Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD)

by DeLorme US Software

Product Features

• Mapping software with up-to-date topographic maps
• Automatically create driving and hiking routes
• Realistic 3-D and downloadable aerial images
• Print detailed maps with terrain elevation profiles
• Works with all popular GPS receivers

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000EZMXYW
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,584 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #34 in Software > Education & Reference > Mapping

Product Description

Amazon.com

With Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps you get completely updated USGS topographic map and elevation data on DVD integrated with the most recent DeLorme street, trail, campground, and highway network. Plus, a newly-designed 3-D mapping engine produces lifelike views of your favorite terrain, allowing you to soar above rivers and lakes, ascend mountains, and explore new places -- all from your computer. Topo USA 6.0 is also GPS ready, meaning it exchanges waypoints and draw objects with most popular handheld GPS models, including in-car systems such as the Earthmate GPS LT-20.

Unlike online imagery sources, with Topo USA you can draw, print, measure, and a whole lot more with 3D maps and imagery. View larger.

Using the New Trail Draw tool, you can draw in new trails where you believe them to be. Once your new trail is added, it can be recognized as a routable object when generating automatic trail routes. View larger.

Easily create custom routes that also feature hiking times and distances. View larger.

Embed photos you took during your adventures and then display them as embedded hypertext objects located precisely on the maps. You can even share them via Topo USA's online MapShare feature.View larger.

Use the Handheld Exchange tab of Topo USA 6.0 to download your waypoints. New in Topo USA 6.0 is the ability to explode an additional view in the sub menu showing your comments and notes about each waypoint. View larger.

Select different sections along your routes and see climbing distance, elevation gain, and other useful information. View larger.

Topo USA offers the best of both worlds -- the latest USGS digital topographic data and the latest DeLorme street network. Unlike the scanned raster USGS paper maps used in many other topographic software products, this unique DeLorme vector data blending assures you are working with the latest information. Many scanned USGS quad maps were made decades ago, so the roads shown are oftentimes outdated or nonexistent. Topo USA's vector -- or intelligent -- blended data enables smart searching, better labeling, and many other powerful software capabilities. You can even take the maps with you on your Pocket PC, Palm OS, and Windows Mobile 2003 devices.

In addition to topo maps, you can also gain access to Aerial Data Packets (ADPs). These DeLorme-processed packets consist of three distinct data types to supplement the included topographic maps:

1. Black-and-white Digital Orthoquads, best used for up-close views.
2. Sat-10, 10-meter colorized satellite images, ideal for viewing major land features from farther away.
3. For those who like the look of the USGS scanned 7-5 minute quad maps, Delorme includes these for download. Using the Netlink tab of the software, you connect to the DeLorme imagery servers to download your geographic areas of interest. Once downloaded, you can view in 3-D, track on imagery using GPS, draw, measure, and use the various software tools. DeLorme offers these ADPs in large quantities for free with initial purchase.

Core Functions
Maps can be controlled using a variety of methods, including the traditional push-button zooming, which drills in/out while keeping the map exactly centered. Also, holding down the left mouse button enables you to drag and zoom, left-to-right, across the map, and moving the mouse in the same manner but in the opposite direction zooms out.

The 3-D software engine has been completely rebuilt for this new version, and you can see the terrain in vivid detail using the 3-D map views and controls. These realistic views also retain the various elements you add to your customized maps, such as trails, MapNotes, GPS waypoints, and draw objects. The split-screen framework lets you see 2-D and 3-D maps side by side, with linked Draw tools that move and update in tandem. Now you can also grab the 3-D map views using the image grabber tool and scroll rapidly through 3-D views with great precision.

DeLorme employs several powerful search capabilities within the software. The first is a simple box called QuickSearch where you type common requests including towns, cities, lakes, mountains, lat/lons, ZIP codes, street addresses and many more to receive the quickest possible matches. Meanwhile, the Advanced Search helps clarify more complex searches to provide the best possible results.

The Profile tool lets you click on a route, line object, or body of water and see the elevation gain between one point and the next. Ideal for bikers, hikers, and large rigs wanting to know the elevation on their trips. Meanwhile, the Measure Tool lets you measure linear distance and area on the map based on the units chosen in the Display tab of the Options dialog box. Draw polygons on the map and see the square footage or acreage of plots of land.

For detailed information about the map you're viewing, simply right-click on the map to learn more about what's underneath your cursor. Lat/Lon, names of streets and bodies of water -- even local radio station information -- can be viewed in this manner. Moreover, the bottom toolbar of the software displays a continuously updated readout of what's underneath your cursor. You can also add your own images, live Web URLs, and diagrams and documents to the maps. For instance, you can embed photos and diagrams showing fleet personnel what they will find at each location. Or, embed URLs next to your important stops on the maps for easy access when additional information is needed or updated online. You can even link your digital photographs to a GPS log so you can see exactly where you took a picture along your trip.

Ease of Use
Topo USA 6.0's E-Z Nav Toolbar runs along the top of the interface and offers access to commonly needed options, including GPS settings, the Measure tool, MapShare and Routing functions. You can also set your own keyboard shortcut preferences for optimum control when using GPS. The new key-bindings function is very powerful and advanced so you can design your ideal in-vehicle navigation solution to your own personal specifications. Plus, a service called Netlink provides important technical support messages. It's also the place where you select the download areas you want for use within the software.

Routing
Create automatic road routes to get you to the trailhead, then use automatic trail routing to bring on your hikes. You can create routes from the Route tab or by simply right-clicking on the map and setting your Starts, Stops, and Finish points. You can also create and save commonly-used names for places you visit often, such as "home," "work," or "Dad's." Once these names are assigned, the routing Starts, Stops, and Finishes also display these names making retrieval easy for repeated usage.

DeLorme's exclusive "Add Local Roads" feature is the best way to update local roads when new developments are planned or added between DeLorme software releases. This tool is located within the Draw tab and lets you draw in the road segment, connecting it to another local road within the database. Assign a name, save it, and when you create automatic routes, the software is smart enough to include these new local roads in the routing calculations and also update the directions.

GPS Features
A handy GPS waypoint exchange system allows you to use an automatic route generation tool to create the route you want without hand-drawing each object. Then exchange this track log to your handheld GPS receiver and bring the information with you into the field. Bring your field data back into the desktop software from your GPS receiver to see where you have been. Topo USA 6.0 supports Garmin, Magellan, and most other NMEA-compliant receivers.

With GPS Log Playback, you can create a route along your favorite trail, right-click on the trail and save it as GPS Log File. Open the GPS tab, switch to 3-D mode, and play back the log file showing various icons moving along the trail. It's as close to being there as one can get without actually leaving your home. Topo USA 6.0 also supports the popular geocaching site file formats .gpx and .loc, which makes geocaching more fun than ever.

Printing and Sharing
With Topo USA 6.0 you can print crisp color or black and white maps that you control to best match what is seen on screen. Include the elevation profile with your print outs, or simply print the elevation profile by itself. Meanwhile, the MapShare feature makes it easy to share your customized maps and directions with family, friends, and business associates. You create exactly the content you want and then post within our online MapShare library, which includes private administrative tools for you to manage. Similar to some of the better online photo resources, MapShare allows you to provide controlled access to your important maps without worrying about email and spam filters.

Product Description

Scout the terrain as if you were there with our realistic 3-D and downloadable aerial images. Automatically create driving and hiking routes based on the most up-to-date data available. Print detailed, customized maps and effortlessly upload your GPS waypoints, tracks and routes to your receiver...then hit the back roads and trails with total confidence. Entire US on one DVD!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for casual map geeks and pre-trip planning, April 22, 2006

By 

Gyraffe (VA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD) (CD-ROM)

Summary: Adequate for armchair map browsing and finding and planning routes to follow when driving or hiking.

I've only been playing with the program for about a week, but decided to get a quick review in since there weren't any others here. It's my only mapping program, so I have nothing to compare it to. The program is rather sluggish in moving around the screen and does not display the billboards (upright labels in 3D mode) with a 128 MB video card, even though it says it needs only 32 MB. Other than that, it appears to be as advertised. I got it because I just like maps and occasionally go out in remote areas for astronomy observing or nature hikes.

What you can do with it:
-Get an idea of what the terrain is like and what roads, hills, lakes, rivers (and some trails) are in the area.
-Create routes for driving, hiking, or biking.
-Print out detailed maps.
-Use it for limited in-car navigation with a GPS receiver (not included) and laptop. Best with a passenger using it, or secure your laptop somewhere to check it if you get lost.

What you can't do with it:
-Get the level of detail contained in USGS quad maps (i.e., no buildings, not as accurate contours and outlines, no bridges or tunnels)
-Expect to find all roads (especially newer ones) and trails.
-Rely on it to give you great in-car directions as you drive using a GPS receiver (no voice option, directionally challenged).

The learning curve for this program is pretty steep considering its accuracy and level of detail are obviously for casual users. I find myself having to check Help over and over to do the same things because they are not always intuitive. The Help file is good, however, and I've been able to find answers to everything I've looked for.

I find moving the map around somewhat cumbersome and slow as it redraws the map (slower with the 3D map). Accuracy seems to be rather poor in spots, as there are omissions and incorrect names here and there. For example, a major highway near my home shows up under a name I have never heard of. A major trail is identified only as a powerline. Another popular trail nearby is missing. Some town names are incorrect in my location, as are town borders, when that feature is turned on. Other users of DeLorme products have noted that they are very slow in updating mapping data (we're talking years, folks). But read reviews of competing products and you'll see similar complaints.

I hooked up a GPS receiver via USB and it works fine (using the GlobalSat BU-353-- you don't have to use DeLorme's Earthmate series). I have to run the receiver's program first to get it to show the correct COM port in TOPO USA, but then once it's locked onto the satellites, I can open TOPO USA and connect. I did a test drive around the area and it tracked pretty well along the plotted roads, a few hundred feet behind my actual position. However, it gave all turn information backward, despite correctly placed "vias". Because of this and the fact that it runs on a laptop, I don't recommend using it for serious navigation in your car, but rather as a check to see your progress and to find your way back to your route if you get lost. Other products are better suited for real in-car navigation.

As for map details, I'm a bit disappointed- all these points of interest mentioned in the advertising seem to be few and far between. Not showing bridges is odd. Having a road go into a gully instead of over a bridge is a bit ludicrous. All of my printed maps show better detail at the same scales (but then, they don't cover the whole U.S., so it's a trade-off).

There are a lot of shortcomings, but it looks like the few competitors are in much the same boat. So for the price it's not a bad deal. Just be sure it suits your needs and do some research before you buy. A good resource is a DeLorme forum (forum.delorme.com), where you can read actual users' comments and complaints and decide for yourself. I personally would have preferred more accuracy and detail to all the flashy 3D and customizing options.

Basically, it's nice to have a full road map for the whole U.S. that also includes topographical relief, but don't expect it to be the answer to all your mapping needs.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars decent software, August 10, 2006

By 

Sergei (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD) (CD-ROM)

This is a good software for casual use (hiking, biking, geocaching), but not without issues. On the positive side, it definitely beats all non-digital (scanned USGS maps) alternatives. The level of details is good enough(how many of us need to know topography down to 5 feet?). The fact that maps are digitally generated (with vectors I believe) makes all the labels clear at any scale. It has two advantages over its main "digital" competitor, NG Topo. First, all of the US is on one DVD for the price of separate state/region CDs from NG. And second, it is available. I could not even find NG's Northeast edition anywhere on the web! One might think NH and ME are some obscure corners of the globe and not big tourist destinations.

Now the few negatives. The Exchange feature with GPS is flaky. Sometimes it takes several tries of unplugging and replugging the cable and restarting the program before it recognizes my Garmin. Part of it could be that low and mid range GPS still have serial connection and are not truly plug-and-play even with COM-to-USB adapter (beats me why Garmin can't make all their GPS with USB in this day and age). In any case, regardless of whose fault it is, it is annoying at times not to be able to connect the two smoothly.

The second problem I noticed was with the 3-D window. It clearly consumes a lot of memory and crashes my laptop if I do a lot of rapid rescaling. I ended up just closing that window, since it is pretty much for "coolness" and does not add any real topographical value.

Finally, I had a problem with Delorme's service. I purchased it from Amazon with a rebate offer. However, a month after submitting the necessary info I received a card from Delorme stating that the bar code I sent was not a UPC code. The box only had one bar code on it so I am not sure how I could have made a mistake. They requested that I send a correct one, but with the code cut out and gone, how do they expect me to come up with one?! I feel a little bit like that was a cheap way out of paying the rebate but $20 is not worth the time arguing with them over it. I would be interested to hear if anyone else experienced the same problem.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Delorme disappoints for the most part, but still is adequate for the topo user with casual needs, September 30, 2006

By 

Jerry Saperstein (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Delorme Topo USA 6.0 National Maps (DVD) (CD-ROM)

I've used various Delorme products for a long time. I've stopped buying some of their products, such as their Street Atlas for Handhelds which has become essentially unusable and is increasingly feature impoverished compared to competitors such as TomTom.

Because I have little use overall for topographical maps, I skipped a version and recently went from version 4.0 to 6.0. Despite their advertising claims, not much has changed.

The user interface is distinctively Delorme, utterly unintuitive and very clumsy. Other mapping applications moved toward cleaner, simpler and easier-to-use interfaces. Delorme remains true to their own idiosyncratic idea of a graphical user interface --- and, in my opionion, it is awful.

Finding a specific location is a clumsy process. And beware any misspelled place names: Topo 6.0 will simply report not being able to find the place rather than offering suggestions. There are three maps. A small overview which should allow you to quickly locate the area you are specifically interested in. It doesn't work well at all when you just want to scroll a bit. The default 2D window is, as it is with all the Delorme products, a dog to work with. You scroll from the edges. But when you scroll, the display blanks out meaning you have to guess at how far to scroll. State of the art in the 1990s perhaps, but antiquidated and irritating in 2006. Zooming in and out is also on the clumsy side, either involving repeated clicks or a guessing process. Neither is satisfctory.

Designing your route can be extremely tedious since it is often necessary to essentially create a track of waypoints. In designing a route using secondary roads, the Delorne software often failed to acknowledge the existence of the roads and instead drew a direct path through heavy woods and across impassable rivers.

The online help system, as has always been the case with Delorme, is short on detail.

What saves the software from being a total disaster is that in the topographical arena, it is better than the competition. It is also a better value, including the entire United States on a single DVD. The level of detail is okay for the casual user (such as myself) but would, I think, be very inadequate for someone with more demanding needs.

Overall, I don't know how Delorme stays in business. Their products are not, in my opinion, user-centric. The interfaces are outmoded, non-intuitive and just plain strange. Topo USA 6.0 is okay for the casual user, but just barely. It is a pain to use. However, it is better than the competition in a market that doesn't offer many alternatives, so it wins by default.

Jerry