Topo USA 3.0

How low can you go? Find out with DeLorme's revised Topo USA 3.0, packed with stunning new features. With 43 national park and 120 national forest trail networks, the latest version of this innovative software lets you create high-detail maps of trails, roads, and wilderness for the entire U.S.

New users will find Topo USA 3.0 easy to install and learn, quickly creating and printing finely detailed topological maps for hiking or hunting trips. Those familiar with older versions will thrill to the new automatic trail and road routing, land-cover data that integrates trees and other features into maps, and especially the large format (11 by 17) and mural printing. If the graphics are a little creaky on a particular computer, it's easy to switch from the intense 3-D mode to the simpler 2-D--this should speed up performance for those who need their maps in a hurry.

Maps can be ported to Palm-running PDAs and a wide range of GPS devices--just make sure to bring spare batteries, or, failing that, a compass. The data is current as of early 2001, including more than 300,000 miles of trails, from America's deepest trenches to its highest peaks. Even users who don't spend most of their time outdoors will find the added dimensions a neat twist to their virtual explorations. --Rob Lightner

Topo USA allows you to create your own topographic maps for the entire U.S., with automatic trail and road routing. You can scout terrain with realistic shaded relief or 3-D views, and upload or download points to or from the most popular GPS receivers. View UTM coordinates, GPS grids, and instant elevation profiles for any road or trail. Flexible tools allow freehand drawing, GPS point conversion, automatic trail tracing, and customizable symbols. Discover 300,000 miles of trails, including 43 national park and 120 national forest trail networks. Print 11-by-17-inch maps or tiled 8-by-11-inch mural maps while maintaining map data on your hard drive, letting you conveniently travel disc-free.