Recommend me a top-of-the-line map program

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Electrode

Diamond Member
May 4, 2001
6,063
2
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I've decided I want to replace, or at least suppliment, my assortment of outdated and decaying paper maps with something computer-based. However, I know nothing of the various offerings, and need recommendations for something that would meet my requirements. Here's what I'm looking for:

Must have:
* Road maps for the entire world, preferably zoomable to street level
* Topographic maps for the entire world
* Ability to search for cities or landmarks
* Ability to plot locations by latitude/longitude (both minute/second and decimal)
* Ability to get latitude/longitude and elevation of any arbitrary point
* Ability to get distance between 2 points in kilometers, miles or degrees
* Ability to print maps

Would be useful:
* Ability to plot locations by street address
* Ability to generate driving directions
* Native Linux version of software (don't really want to run vmware on the laptop)

Anyone have any suggestions? And don't say something like "just use mapquest", I need something that is fully functional WITHOUT an internet connection.
 
Rottie

Rottie

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2002
4,795
2
81
I used Rand McNally Trip Maker Essential and Address Finder. They are good programs.
 
yhelothar

yhelothar

Lifer
Dec 11, 2002
18,409
39
91
MS Streets and Trips works great for me for all those things.
I don't think it runs on linux though ;)
 
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Electrode

Diamond Member
May 4, 2001
6,063
2
81
Hmm. Well, I've looked at both MS Streets and Trips and the stuff on Rand McNally's site, and so far I haven't found anything that meets all of my requirements.

For one thing, none of the software suggested so far has road maps outside the US and Canada, and the only topographic map software I've been able to find only covers the US. Plus I'm not sure any of the recommendations so far have all of the plotting tools I need.

Any other ideas?
 
1

1Cheap2Crazy

Golden Member
Jun 15, 2002
1,165
0
76
I think you're asking too much, but that would be cool. You basically want an electronic street level map of the world? that runs on Linux? What is the market for that? My only suggestion would be to email some cartography organizations, GISuser.com, gpspassion.com, Delorme, Rand McNally, USGS, a major University's cartography department, or even Microsoft. I would think a Windows version would be more likely available than linux, and probably cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. :(

HTH,

1C2C
 
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EvanAdams

Senior member
Nov 7, 2003
844
0
0
microsoft has two mapping programs. The one that is like $300 is awesome. You can use it to all sort of plotting. I've used it to figure out cenus data and plot gerrymanderd congressional districts.

For linix I would suggest looking into the wardriving websites and see what they use.
 
E

Electrode

Diamond Member
May 4, 2001
6,063
2
81
Originally posted by: warcrow
http://www.maps24.com </=== Free and better than mapquest :)
Click to expand...

Someone didn't read my post. I specificaly stated that I needed something that would work WITHOUT an internet connection.

Originally posted by: notfred
ArcGIS
Click to expand...

Alright, NOW we're getting somewhere. Arcview looks like it'll suit my needs nicely, although I am going to have to save up for awhile, that $1.5K price tag is a bit steep. :)

Originally posted by: EvanAdams
microsoft has two mapping programs. The one that is like $300 is awesome. You can use it to all sort of plotting. I've used it to figure out cenus data and plot gerrymanderd congressional districts.
Click to expand...

I didn't see that one. If you tell me what it's called I might look into it.
 
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