Customer Reviews

National Geographic TrailSmart 15 Major National Parks U.S.A. Topographical Map CD-ROM (Windows)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

According to the specifications this product is only available for Windows 95, 98, or NT and supports just a few GPS devices. But it is based on the same program (Topo) used in National Geographic State Series, which is compatible with windows 2000, XP and 60+ GPS receivers. You only need the free Topo upgrade available at Nevertheless, TrailSmart series was created by scanning Trails Illustrated maps, so don't expect the quality of USGS maps found in the State Series. In my opinion trails don't have enough accuracy in this product (I tried Yellowstone).

In my opinion, this software is great, especially for a backpacker who just wants to use a GPS as a "toy". There are 15 major national parks with 4 map views and more than adequate zoom capabilities. In addition, it is possible to create your own routes (by drawing them with your mouse), obtain elevation gains/losses, and automatically create and upload up to 30 waypoints per route to your GPS. There is a search engine to find various points of interest (mines, cemetaries, overlooks, etc) off the beaten path that will give you an exact waypoint to go exploring with a GPS unit. For the average person who likes the seclusion of the backcountry of national parks, who for the most part stays on the trails and assigned backcountry campsites, and who wants to use a GPS, this program is perfect.

The software itself isn't terrible, given that it feels like it was designed about six years ago. The next time I'm going to Yosemite, I'll be bringing a map printed by this app. The app has a very nice search feature, will import GPS waypoints, build excellent route elevation graphs, and has a system for adding wee icons to your maps.

That said, there are some pretty big problems with using the program for anything other than printing trail maps.

In the license agreement the maps you build, save, and print are referred to as "reproductions":

- Reproductions are only for in-house, in-business, or intra-organization purposes
- National Geographic Holdings is leasing the reproductions to you; you do not own them
- All reproductions must include copyright notices indicating that the maps are owned by NGH
- Distribution of printed reproductions (for in-house use as mentioned above) is ok, but for digital reproductions you must contact NGH and get a supplemental license in writing

So, you can lease and print very nice hiking maps for use within your house, business, or company. Using the maps on web sites (even internal ones) or other digital documents is forbidden without entering license negotiations with NGH.

TrailSmart/Topo offers the best Maps on CD that I've seen, at least for people like me - hard core hiker, map nerd and computer geek. The viewer allows seamless display of USGS 7-1/2 minute quads as you pan across, up and down exploring the cyber world. You can draw your trips on the maps, add text labels and symbols; and print them out on your color printer. You can also download tiny .tpo files from the topo website where people like me share their favorite trips with you.

Each area covered comes with maps at 4 or 5 levels of zoom - so you can make good driving and overview maps - and still get all the detail you need. The closest version is usually 1:24,000 (regular USGS 7-1/2 minute) and contains most of the information found on the quads.

(Some areas of coverage do not go down to 1:24,000 and are not useful for hiking).

I use the Zion, Arches and Grand Teton Sections, and have not used the others. It really helps to have a color printer to print the maps out.

Excellent Maps on CD for Zion National Park. Also includes Arches, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Denali, Yosemite, etc. If you have a color printer, with a little effort and computer saavy you can print out trip specific maps real slick. Easy to use.

If you are looking at an inexpensive way to jump into the marvelous world of maps on CD, this is one of the best ways to jump in. Buy that 11x17 color inkjet printer, and you'll never buy an actual topo again.

This software really lived up to my expectaions. Functional, elegant, and easy-to-use. Great maps combined with great software. I highly recomend it. The best topo software out there

Small number of Parks with limited trial information. Not worth it. Not easy to transfer to GPS unit.