General Cycling Discussion - need recommendations for map software

i've been asked and have accepted the responsibility to create new maps for my bike clubs seasonal rides. but i need some suggestions on decent map software thats easy to use.

the maps are for new members and new people who join us on our rides. most of us know the routes already but there are some new routes and some changes to the old ones.

i could do it with out by using my states DOT maps but it would require a lot of cutting and pasting. i'd rather just enter in to basic info on the route and have the map generated for me using the map software.

so ideas on what to use? it dont matter if i have to download it or purchase the software at a store.

thanks

Check out yymap. You can print the maps too. yymap.com

Hi,
try here....
http://www.delorme.com/software.htm

I have tried some of the software; it's pretty good. The topo model is quite pricey, but having topographical information is a real plus. Wonder of anyone has reviewed these programs.

yymap works good, but unless i zoom way in i can not get the county highways. and in doing that i am to far zoomed in to be able to view and print the rest of the route.

Maptech Terrain Navigator combined with a GPS is an AMAZING combination. Check out what you can do with the combo...I rode the loop with the GPS (Garmin Etrex Vista) recording - then downloaded the data to the PC. The software draws a trace of your ride and the ride profile as shown. Then simply copy and paste into an image editor, add your text...

http://www.bikecolorado.com/bc/copyImages/GPSData/2003-02-18%20Palmer%20-%20The%20Terminator%20-%20Profile.jpg

http://www.bikecolorado.com/bc/copyImages/GPSData/2003-02-18%20Palmer%20-%20The%20Terminator%20-%20Route.jpg

There is a program called MarPlot, and I believe it's free, too. I think that NOAA offers it, or maybe the Department of the Interior. Sorry-don't have time to track it down, but it was a useful software I used once for a mapping project at work.

downloaded and checked marplot. a=like yymap i have to zoom way in to see the details of the routes i am trying to map out. otherwise it is a decent map software.

but i think i'm going to have to bite the bullet and purchase the rand mcnally software.

unless anyone else has any other suggestions? or do you suggest other software other then rand mcnally?

what i need to do is be able to print out a map on a 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. the route needs to be all on one page and needs to be readable.

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2000 has worked well for me.






P.S. I bought it myself Mr. Gates. ;)

The obvious would seem to be to use mapquest.com and/or terraserver. You're probably going to have to zoom in, grab the pictures, and piece them together in a program like paintshop to get decent maps anyway.

Terraserver is cool 'cause you can look at section maps showing elevations and even at satellite photography. In some areas the satellite photography is at high enough resolution to identify narrow bridges and such.

John

I've been using the Delorme Topo USA program for 2 years. It works really well, esp. for road rides. Ploting and planning off-road trips is much more labor intensive for Mtb routes. The ability get profiles of your route with ease is really nice. The program is a bit of a memory hog, otherwise I love it.

i purchased and am using microsoft maps and trips 2003. it does what i need it to do. the other board members and club members will hopefully be impressed with our new updated maps after i am done with them.

anyone else use maps and trips?

Originally posted by urban_assault
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2000 has worked well for me.


Ditto

I have one map that on which I've high-lighted every road I've ridden on. It's fun to pull it up and look at once in awhile.

Originally posted by urban_assault
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2000 has worked well for me.


I second this! Very good program!

Only disadvantage is you can't print out highligted routes, only driving directions.

I've been using Delorme Topo for a few years. No great complaints with the product. The only drawback is that it doesn't differentiate between paved and unpaved roads (there are plenty in our area), so you need some familiarity with the route. And it has ride profile capability, which is a major plus.

www.topozone.com (http://www.topozone.com) is an online resource for topo maps. Not as good as a ride profile, but it gives you some idea of what kind of terrain you'll be dealing with.

Originally posted by Spire
I second this! Very good program!

Only disadvantage is you can't print out highligted routes, only driving directions.

in the 2003 version you can print both driving directions and the highlighted route as well as turn-by-turn maps. maybe you ought to look into a update. try the web site for update info. or if your software has it already built in click on the update icon.

Sorry N_C I really don't know.