Best Topo Software for Windows?
- Thread starter DUTCH
- Start date
HI Dutch,
I have Nat Geo Topo but I have not used it very much. For over ten years I have depended on My Topo's Terrain Navigator software. It, quite simply, is the best topo software I have seen. It is filled with ability and the maps are first rate and very nicely reproduced. I do think that Nat Geo is a bit easier to use and learn but the trade off is Terrain Nav is much more flexible and capable. It is also more expensive. But you almost always get what you pay for. The need to know exactly where you are or to plan treks accurately makes the added cost worth it.
I assume you will be using the software on the trail. For this TN is great. For navigating cities it is less good because that's not its purpose in life.
I run TN on a Panasonic Toughbook lap top mounted on a RAM articulated mount. It is interfaced to a Garmin GPS which gives real time vehicle tracking. The map source is entirely the USGS topographic series at several different scales. On the trail I use the 7 1/2 minute (scale 1:24,000) maps. On the highway I switch to the larger scale of 1;100,000 or 1:250,000. This is appropriate for the road speed and distance covered.
If the USGS has mapped the area of interest you will see it on your computer. If they have not then..... The USGS maps are not always up to date but Nat Geo suffers the same problems.
I have Nat Geo Topo but I have not used it very much. For over ten years I have depended on My Topo's Terrain Navigator software. It, quite simply, is the best topo software I have seen. It is filled with ability and the maps are first rate and very nicely reproduced. I do think that Nat Geo is a bit easier to use and learn but the trade off is Terrain Nav is much more flexible and capable. It is also more expensive. But you almost always get what you pay for. The need to know exactly where you are or to plan treks accurately makes the added cost worth it.
I assume you will be using the software on the trail. For this TN is great. For navigating cities it is less good because that's not its purpose in life.
I run TN on a Panasonic Toughbook lap top mounted on a RAM articulated mount. It is interfaced to a Garmin GPS which gives real time vehicle tracking. The map source is entirely the USGS topographic series at several different scales. On the trail I use the 7 1/2 minute (scale 1:24,000) maps. On the highway I switch to the larger scale of 1;100,000 or 1:250,000. This is appropriate for the road speed and distance covered.
If the USGS has mapped the area of interest you will see it on your computer. If they have not then..... The USGS maps are not always up to date but Nat Geo suffers the same problems.
DUTCH
Curmudgeon
Thanks for the response. When you say the TN is "more expensive", you're not kidding. $299/state for the Win 7 compatible version vs about $50/state for the NG. I doubt if I would need a 6X more expensive version. The difference could get quite large if I wanted more than one state.
Again, thanks for the well informed response.
Again, thanks for the well informed response.
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
I was recently informed by our in-house contact at Nat Geo that the Topo series is slated to be discontinued.
HI Dutch,
So, you really were not after the "Best" Topo Software as you post title indicated, right? You really wanted the cheapest but did want to say so, right? Don't feel bad. I have 10 TN states. All states west of Texas, including Texas, except Oregon and Washington. But most were bought on sale. Still, a significant amount of money, over $1000. I must think this is a good package to spend that kind of money.
You asked for Best, were given the Best, but are going to settle for less. I'm disappointed. Be careful about what you ask for.
Sparky
DUTCH
Curmudgeon
Thanks. When the Best is too expensive, Better will have to do; and one never knows unless one asks.
DUTCH
Curmudgeon
Narrows the field, doesn't it!
Don't discount (pun intended) DeLorme TOPO North America -For $99 it includes their vector detailed maps of the entire US, Canada, and Mexico, and for $29.95 you can get a Map Library subscription to download (and keep) color imagery and USGS quad maps for offline access in the field.
I'm not exactly sure why TN is considered the best, or what it can do that DeLorme TOPO cannot do... And I have both.
I'm not exactly sure why TN is considered the best, or what it can do that DeLorme TOPO cannot do... And I have both.
Jay H
servicedriven.org
I use mappingsupport.com gmap4 the caltopo data layer has the 7.5 minuite usgs in high resolution. This is good for route planning. Even better after creating an xml file for the caltopo server it works with back country navigator on my android phone and lets me select areas and download them for offline use.
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
^ kool site! Thanks for the link.
AA1PR
Disabled Explorer
I am frugal & have yet to upgrade
I use delorme Topo 6.0 & an USB GSP antenna from my street & maps program
with a simple generic USB GPS antenna it works like gangbusters, something like this: http://www.dieselboss.com/travrout/antenna.htm
I use delorme Topo 6.0 & an USB GSP antenna from my street & maps program
with a simple generic USB GPS antenna it works like gangbusters, something like this: http://www.dieselboss.com/travrout/antenna.htm
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
I really like the simplicity of the Delorme software. It has been in my trucks for over a decade now. Lately I have been running Delorme Topo North America 9. I had been waiting for the maps in my area to get refreshed to include the newer roads. It was a little disappointing when four to five year old changes were not included.
Today I confirmed that they are indeed updated for my area. Tech support is AWESOME! They worked with me to confirm that the maps now had what I needed. The new version also has state parks for Canada and topo for all of Mexico. Both are on our short list for exploration.
Ready to buy, there are currently no discount codes, however I was told to call the sales team at 1-800-561-5105
That paid off.
Current retail is $99 for Delorme Topo North America 10, loyal customers can get it for $69
I have had download subscriptions and have a huge amount of detailed mapping data stockpiled. That subscription has been well worth the investment for satellite and aerial image data.
I like to spend my time using rather than configuring. This has worked very well for me. Looking forward to and upgrade
Today I confirmed that they are indeed updated for my area. Tech support is AWESOME! They worked with me to confirm that the maps now had what I needed. The new version also has state parks for Canada and topo for all of Mexico. Both are on our short list for exploration.
Ready to buy, there are currently no discount codes, however I was told to call the sales team at 1-800-561-5105
That paid off.
Current retail is $99 for Delorme Topo North America 10, loyal customers can get it for $69
I have had download subscriptions and have a huge amount of detailed mapping data stockpiled. That subscription has been well worth the investment for satellite and aerial image data.
I like to spend my time using rather than configuring. This has worked very well for me. Looking forward to and upgrade
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