product and, based on this figure, it is an obvious choice to pick Topo USA. What they don't tell you is that they are doing an apples to oranges comparison. The "Full USA" maps that come with Topo USA are essentially Delorme Atlas type maps. Fine for road navigation, but almost useless for hiking, backpacking, or any serious off road naviation. Delorme offers the USGS 7.5 minute series maps that most of us use in the "wilds" as add-ons to Topo USA in their "3-D TopoQuads" products, but at huge prices for each state on par with the other two products. DON'T BE MISLEAD BY PRICE. Topo USA, TOPO!, and Maptech will all cost about the same to get the same product. It comes down to software features you like best. Unfortunately, it is not an easy choice as they all do some things better than the others ...

I will probably stick with Topo USA as I like the interface and the 3D view (MapTech does this also). It also looks like Delorme has more of the US covered with the USGS 7.5 series than the other companies, but it will hit your wallet big to get the upgraded maps!

Absolutely Wretched
Delorme ought to be ashamed. Crude, slow, and buggy, this is one mapping package you shouldn't waste money on. I'm an avid cyclist and hiker and I don't know what the guy below was talking about when he said it was good for making bike routes- these maps are way too clunky and blunt for that, never mind hike routing! The reviewer who referred to a five-year-old's stick drawing was on the mark. The 3-D function would be neat if it actually worked but the software is soooo slow and crash prone you won't do 3-D more than a couple of times before you're sick of it. (Btw, I use a 1.3MHz P4.) Try the Topo!GPS series by Wildflower (now published by National Geographic) if you are a serious hike/bike enthusiast and want to plan routes. It's hands down the better software.

Great for bicyclists!
As an avid road and mountain bike cyclist, I can really appreciate this product. It allows me to easily put together maps and elevation profiles for bike rides I'm planning. It also allows me to answer the all-important question of "how much climbing is there?". Based on routes that I've already measured, the software is very accurate in terms of both the distances, and the amount of overall climbing involved.

There are a few quirks in the software, and it takes some time to learn it. Navigation is a bit tedious at times (especially when zooming in or out), but this is common with most online maps. The Help file could be better, although I admit I've not taken the time to go through the tutorials. Printing support could be better, especially with the 3-D maps which don't seem to print all that I see on screen. It would also be nice to have some additional "export" features, so that I could incorporate maps, directions, profiles, etc. into route sheets (fortunately, I have "SnagIt" which allows for easy screen captures).

But, these minor quibbles aside, I really enjoy working with this this software. In fact, I've been spending too much time lately "playing" with it!

waste of money
The milage calculations don't work and the landmarks(trails) are in the wrong location. Representive said they don't plan to do anything about it maybe until they have made all they can off this defective version.

Very good, detailed
Very good, flexible, and detailed topographic mapping. Stops short of the full detail of USGS maps, that I understand is available in DeLorme's more complete and more expensive topographic maps. Can download the multiple (6) CDs to your hard drive, thankfully, so you don't have to carry the CDs with you all the time.... ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Absolutely Wretched
Delorme ought to be ashamed.Crude, slow, and buggy, this is one mapping package you shouldn't waste money on.I'm an avid cyclist and hiker and I don't know what the guy below was talking about when he said it was good for making bike routes- these maps are way too clunky and blunt for that, never mind hike routing!The reviewer who referred to a five-year-old's stick drawing was on the mark.The 3-D function would be neat if it actually worked but the software is soooo slow and crash prone you won't do 3-D more than a couple of times before you're sick of it.(Btw, I use a 1.3MHz P4.)Try the Topo!GPS series by Wildflower (now published by National Geographic) if you are a serious hike/bike enthusiast and want to plan routes.It's hands down the better software.

Great for bicyclists!
As an avid road and mountain bike cyclist, I can really appreciate this product.It allows me to easily put together maps and elevation profiles for bike rides I'm planning.It also allows me to answer the all-important question of "how much climbing is there?".Based on routes that I've already measured, the software is very accurate in terms of both the distances, and the amount of overall climbing involved.

There are a few quirks in the software, and it takes some time to learn it.Navigation is a bit tedious at times (especially when zooming in or out), but this is common with most online maps.The Help file could be better, although I admit I've not taken the time to go through the tutorials.Printing support could be better, especially with the 3-D maps which don't seem to print all that I see on screen.It would also be nice to have some additional "export" features, so that I could incorporate maps, directions, profiles, etc. into route sheets (fortunately, I have "SnagIt" which allows for easy screen captures).

But, these minor quibbles aside, I really enjoy working with this this software.In fact, I've been spending too much time lately "playing" with it!

waste of money
The milage calculations don't work and the landmarks(trails) are in the wrong location. Representive said they don't plan to do anything about it maybe until they have made all they can off this defective version.

Very good, detailed
Very good, flexible, and detailed topographic mapping.Stops short of the full detail of USGS maps, that I understand is available in DeLorme's more complete and more expensive topographic maps.Can download the multiple (6) CDs to your hard drive, thankfully, so you don't have to carry the CDs with you all the time....

Poor customer support
Can't get it to print maps. Keeps crashing my computer. Can't get any help from Delorme. Put on hold for 30 to 40 ninutes. Maps have little detail. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Topo USA Fly-Fishing Edition contains USGS topological maps with enhanced data that will help fly-fishing aficionados plan the perfect fishing trip. It includes up-to-date roads, points of interest, hydro, and rail features. What you get is a complete mapping program covering the entire U.S. Search the topo maps for your favorite fishing spots. Scroll rapidly and seamlessly across topo maps of the entire country. Record important fly-fishing observations--linked to the maps--to create an invaluable log of your trips. Included are 20-foot contour intervals (except for Alaska, which has 100-foot intervals) and over 300,000 miles of trails. Profile elevation changes allow you to trace the trail or road you'll be taking, and the software will provide a cross-sectional view with ascents, descents, the total distance, and more. You can print these profiles--and the maps--and take them with you. This product was developed by the map experts at DeLorme and by fishing authority Trout Unlimited. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Nice, but misleading advertising
This is a very nice product, functionally speaking. In addition to Topo USA, I have tried both TOPO! and MapTech which are also excellent products. But beware! Delorme tries to contrast this product with the others based on price. In their own comparisons you will see dollar figures for the price of the map data covering the entire US for each product and, based on this figure, it is an obvious choice to pick Topo USA. What they don't tell you is that they are doing an apples to oranges comparison. The "Full USA" maps that come with Topo USA are essentially Delorme Atlas type maps. Fine for road navigation, but almost useless for hiking, backpacking, or any serious off road naviation. Delorme offers the USGS 7.5 minute series maps that most of us use in the "wilds" as add-ons to Topo USA in their "3-D TopoQuads" products, but at huge prices for each state on par with the other two products. DON'T BE MISLEAD BY PRICE. Topo USA, TOPO!, and Maptech will all cost about the same to get the same product. It comes down to software features you like best. Unfortunately, it is not an easy choice as they all do some things better than the others ...

I will probably stick with Topo USA as I like the interface and the 3D view (MapTech does this also). It also looks like Delorme has more of the US covered with the USGS 7.5 series than the other companies, but it will hit your wallet big to get the upgraded maps!

Absolutely Wretched
Delorme ought to be ashamed. Crude, slow, and buggy, this is one mapping package you shouldn't waste money on. I'm an avid cyclist and hiker and I don't know what the guy below was talking about when he said it was good for making bike routes- these maps are way too clunky and blunt for that, never mind hike routing! The reviewer who referred to a five-year-old's stick drawing was on the mark. The 3-D function would be neat if it actually worked but the software is soooo slow and crash prone you won't do 3-D more than a couple of times before you're sick of it. (Btw, I use a 1.3MHz P4.) Try the Topo!GPS series by Wildflower (now published by National Geographic) if you are a serious hike/bike enthusiast and want to plan routes. It's hands down the better software.

Great for bicyclists!
As an avid road and mountain bike cyclist, I can really appreciate this product. It allows me to easily put together maps and elevation profiles for bike rides I'm planning. It also allows me to answer the all-important question of "how much climbing is there?". Based on routes that I've already measured, the software is very accurate in terms of both the distances, and the amount of overall climbing involved.

There are a few quirks in the software, and it takes some time to learn it. Navigation is a bit tedious at times (especially when zooming in or out), but this is common with most online maps. The Help file could be better, although I admit I've not taken the time to go through the tutorials. Printing support could be better, especially with the 3-D maps which don't seem to print all that I see on screen. It would also be nice to have some additional "export" features, so that I could incorporate maps, directions, profiles, etc. into route sheets (fortunately, I have "SnagIt" which allows for easy screen captures).

But, these minor quibbles aside, I really enjoy working with this this software. In fact, I've been spending too much time lately "playing" with it!

waste of money
The milage calculations don't work and the landmarks(trails) are in the wrong location. Representive said they don't plan to do anything about it maybe until they have made all they can off this defective version.

Very good, detailed
Very good, flexible, and detailed topographic mapping. Stops short of the full detail of USGS maps, that I understand is available in DeLorme's more complete and more expensive topographic maps. Can download the multiple (6) CDs to your hard drive, thankfully, so you don't have to carry the CDs with you all the time.... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

How low can you go?Find out with DeLorme's revised Topo USA3.0, packed with stunning new features. With 43 national park and 120national forest trail networks, the latest version of this innovativesoftware lets you create high-detail maps of trails, roads, andwilderness for the entire U.S.

New users will find Topo USA 3.0 easy to install and learn, quicklycreating and printing finely detailed topological maps for hiking orhunting trips. Those familiar with older versions will thrill to thenew automatic trail and road routing, land-cover data that integratestrees and other features into maps, and especially the large format (11by 17) and mural printing. If the graphics are a little creaky on aparticular computer, it's easy to switch from the intense 3-D mode tothe simpler 2-D--this should speed up performance for those who needtheir maps in a hurry.

Maps can be ported to Palm-running PDAs and a wide range of GPSdevices--just make sure to bring spare batteries, or, failing that, acompass. The data is current as of early 2001, including more than300,000 miles of trails, from America's deepest trenches to its highestpeaks. Even users who don't spend most of their time outdoors will findthe added dimensions a neat twist to their virtual explorations.--Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Nice, but misleading advertising
This is a very nice product, functionally speaking. In addition to Topo USA, I have tried both TOPO! and MapTech which are also excellent products. But beware! Delorme tries to contrast this product with the others based on price. In their own comparisons you will see dollar figures for the price of the map data covering the entire US for each product and, based on this figure, it is an obvious choice to pick Topo USA. What they don't tell you is that they are doing an apples to oranges comparison. The "Full USA" maps that come with Topo USA are essentially Delorme Atlas type maps. Fine for road navigation, but almost useless for hiking, backpacking, or any serious off road naviation. Delorme offers the USGS 7.5 minute series maps that most of us use in the "wilds" as add-ons to Topo USA in their "3-D TopoQuads" products, but at huge prices for each state on par with the other two products. DON'T BE MISLEAD BY PRICE. Topo USA, TOPO!, and Maptech will all cost about the same to get the same product. It comes down to software features you like best. Unfortunately, it is not an easy choice as they all do some things better than the others ...

I will probably stick with Topo USA as I like the interface and the 3D view (MapTech does this also). It also looks like Delorme has more of the US covered with the USGS 7.5 series than the other companies, but it will hit your wallet big to get the upgraded maps!

Absolutely Wretched
Delorme ought to be ashamed. Crude, slow, and buggy, this is one mapping package you shouldn't waste money on. I'm an avid cyclist and hiker and I don't know what the guy below was talking about when he said it was good for making bike routes- these maps are way too clunky and blunt for that, never mind hike routing! The reviewer who referred to a five-year-old's stick drawing was on the mark. The 3-D function would be neat if it actually worked but the software is soooo slow and crash prone you won't do 3-D more than a couple of times before you're sick of it. (Btw, I use a 1.3MHz P4.) Try the Topo!GPS series by Wildflower (now published by National Geographic) if you are a serious hike/bike enthusiast and want to plan routes. It's hands down the better software.

Great for bicyclists!
As an avid road and mountain bike cyclist, I can really appreciate this product. It allows me to easily put together maps and elevation profiles for bike rides I'm planning. It also allows me to answer the all-important question of "how much climbing is there?". Based on routes that I've already measured, the software is very accurate in terms of both the distances, and the amount of overall climbing involved.

There are a few quirks in the software, and it takes some time to learn it. Navigation is a bit tedious at times (especially when zooming in or out), but this is common with most online maps. The Help file could be better, although I admit I've not taken the time to go through the tutorials. Printing support could be better, especially with the 3-D maps which don't seem to print all that I see on screen. It would also be nice to have some additional "export" features, so that I could incorporate maps, directions, profiles, etc. into route sheets (fortunately, I have "SnagIt" which allows for easy screen captures).

But, these minor quibbles aside, I really enjoy working with this this software. In fact, I've been spending too much time lately "playing" with it!

waste of money
The milage calculations don't work and the landmarks(trails) are in the wrong location. Representive said they don't plan to do anything about it maybe until they have made all they can off this defective version.

Very good, detailed
Very good, flexible, and detailed topographic mapping. Stops short of the full detail of USGS maps, that I understand is available in DeLorme's more complete and more expensive topographic maps. Can download the multiple (6) CDs to your hard drive, thankfully, so you don't have to carry the CDs with you all the time.... ... Read more