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#178803 - 07/31/13 09:51 PM Topo Map Software for Computer
WyOutdoors Offline
member

Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 15
I want to get some topo map software for my computer so I can make maps at home for the trail.I always go down to the local outdoor store and print some off there but they charge astronomical prices. I like to have my own custom maps I can fit in a one gallon ziplock bag and fold up in my pocket for the trail. Any advice on different brands of software would be appreciated.

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#178807 - 08/01/13 12:42 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: WyOutdoors]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
If you like free and can work with PDF or TIFF, this resource might work for you.

Forest Service map clearinghouse

Find your state, then subregion and download whichever quads you need. Marking them up requires software, but you can simply crop and print the base maps you need without anything fancy.

Happy experimenting!
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#178808 - 08/01/13 12:48 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: WyOutdoors]
lori Offline
member

Registered: 01/22/08
Posts: 2801
If you have Windows, there are a number of offerings, some of which come with the purchase of a GPS and then there's National Geographic...

If you have a Mac, there's Mac GPS Pro, which I am now using. I got all the USGS and Forest Service topos for my state as well. It takes getting used to as it's not so point and click as others but it's pretty snazzy and quite powerful. And of course, since you can also run Windows on a Mac, you can also get any of the Windows packages and run them that way.
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#178810 - 08/01/13 01:35 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: lori]
WyOutdoors Offline
member

Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 15
I have a few national geographic maps. I'll have to check there software out. Thanks guys.


Edited by WyOutdoors (08/01/13 01:37 AM)

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#178824 - 08/01/13 09:26 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: WyOutdoors]
WDW4 Offline
member

Registered: 08/01/13
Posts: 18
Loc: Lexington, KY
I often use www.caltopo.com , which has both USGS and Forest Service maps. You can draw a path and then measure distance and elevation change.

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#178825 - 08/01/13 09:41 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: WDW4]
balzaccom Online   content
member

Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2232
Loc: Napa, CA
We use Acme Mapper---and find them much more accurate than NatGeo.

And they are free, and easy to use. acmemapper.com
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#178827 - 08/01/13 09:59 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: balzaccom]
lori Offline
member

Registered: 01/22/08
Posts: 2801
The only problem with acmemapper is, no connecting the GPS and uploading tracks. No making a route and transferring to GPS.
_________________________
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki

http://hikeandbackpack.com

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#178837 - 08/01/13 02:12 PM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: WyOutdoors]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
I use Garmin's free "Basecamp" software and free topo maps from http://www.gpsfiledepot.com. Works on both WinPCs and Macs.
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#178852 - 08/02/13 12:05 PM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: WDW4]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
Originally Posted By WDW4
I often use www.caltopo.com , which has both USGS and Forest Service maps. You can draw a path and then measure distance and elevation change.


I use this site Free topo maps . But that caltopo looks better. It looks like they use the same maps, but caltopo looks like it has more features.
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#178869 - 08/02/13 10:10 PM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: finallyME]
topshot Offline
member

Registered: 04/28/09
Posts: 242
Loc: Midwest
Gmap4 is another good resource!

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#178930 - 08/05/13 12:18 PM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: topshot]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
Originally Posted By topshot
Gmap4 is another good resource!


Yes it seems to be a good choice as well. Thanks!
_________________________
I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

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#178977 - 08/07/13 01:18 AM Re: Topo Map Software for Computer [Re: topshot]
WyOutdoors Offline
member

Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 15
Gmap4 is AWESOME!!! goodjob

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