travel

This product has many wonderful maps to use with a COMPUTER but BEWARE you can't load the maps onto a GPS so unless you want to carry a laptop on your next hike - skip it. The product information is misleading by stating the program has the the ability to load maps to a "device" apparently this does not include a GPS so I ask what's the point? What a disappointment.

Which would you prefer? 17 different CDs to keep track of and constantly switch in and out of your computer, or 1 or 2 DVDs? This product may be good, but I made a mistake by not waiting until it came out on DVD.

I bought this for desert and mountain 'off road' exploration and camping. In that capacity, I am completely satisfied with its seemless scrolling, map labelling and GPS downloading features. I can plan my routes, mark and print the highly detailed maps, and have it ready to go. Upon return, I can add small non-descript roads, trails, mine locations, etc that I find in the field via my GPS. I used to spend 20 to 30 dollars for paper topo's for outback trips. Now, I'll literally save hundreds with this software. And because this software doesn't require mega 3D computer capabilities, I actually installed this software in an old Pentium 1, with a 130 meg processer, and it works flawlessly! Now, I have put my old, and (formerly) no longer used computer to work in the garage for my trip planning. Something I couldn't do with the Regional State Series because of it's computer system requirements. The only potential drawback to this software is the lack of level 5 mapping. This software actually goes to 1:25,000 scale, but the only difference I can ascertain from pure 'level 5' is the missing gridlines and details. This system includes elevation cross section detail, and for my purposes, that makes up for any missing level 5 details. Comparatively, Delormes Atlas's are 1:150,000 scale, this software is full level 4 or 1:100,000 scale... and 1;25,000 as well, it's awesome. And if you really need to get closer, you can zoom the area you want. Overall, if you must have the level 5, which is 1:25,000 scale with level 5 detail, get the regional or state series sofware. But for the price, with 50 states of seemless 1:100,000 topo, and the system requirements, this software is exceptional. Tred Lightly!