Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD)
by DeLorme US Software
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Software Summary
Manufacturer: DeLorme US SoftwareBrand: DeLorme US Software
Format: CD-ROM
Release Date: 2006-04-03
Platform: Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Product features:
- Mapping software with up-to-date topographic maps
- Automatically create driving and hiking routes
- Realistic 3-D and downloadable aerial images
- Print detailed maps with terrain elevation profiles
- Works with all popular GPS receivers
Software Reviews of Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD)
Customer Review: Good for casual map geeks and pre-trip planning
Summary: 3 Stars
Summary: Adequate for armchair map browsing and finding and planning routes to follow when driving or hiking.
I've only been playing with the program for about a week, but decided to get a quick review in since there weren't any others here. It's my only mapping program, so I have nothing to compare it to. The program is rather sluggish in moving around the screen and does not display the billboards (upright labels in 3D mode) with a 128 MB video card, even though it says it needs only 32 MB. Other than that, it appears to be as advertised. I got it because I just like maps and occasionally go out in remote areas for astronomy observing or nature hikes.
What you can do with it:
-Get an idea of what the terrain is like and what roads, hills, lakes, rivers (and some trails) are in the area.
-Create routes for driving, hiking, or biking.
-Print out detailed maps.
-Use it for limited in-car navigation with a GPS receiver (not included) and laptop. Best with a passenger using it, or secure your laptop somewhere to check it if you get lost.
What you can't do with it:
-Get the level of detail contained in USGS quad maps (i.e., no buildings, not as accurate contours and outlines, no bridges or tunnels)
-Expect to find all roads (especially newer ones) and trails.
-Rely on it to give you great in-car directions as you drive using a GPS receiver (no voice option, directionally challenged).
The learning curve for this program is pretty steep considering its accuracy and level of detail are obviously for casual users. I find myself having to check Help over and over to do the same things because they are not always intuitive. The Help file is good, however, and I've been able to find answers to everything I've looked for.
I find moving the map around somewhat cumbersome and slow as it redraws the map (slower with the 3D map). Accuracy seems to be rather poor in spots, as there are omissions and incorrect names here and there. For example, a major highway near my home shows up under a name I have never heard of. A major trail is identified only as a powerline. Another popular trail nearby is missing. Some town names are incorrect in my location, as are town borders, when that feature is turned on. Other users of DeLorme products have noted that they are very slow in updating mapping data (we're talking years, folks). But read reviews of competing products and you'll see similar complaints.
I hooked up a GPS receiver via USB and it works fine (using the GlobalSat BU-353-- you don't have to use DeLorme's Earthmate series). I have to run the receiver's program first to get it to show the correct COM port in TOPO USA, but then once it's locked onto the satellites, I can open TOPO USA and connect. I did a test drive around the area and it tracked pretty well along the plotted roads, a few hundred feet behind my actual position. However, it gave all turn information backward, despite correctly placed "vias". Because of this and the fact that it runs on a laptop, I don't recommend using it for serious navigation in your car, but rather as a check to see your progress and to find your way back to your route if you get lost. Other products are better suited for real in-car navigation.
As for map details, I'm a bit disappointed- all these points of interest mentioned in the advertising seem to be few and far between. Not showing bridges is odd. Having a road go into a gully instead of over a bridge is a bit ludicrous. All of my printed maps show better detail at the same scales (but then, they don't cover the whole U.S., so it's a trade-off).
There are a lot of shortcomings, but it looks like the few competitors are in much the same boat. So for the price it's not a bad deal. Just be sure it suits your needs and do some research before you buy. A good resource is a DeLorme forum (forum.delorme.com), where you can read actual users' comments and complaints and decide for yourself. I personally would have preferred more accuracy and detail to all the flashy 3D and customizing options.
Basically, it's nice to have a full road map for the whole U.S. that also includes topographical relief, but don't expect it to be the answer to all your mapping needs.
Description of Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD)
Scout the terrain as if you were there with our realistic 3-D and downloadable aerial images. Automatically create driving and hiking routes based on the most up-to-date data available. Print detailed, customized maps and effortlessly upload your GPS waypoints, tracks and routes to your receiver...then hit the back roads and trails with total confidence. Entire US on one DVD!Home & Hobbies Software
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