Reviews (8)

Limited use, but handy
The software itself isn't terrible, given that it feels like it was designed about six years ago. The next time I'm going to Yosemite, I'll be bringing a map printed by this app. The app has a very nice search feature, will import GPS waypoints, build excellent route elevation graphs, and has a system for adding wee icons to your maps.

That said, there are some pretty big problems with using the program for anything other than printing trail maps.

In the license agreement the maps you build, save, and print are referred to as "reproductions":

- Reproductions are only for in-house, in-business, or intra-organization purposes
- National Geographic Holdings is leasing the reproductions to you; you do not own them
- All reproductions must include copyright notices indicating that the maps are owned by NGH
- Distribution of printed reproductions (for in-house use as mentioned above) is ok, but for digital reproductions you must contact NGH and get a supplemental license in writing

So, you can lease and print very nice hiking maps for use within your house, business, or company. Using the maps on web sites (even internal ones) or other digital documents is forbidden without entering license negotiations with NGH.

Highly recommended for the average bacpacker
In my opinion, this software is great, especially for a backpacker who just wants to use a GPS as a "toy". There are 15 major national parks with 4 map views and more than adequate zoom capabilities. In addition, it is possible to create your own routes (by drawing them with your mouse), obtain elevation gains/losses, and automatically create and upload up to 30 waypoints per route to your GPS. There is a search engine to find various points of interest (mines, cemetaries, overlooks, etc) off the beaten path that will give you an exact waypoint to go exploring with a GPS unit. For the average person who likes the seclusion of the backcountry of national parks, who for the most part stays on the trails and assigned backcountry campsites, and who wants to use a GPS, this program is perfect.

Very Overrated!
This product is very overrated. I purchased it hoping to get the quality and detail of other National Geographic products, but this is not even close. The quality and detail in these maps is terrible. I went to the National Park Service website and download .PDF maps that blow these away. These maps from the NPS are also free!

Important Upgrade Available
According to the specifications this product is only available for Windows 95, 98, or NT and supports just a few GPS devices. But it is based on the same program (Topo) used in National Geographic State Series, which is compatible with windows 2000, XP and 60+ GPS receivers. You only need the free Topo upgrade available at Nevertheless, TrailSmart series was created by scanning Trails Illustrated maps, so don't expect the quality of USGS maps found in the State Series. In my opinion trails don't have enough accuracy in this product (I tried Yellowstone).

Excellent Inexpensive Jump into Maps on Computer
Excellent Maps on CD for Zion National Park. Also includes Arches, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Denali, Yosemite, etc. If you have a color printer, with a little effort and computer saavy you can print out trip specific maps real slick. Easy to use.

If you are looking at an inexpensive way to jump into the marvelous world of maps on CD, this is one of the best ways to jump in. Buy that 11x17 color inkjet printer, and you'll never buy an actual topo again. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

TrailSmart: 15 Major National Parks of the USA features maps for Yosemite, Denali, Hawaii Volcanoes, Yellowstone, Shenandoah, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier, Arches, Grand Canyon, Zion, Glacier, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Grand Teton, and Acadia.

Great hiking adventures begin with the best maps. TrailSmart features up-to-date National Geographic Trails Illustrated national park maps. Each map is a guide with trail, trailhead, campsite, hiking, safety, and trip-planning information.

TOPO!GPS is the next generation of map engines. Its powerful and easy-to-use suite of features gives outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to the national parks the ultimate interactive map. TOPO!GPS includes all of the features of TOPO!. In addition, GPS users can upload and download position and route information directly to a hand-held GPS receiver. ... Read more

Features

• Up-to-date National Geographic Trails Illustrated national park maps
• Powered by TOPO!GPS map engine
• Upload and download position information to a GPS
• Print and create custom trail maps
• Experience Denali, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and more!

Reviews (8)

Limited use, but handy
The software itself isn't terrible, given that it feels like it was designed about six years ago. The next time I'm going to Yosemite, I'll be bringing a map printed by this app. The app has a very nice search feature, will import GPS waypoints, build excellent route elevation graphs, and has a system for adding wee icons to your maps.

That said, there are some pretty big problems with using the program for anything other than printing trail maps.

In the license agreement the maps you build, save, and print are referred to as "reproductions":

- Reproductions are only for in-house, in-business, or intra-organization purposes
- National Geographic Holdings is leasing the reproductions to you; you do not own them
- All reproductions must include copyright notices indicating that the maps are owned by NGH
- Distribution of printed reproductions (for in-house use as mentioned above) is ok, but for digital reproductions you must contact NGH and get a supplemental license in writing

So, you can lease and print very nice hiking maps for use within your house, business, or company. Using the maps on web sites (even internal ones) or other digital documents is forbidden without entering license negotiations with NGH.

Highly recommended for the average bacpacker
In my opinion, this software is great, especially for a backpacker who just wants to use a GPS as a "toy". There are 15 major national parks with 4 map views and more than adequate zoom capabilities. In addition, it is possible to create your own routes (by drawing them with your mouse), obtain elevation gains/losses, and automatically create and upload up to 30 waypoints per route to your GPS. There is a search engine to find various points of interest (mines, cemetaries, overlooks, etc) off the beaten path that will give you an exact waypoint to go exploring with a GPS unit. For the average person who likes the seclusion of the backcountry of national parks, who for the most part stays on the trails and assigned backcountry campsites, and who wants to use a GPS, this program is perfect.

Very Overrated!
This product is very overrated. I purchased it hoping to get the quality and detail of other National Geographic products, but this is not even close. The quality and detail in these maps is terrible. I went to the National Park Service website and download .PDF maps that blow these away. These maps from the NPS are also free!

Important Upgrade Available
According to the specifications this product is only available for Windows 95, 98, or NT and supports just a few GPS devices. But it is based on the same program (Topo) used in National Geographic State Series, which is compatible with windows 2000, XP and 60+ GPS receivers. You only need the free Topo upgrade available at Nevertheless, TrailSmart series was created by scanning Trails Illustrated maps, so don't expect the quality of USGS maps found in the State Series. In my opinion trails don't have enough accuracy in this product (I tried Yellowstone).

Excellent Inexpensive Jump into Maps on Computer
Excellent Maps on CD for Zion National Park. Also includes Arches, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Denali, Yosemite, etc. If you have a color printer, with a little effort and computer saavy you can print out trip specific maps real slick. Easy to use.

If you are looking at an inexpensive way to jump into the marvelous world of maps on CD, this is one of the best ways to jump in. Buy that 11x17 color inkjet printer, and you'll never buy an actual topo again. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Clip the Rand McNally StreetFinder global positioning system (GPS)receiver to your Palm V series connected organizer, and you'll never feel lostagain. It is an all-inclusive navigational system that lets you get address-to- address directions via the Internet, then download them with customized maps toyour organizer.

You can also track your progress with the GPS designedspecifically for the Palm V platform. The StreetFinder GPS receiver includesStreetFinder Deluxe 2000 software, 2 AAA batteries, in-car cigarette lighteradapter, car mount, and carrying bag. ... Read more

Features

• GPS receiver for your Palm
• Includes StreetFinder software
• GPS tracks your progress on Rand McNally maps
• Downloads maps from your PC or Mac
• Compatible with Palm V series

Reviews (12)

Only buying extra software
The GPS unit is good but the bundled software for the Palm Pilot is something you'd better not even install. It crashes too often and twice I had to hard reset the Palm (no, soft resetting did not work...) loosing all the Palm contents. The (included) Street Finder software is actually interesting to use on a PC, but leave it far from the Palm.

When I was almost giving up on it I found the Quo Vadis software (from Marcosoft). It is not perfect but it is reasonably fast, accurate and easy to use. And it never crashes...

Magellan sells the very same GPS with a customized version of Quo Vadis bundled, but they do not include accessories such as the car support in the basic model (as Rand McNally does). You can also find the GPS Companion software in their web site for free.

The unit does take som time to initialize (2 minutes is common), very seldon a lot more.

Note: You will need LOTS of memory to load maps on the Palm, meaning you NEED a Palm Vx.

I never lose my way again
I have been using this GPS unit for a year now. It is really a very good tool. Since I'm in Europe I couldn't use the added software so I bought GPSPilot and Route. I use a PC base routeplanner (Route 66 Benelux) and download the maps into the Palm. Takes me about 10 minutes extra from the normal planning process.

The GPS unit keeps me on course all the time. Very impressive.

Too Slooooow
I had every problem mentioned in the other reviews but I wanted to add that the Palm V seems too slow to handle this unit. It is particularly slow when zooming in and out of maps. I have a DVD based nav system installed in my car which I love so I may have too high standards for this handheld unit. I believe the problem is mostly software based however. Basically, this products is not ready for prime time. BTW today is Oct. 2002. I tried this system out in 2000 so I don't know if there have been any improvements

Poor design
The maps are clunky and get too big for the palm when exporting sufficient detail. The cigarette adaptor doesn't charge the Palm V. Navigation on the Palm is impractical while driving. A very bad product ! I am selling mine on ebay for $50.

Good device, works as described software lacks options
The unit does what the vendor claims but the software bundle lacks functionality. The up side to that is there is a lot of third party software that works with it and they make it more useful. I particularly liked Quo Vadis by Marcosoft and Magellan's NAV Companion. With out them I would rate the product 2 or 3 stars at best. ... Read more