What software do people use for Topo maps?

[Walking Eagle]

What software do people use for Topo maps? What is the difference between Delorme's 3-D TopoQuads® 2.0 and Topo USA® 5.0?

[Walking Eagle]

It looks like I may try Topo! from National Geographic Maps. Same cost as Delorme products.

[mattadams]

Jeff, if you aren't opposed to piracy, I have a few you could try... Garmin Topo, which interacts with the Garmin GPS, Delorme Topo, which is what I use regularly, it also interacts with the GPS, and I have TOPO! Interactive.

[Walking Eagle]

I would like to try them out before I throw down $100 for one of the programs. Are you going to be around this weekend?

[mattadams]

depending on the time I might or might not be... might be working ont he truck a bit, as well as working on Courtneys jeep and then that big bike ride saturday night... let me knwo when you want to come over I'll try to be around.

[mattadams]

oh yeah, the versions I have are not the current versions... I think they are all about 2 years old...

[Walking Eagle]

Maybe you can help me with this question. I will only be using if for 4 wheeling use, which one do you think would help the most? I would like to be able to use it on the computer at home (not planning to use on laptop in truck) so I can see what the general area looks like for water, elevation change, etc. I would then like to use my GPS with program when I get home and plot the route I took for future reference.

[mattadams]

I personally liked the delorme topo more... but I didn't really play around with the topo enough either... one cool thing you can do is make 3-d maps with it, heres an example I made after going down Red Cone in my Explorer (the line is the route that was saved into the GPS that I transferred into Delorme)
http://mattstruck.com/redcone2k/topo.jpg

[Walking Eagle]

Was the Red Cone trail on the map before you went, so a person could do some pre-planning?

[mattadams]

Most of the trails you will find on an average map you will find in the topo software...
Here's some screenshots I just otok of the Saxon Mountain area...
http://mattstruck.com/saxon/topo.jpg
http://mattstruck.com/saxon/topo3d.jpg

[mattadams]

I looked and the version of Delorme Topo USA I've got is 2.0. If they are upt o 5.0 it might be good to upgrade, I'm sure its totally better by now. Maybe I'd split the cost with you or something...

[Tray]

I'd check and see if they have the option to pay for an 'upgrade' from v2.0 before buying a full-version.

I haven't dealt with the purchasing of any topo software, but I know a lot of companies offer an upgrade cheaper than a new full version. Just to make the return customers feel appreciated a little bit.

[mattadams]

Hey Jeff, I was able to make a copy of that 5.0 today. Really awesome improvements since 2.0, thats for sure! I'll get it back to you shortly, as well as some money for shipping my tires for me.

[Walking Eagle]

I don't need no stinkin' money. Think of it as kind gesture from the Godfather of Little Westminster.