What is a good mobile mapping software?

[Steven Howell]

I am currently reviewing Microsoft Streets and Trips and looking to purchase it. It seems to work very well, but I wanted some objective opinions of the software and if there was a better product out there?

Thanks.

 

[NLabun]

The standard for most chasers is DeLorme Street Atlas with Earthmate GPS. This seems to be more suited for professional and commercial use, while Microsoft Streets and Trips, while still very useful, appears to be designed more to cater to individuals or the lowest common denominators in their respective market. Personally, I have tried both and I prefer DeLorme's product (which I highly recommend), but it really depends on your personal opinion.

 

[Jason Foster]

For a much more detailed response, be sure to use the search feature here on the site. But yes...the simple answer is DeLorme (most common) and Streets & Trips (2nd most popular).

 

[Steven Howell]

Thanks for the input! I will give DeLorme a whirl...1 question, will it work with a Garmin Nuvi? I have GPSGate installed and running so I can export NMEA data to the computer....

 

[Steven Howell]

Another quick question, it doesnt appear to have an eval like Streets and Trips? Is that correct? You cant evaluate the product before you purchase it?

 

[NLabun]

No, DeLorme products do not have an eval period, which is unfortunate. Regarding your question about Garmin Nuvi compatability, it should work, but I'm not certain, so verify that.

 

[Olivier Staiger]

one thing I did NOT like on the Microsoft Streets and Trips software : When you are zoomed in at max and see the unpaved dirt roads, as soon as you zoom out a bit to see a slightly larger view and to get an idea of your next left dirtroad options those dirtroads disappear and you only see the paved roads. Compared to Google Maps, you can zoom out several times ( 8 increments ) in Google maps and the network of dirtroads remains still visible , which is of great help when you follow a storm and you want to plan beyond your next move.... as much as possible, as long as I had mobile web access, I preferred to use Google maps rather than Microsoft Streets and Trips. Especially in chase mode.

on the Campo tornado day, May 31 last year, we were driving on dirt roads west of Campo to get near the storm base, long before the big tornado formed. We were following Microsoft Streets and Trips, and according to the Microsoft map our dirt road was supposed to go east all the way to the paved road, but it did not, there was a map mistake. Google maps however shows the dirt road there correctly.

 

[rob.cannon]

I use streets and trips with an older Garmin SP-C330 and GpsGate. I think someone is or was selling a brand new copy on here.

 

[rob.cannon]

Thanks for the input! I will give DeLorme a whirl...1 question, will it work with a Garmin Nuvi? I have GPSGate installed and running so I can export NMEA data to the computer....

I don't think the Nuvi does NMEA. The older Garmin's I know do. I picked up an older C330 off ebay for $50 last year.

 

[Steve Miller]

I'm a Microsoft Streets & Trips guy myself. Delorme leaves a bigger footprint and is not near as friendly. I've not had mapping problems (road showing where there is no road, etc.) on it either, for what it's worth. MS has a free 60-day trial (google search it) that gives you full access to the program. I'd go snag it and give it a shot.
Delorme was the first to get a program out there that had zoom down to the roads we sometimes have to use. As the programs have evolved, I think MS surpassed Delorme in many respects, but chasers tend to stick with what they know. Just my opinion.

 

[Steven Howell]

I don't think the Nuvi does NMEA. The older Garmin's I know do. I picked up an older C330 off ebay for $50 last year.

Hi Rob,

Yes Nuvi can output NMEA data, you just have to put it in maintenance mode to get it. Basically you power it up on batteries, then press the battery indicator for about 10 seconds, it enters the mode, you plug in your USB cable to the computer, wait for the beep, then hit exit....voila! you have NMEA data output to the computer. You have to use GPSGate or some other software to create virtual ports, but it works great.

 

[Steven Howell]

What chumps...guess they expect people to just waste their money? I will not buy anything like this without at least trying it first. If you dont like it, you are screwed....

No, DeLorme products do not have an eval period, which is unfortunate. Regarding your question about Garmin Nuvi compatability, it should work, but I'm not certain, so verify that.

 

[David Goines]

Does anyone on here have experience with Microsoft MapPoint? http://www.microsoft.com/mappoint/en-us/home.aspx
It looks a bit more geared for business application, but still looks interesting.

 

[Jason Foster]

There was a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee with my download of 2011 DeLorme. But I've been on DeLorme's StreetAtlas since 1998, so I think you know where my loyalty and opinion lays.

 

[Lee Smith-Whaley]

I decided to bump this to show why I will not be using Microsoft Streets and Trips to plan trips unless I have google maps, or something else to verify my route with. To get to Denver it wants me to go east, and then north from my current location when there is a perfectly good highway going straight north about 1/2 mile from my house. Plus it can't even find my address. By going east I will be adding an easy 50 mins if not more onto my drive, not just the 48 it shows. I know this for a fact as I have used that route before for a different trip.

EDIT: Before it's asked, I checked my settings, and having it set to quickest, and shortest, it still goes east. Also this is just one of many issues I've had.