DeLorme Topo USA 8.0

And the part I thought would be of interest to this group:

1. Include all of Street Atlas USA’s in-vehicle navigation features for those that bring along their laptops…

Read more about it http://blog.delorme.com/2009/05/06/t...on-to-release/

It's been released. In spite of the hype that's expected from the program creators, it appears to be pretty good. I try to avoid buying any software when it's first released or after any major changes. There are frequently too many bugs that need to be exterminated. This is particularly applicable to most Microsoft software. Anyway, I just might have to give this a try. DeLorme has made it look very enticing.

Has anyone used this software yet? I'm trying to pick between this and S&T 2009.

What is the main difference between Topo USA 8.0 and Street Atlas 2010? I am a user of Street Atlas, but have never use TopoUSA. They look very similar to me.

I have not been able to evaluate Topo USA 8.0 but from the description on the web site it is pretty much Street Atlas on steroids. That is, it looks like it has the complete road map that SA has and all its realtime navigation and guidance capabilities plus the topo maps and the subscription to the downloads from DeLorme's map and image database.

So, if you want the topo/offroad stuff but also want the road navigation capability it sure looks like a tempting product.

...ken...

Thanks, Ken,

I was told that the rivers and streams are labeled better on TopoUsa than they are on Street Atlas, so that would be important to me. I map out old bridges, which are almost always over some kind of water. It would be nice if I could put my SA map files into TopaUsa. That would save a lot of work.

Brian in Ohio

Hi Brian,

One of the main differences between road maps and topo maps (paper and electronic) is typically that the topos have much more comprehensive hydrology (water). They typically include more, and smaller, details and are more accurate.

I don't know why you wouldn't be able to use your SA maps in Topo. But I've seen dumber design decisions than that, like Microsoft's hardcore ignorance of backwards compatibility in Streets&Trips user-saved maps.

You could easily get the answer to both of these questions by emailing DeLorme and asking. I've found them to be quite responsive. I haven't always like the answers I got but they were always prompt and honest. You have to respect that.

...ken...

Ken

I have decided to order the TopoUSA 8.0 program, but ordered it from Amazon.com. They have it for $63.99 with free shipping. That will save $40.00 over the DeLorme price. I'll probably get it next week. After I have a good look at it, I'll post my thoughts about it. Thanks for your help!

Best,
Brian

By the way, I have both Streets & Trips 2010, and Street Atlas 2009. I just bought S&T last weekend, so I haven't gotten used to it, yet, but it seems to be O.K., so far. They have a very similar look, but there are some differences, too, of course. I hope the DeLorme TopoUSA 8.0 will accept my S/A map files. If it does, then it will be great!

Brian

I'll look forward to your reactions, Brian. Thanks for posting.

...ken...

Hi OldBridgez,

Sorry i'm a little late to the game on this one but, yes you can import SA files into Topo USA 8.0 by clicking on the Map Files tab, Add, Draw files, Route Files.

-Jason
Team DeLorme