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Map App for PC?


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  • #1286996
    Stephen Barber
    BPL Member

    @grampa

    Locale: SoCal

    I have a map app for my iPod which, once purchased, allows me to download USGS topos to the iPod and view them there. The problem, of course, is the small screen size!

    Is there a similar map program that allows a PC used to download and view USGS maps directly, the only cost being the purchase of the program itself?

    Note that I am not asking for a plug for the NatGeo program or similar ones where one must purchase each state's maps for $50 or so. I'm looking for a simple program, one time cost (preferably low) which allows direct download of the (free) USGS topos.

    Thanks!

    #1852430
    Tyler H
    BPL Member

    @ctwnwood

    Locale: Madison

    Sounds like http://www.hillmap.com would suit your purposes.

    Another member posted about a similar site he was working on to integrate from Esri, Bing, USGS and G-maps data but I can't remember or find the url. Maybe he can re-post that here.

    I think a web based solution is much more likely to be usable AND free than freeware.

    Edit: the other site, Gmap4, is http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

    that thread: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=59084

    #1852437
    John S.
    BPL Member

    @jshann

    ExpertGPS.com

    USAPhotoMaps at http://jdmcox.com/

    Topofusion.com

    Garmin Basecamp at http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/basecamp

    #1852473
    Kier Selinsky
    Member

    @kieran

    Locale: Seattle, WA

    You might want to check out AllTrails.com. It's the online version of TOPO. It's $50 per year, and includes all states. I started a thread on it before. One person said they liked it, but it was missing some obvious trails. They were able to get it for half off. But it does allow you to make and print your own topos. This is not an endorsement, just something I've seen that you may find interesting.

    #1852504
    Brian Lewis
    Member

    @brianle

    Locale: Pacific NW

    You might try store.usgs.gov, just download the pdf mapsheets you want (for free), manipulate and print using standard pdf software. I worked with a couple of folks locally to put some instructions online for Mountaineer members to avoid the costs and hassles of buying maps for trips, here:
    http://www.foothillsmountaineers.org/hiking/docs/USGS_Maps.html

    If you mostly just want to print out maps, a simpler process via mytopo.com is here:
    http://www.foothillsmountaineers.org/hiking/docs/how_to_print_usgs_maps_for_free.html

    There certainly are benefits to having a "software package" that can show elevation profiles, allow you to upload or plot your own routes, that sort of thing, but for many people I think that printing out a map for a trip they're going on is the primary thing needed and desired.

    #1852525
    Stephen Barber
    BPL Member

    @grampa

    Locale: SoCal

    Topofusion looks interesting, and may prove to be useful, but Brian's directions for direct download and printing are helpful indeed! To me the advantage to Topofusion would be in the ability to explore without having to download multiple .pdf files, and then shift from one to the next.

    Thanks all – you've given me some great resources to explore!

    #1852538
    Brad Fisher
    Spectator

    @wufpackfn

    Locale: NC/TN/VA Mountains

    Garmin Basecamp

    You can download all the 24k maps free at Gpsfiledepot. You can pick by state. I used to create a section of SHR and then downloaded to gps. Worked like a charm. I'm no map expert so I'm sure others have better idea.

    Brad

    #1852642
    James Taylor
    Member

    @stahl

    Locale: Montana

    The .gov site is perfect for what I like to do. Explore new hikes every trip possible, that is. I hadn't figured this out last time, so thank you also for the guide.
    Very useful. I don't do gps, so a printed paper map in a ziplock is my backup navigation plan.

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