what is the best PC Mapping software?
 

I've been looking to buy a good PC map software.

I am considering Microsoft Street & Maps 2004.

Are there any other software to compare it to? I don't use GPS so all I would consider is mapping & routing software.

Thanx.

I use Microsoft Streets & Trips (I believe a version from 2001 w/Windows 2000). The software was included in the software bundle issued to my company on PCs. For the most part, the map software works fairly well except for very new developments.

A friend had Streets and Trips along on a recent business trip in which we had to drive, and the thing was a nightmare.

At one point, it changed our destination by 30 miles for no reason whatsoever (but still claimed it was our destination). Basically, it said the equivalent of take I-90/94 S to downtown Chicago and arrive at your destination MKE.

Even when it did work, it was impossibly detailed. Making a simple exit from a freeway took 8 lines of directions that all involved driving 0.0 miles. IT made it very difficult to get an overview of where you were headed and to know when your next REAL action point was, because it was buried in several non-action points.

Finally, it gave weird directions, like sending us down an alley to get to our hotel instead of turning on the perfectly good major street before the alley.

It was very difficult to use, and I give it a huge thumbs down relative to the functionality you see from a mapquest.

I personally like MS Streets and Trips, but the stupid software did send me once in a wild goose chase. Me and other 20 co-workers that needed directions to go to a restaurant http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...m/rolleyes.gif

No software is perfect, but so far, I think that one is the least worst.

I think this discussion is best suited for the Travel Technology forum.

So let's continue the discussion there

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Moderator: OMNI and S.P.A.M.

PC connected to the Internet connected to MapQuest then validated by a phone call to the people at the location to which you're trying to get.

This is getting off the topic of actual software, but as far as web maps go, I'm a fan of Yahoo Maps. Much more readable than Mapquest, although the system has fewer features as far as adding extra points of interest and stuff.

I have used TomTom on my my Palm phone in Paris and it worked very well. They have various versions for Europe that are very strong and some support for USA maps. Running on a Palm is quite nice because it's easier to have it with you and consult than it is to do so with a laptop next to you while you are driving.


[This message has been edited by richard (edited 07-27-2003).]

[This message has been edited by richard (edited 07-27-2003).]

I use Streets and Trips also. One thing I really hate about it is if a road is say I94, US6, US49 most people not from the area know it as I94 only. Streets and Trips will label and refer to it sometimes as US6 or US49, not I94 so I think I will have to get off the Interstate for some reason.

I also use Garmin's Streetpilot III so the Streets and Trips is just sort of a backup anyway.