Using Mapping Software to Explore Utah

[Brewhaha]

I'm wondering what mapping software everyone uses in their explorations.

Anyone use any mapping software? I have been using NG State Topo! Series maps. Do you use something different? Something you like better?

I also have Magellan's Mapsend but never use it on my computer.

How about Google Earth? Anyone use their premium services?

[Alex]

I use Google Earth and National Geographic TOPO! Like them both :2thumbs:

[Udink]

I mostly use ExpertGPS and Google Earth. ExpertGPS uses the same maps as NG Topo, but it downloads them from the internet as needed, and it doesn't render them in 3D like NG Topo. ExpertGPS also uses the B/W aerial photos that are on TerraServer (http://terraserver.microsoft.com/). I also use Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/) for their plain-jane street maps--I usually don't like seeing the street maps overlaid on the aerial images like in Google Earth.

[DiscGo]

I use Google Earth and National Geographic TOPO! Like them both :2thumbs:

Me too. They work great for me.

[shaggy125]

Probably the cheapest program (free) is Nasa's World Wind, it is similar to Google Earth (less user friendly though) but you can overlay detailed b&w satellite images and down to 1:24000 scale topo maps. Plus it puts everything in 3D like Google Earth. Some like it, some hate it, but for just random exploring I like it better than Google Earth because you can overlay topo maps at the click of a button (sometimes you have to zoom in really close and wait a few minutes for the 1:24000 scale maps to load).

http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/

P.S. When you have it set at the highest detail in 3D mode it looks great, but will take a much more powerful system than GE, it can get pretty jumpy if your systems graphics capabilities aren't up to par.