Has anyone used this mapping software? I'm wondering how detailed the maps are? How does it compare with NG Topo v4.0?

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"Come visit us again and again. This is a state of excitement. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live." Tom McCall

The DeLorme maps are vector graphics (i.e. redrawn every time you look at them, based on a set of point data), whereas the NG Topo maps are actual scans of the USGS 1:24,000 (and larger-scale) maps. There are some advantages to using vector graphics - the file sizes are smaller, and in theory, they're easier to update. However, the fine detail just isn't quite there. In the end, it really depends on what you're planning to use the maps for. If you're trying to get a general "lay of the land" overview, the DeLorme maps are probably fine. But, if you're doing some serious navigation and need to know as much detail as possible, the USGS maps are the way to go.

You can think of it this way.

On the USGS map, there might be river that twists and turns down a valley... the map might show little islands in the river, and places where the river gets slightly narrower or wider. It's like a smooth artist's drawing of what you actually see.

On the DeLorme map, that same twisting river will be represented by a series of points. The software will interpret those points as "the river", and basically "connect the dots" to draw the river on the screen. The river will look like a jagged zig-zag, and only be shown as "wider" if the width grows to a certain threshhold...  I hope that makes sense...

Jley, thanks for the info. I already have NG Topo for Oregon and would like something that covers WA, ID,MT, and CA, but don't wanna fork out the cash to get Topo of each state.

I found an online store that has the Delorme on clearence for about $30. However there aren't any screenshots, so I'm a little leary of buying something I can't see.

If anyone knows of any other options to achive this, please let me know!

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"Come visit us again and again. This is a state of excitement. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live." Tom McCall

Hi Cattrapper,

I've got the DeLorme version 5.0. I dont use it as much anymore since I got the Magellan Mapsend program with my new gps. Nieither are as good as NGtopo in terms of elevation detail, but I have found some fun old trails and interesting geographical names and features on the Delorme maps.

I posted a screenshot with one of my trip reports last year

Hi CFM,

Thanks for the link to your trip report! Judging from your screenshot, I think it should be good enough for what I want. I don't do very much hiking out of state anyway. I just want something for those rare occasions, when I actually get to go on a vacation that's more than just an extended weekend.

What's the new Mapsend like? I wasn't real impressed with v4.2 that came with my Sportrak Map years ago.

Those are some great photos too, by the way. I've been up Iron Mtn. a couple of times and Echo Basin is definitely on my to-do list.

Thanks again!

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"Come visit us again and again. This is a state of excitement. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live." Tom McCall