Computerized Topo Maps
How Good Are They?
By Dr. Brad DeLong
Author of 4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving

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Editor's Notes: This is the first in Dr. DeLong's series of articles on modern computerized topographic mapping software.  Dr. DeLong has spent considerable time researching each of these programs.  The research included long hours using each program along with discussions with the product developers and technical support staff.  Articles feature "hands on" experience and screen shots from each program.

DeLorme's Topo USA version 2.0

DeLorme's 3-D TopoQuads

Wildflower Topo! region series and Topo!GPS USA

All Topo Maps, from iGage

Fugawi, from Northport Systems

The evaluations will be published in 3 parts:

Part I: Introduction, Basic GPS w/ Terms, Interfacing with GPS, Contour Interval & Scale, and Detail & Quality.

Part II: Ease of Installation and Technical Support, Ease of use, and How to create waypoints, routes, and measuring lines.

Part III: Downloading and uploading between your GPS and the computer map program, Real time tracking with the GPS, Printing maps and Price.

Each of the articles will be indexed from this "Home Page" through the growing navigation block below:

Computerized Topo Maps Home Page
Part I: Introduction | Basic GPS w/ Terms | Interfacing with GPS | Contour Interval & Scale | Detail & Quality
Part II: Introduction | Installation and Technical Support | Ease of Use | Entering Waypoints and Routes
Part III: Introduction | Downloading Tracks from your GPS | Actively Tracking from your GPS | Printing Maps
General Comparison of the Programs

Product and Ordering Information from 4X4BOOKS.com
Topo USA 2.0 | 3-D TopoQuads | Wildflower TOPO! and TOPO! GPS | TrailSmart | ALL TOPO MAPS | Fugawi

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