GPS Maps for Desktop PC, PDAs and Handhelds

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A lot of people have heard about a GPS map though not many people actually know what they are or how they really work. Mostly, only those people who are frequent travelers like, pilots, navigators and sailors are largely familiar with GPS maps. The reason is quite clear: this kind of new technology is very useful charting courses while one is traveling.

The military, researchers and many other professionals having the need to know their exact location at any given time, are also greatly making use of this wonderful technology. For the majority of ordinary people though GPS maps are not as well known. The reason being they do not really need to know about any systems or maps that could let them know precisely where they are at any given point of time.

GPS maps have a number of uses. The police department is able to prevent and control crime by making use of a GPS map. For instance, by installing a GPS vehicle navigation system in the police cars, police can quickly and with a lot of efficiency respond to alerts in the city with ease. GPS maps enable police and other government services the power and the striking ability to find a way around the particular area as if they are very familiar with every corner and every street by memory alone.

Free GPS Maps

One of the biggest purveyors of GPS maps is, of course, Google. Through Google Maps you can access easy to read maps of pretty much any point in the world. While some of the directional information may be a bit limited in more remote areas, how often are you going to find yourself trying to navigate the outer reaches of Mongolia (although, if you need to, you’ll be please to know that Google’s service does provide information on the one road you could take – for a ways).

Another option for free GPS maps is MapQuest. Here you can enter directions for a starting and ending point and receive detailed directions from point A to point B. Some find the directions a little TOO detailed (i.e., turn left out of your driveway and proceed 1400 ft. to the nearest road), but they are very usable.

Many of us, however, don’t have the time or organizational skills to figure out where we’re going before we leave the house. Going to a website on your home computer and printing out directions seems so, well, 20th century. That’s where free GPS maps that you can download to your portable device can come in handy.

You also may have a GPS compatible phone or PDA, such as the new iPhone, the Helio drift or the HP Smartphone, which, when combined with free GPS map software and downloads, can help you access maps and information about local sites and businesses while on the road.

Unfortunately, like many things that are “free” these programs come with some caveats. Often, some of the best features of the software are disabled in the free version, or it may be free for only a limited time. If you’re really in need of quality mapping information and resources, at some point it may be time to abandon the “free” options, and look at some of the low-cost paid versions of GPS software. Ranging from $40 to around $200, you can likely find one program that will meet your needs.

For those just beginning to explore the world of free GPS maps, though, there’s no need to start shelling out the cash. In fact, with the options noted above you can use your computer to explore planet earth, for free!

GPS Maps for Desktop PC and PDA

Delorme Street Atlas USA 2008

DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2008 is the most powerful atlas program available for your PC, PDA or GPS. These comprehensive tools offer street information and points-of-interest (POI). It also features innovative GPS features: voice commands, spoken directions, automatic back-on-track re-routing and much more. These authentic DeLorme maps are guaranteed accurate — they’re produced by their own mapmakers, and triple-referenced to ensure you have the correct guidance anywhere you go. Explore America’s back roads without getting lost and get where you’re going faster than ever with Street Atlas USA 2008. GPS navigation with spoken directions and voice commands Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 5.0, and Palm OS 3.5 (and above) support. [Read more on Delorme Street Atlas USA 2008]

Topo USA 7.0 East Edition

DeLorme’s Mapping Topo USA maps offer a variety of controls, including traditional push-button zooming, which drills in/out while keeping the map exactly centered. See the terrain in vivid detail using the 3-D map views and controls. These realistic views also retain the various elements you add to your trails, MapNotes, GPS waypoints and Draw objects. The split-screen framework lets you see 2-D and 3-D maps side by side, with linked Draw tools that move and update in tandem. The 3-D software engine has been completely rebuilt for this new version. DeLorme employs several powerful search capabilities within the software. Add your own images, live Web URLs, and diagrams and documents to the maps. Embed photos and diagrams showing fleet personnel what they will find at each location. Embed URLs next to your important stops on the maps for easy access when additional information is needed or updated online. New in this version, this easy-to-use program lets you link your digital photographs to a GPS log so you can see exactly where you took a picture along your trip.

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 with GPS

Streets & Trips with GPS Locator helps you travel with complete confidence and it’s so easy. This comprehensive trip planning software makes route planning a snap, anywhere in U.S. and Canada. Calculate mileage, pick out the fastest routes and mark points of interest. It gets you where you’re going quickly, easily, and without all the guesswork. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with GPS Locator pairs the power of Streets & Trips, the best-selling travel and map software, with a sleek new Global Positioning System receiver. You’ll always know exactly where you are. Map your route, plug the GPS receiver into your laptop, and go! It starts with all the door-to-door routing, location-finding and comprehensive mapping power of Microsoft Streets & Trips, and adds a plug-and-play Global Positioning System (GPS) locator that helps you stay on track, and always knows where your next turn is. Includes sleek, stylish, ultra-compact GPS device with SiRF star III technology. [Read more on Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 with GPS]
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GPSBabel converts waypoints, tracks, and routes from one format to another, whether that format is a common mapping format like Delorme, Streets and Trips, or even a serial or USB upload or download to a GPS receiver such as those from Garmin and Magellan. By flattening the Tower of Babel that the authors of various programs for manipulating GPS data have imposed upon us, it returns to us the ability to freely move our own waypoint data between the programs and hardware we choose to use.

GPS Visualizer is an online gateway to GPS Babel. GPS Babel is a freeware program that converts GPS data from one format to another.

GPSWaypoint is an easy way to store all of your favorite waypoints and routes and access them later from anywhere in the world… Upload routes and waypoints data files in variety of formats supported by the popular GPS receivers and mapping software directly to your account on the GPSWaypoint site without any hassle… All this available after free registration…

GeoConv is a coordinate conversion program, which converts between different coordinate file formats, coordinate types and datums.

Cetus GPS is the Swiss Army Knife of GPS tracking and field data collection. It is intended for use by GIS surveyors, scientists, explorers and GPS enthusiasts who need to extend the features of their standard GPS equipment.

DNRGarmin GPS Application – This extension was built to provide users the ability to directly transfer data between Garmin GPS handheld receivers and various GIS software packages. Using this program a user can use point features (graphics or shapefile) and upload them to the GPS as Waypoints. Line and Polygon Graphics or shapes can be uploaded to the GPS as Track Logs or Routes. Conversely, Waypoints, Track Logs, and Routes collected using the GPS can be transferred directly to ArcView/ArcMap/Google Earth/Landview and saved as Graphics or Shapefiles.

Earthcomber will help you find special interests over the hill or just down the block. Earthcomber also helps you find all the basic stuff—the cash machines, coffee shops, WiFi hotspots, hotels, post offices, restaurants—so that you can take care of your necessities in a snap and have time for more pursuits.

EasyGPS is the fast and easy way to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS. EasyGPS lists all of your waypoints on the left side of the screen, and shows a plot of your GPS data on the right. Use EasyGPS to back up and organize your GPS data, print maps, or load new waypoints onto your GPS for your next hike or geocaching adventure. EasyGPS works with every popular handheld GPS receiver, and it is 100% FREE!

GPS Maps by Brand

Garmin MapSource CD ROM (USA TOPO)

Similar to U.S. Geological Survey 1:100,000-scale topographic paper maps
View highways, roads, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, backwoods trails, and shoreline detail
Icons represent boat ramps, campgrounds, public facilities, swimming, and ski areas
Transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks between your PC and nearly all Garmin GPS units
[Read more on Garmin MapSource CD ROM (USA TOPO)]

Garmin 010-10402-00 Mapsource Metroguide

MetroGuide U.S.A. CD-ROM contains road and street maps for the entire United States along with functions that allow you to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks between your PC and GPS unit. You can load maps, addresses, business listings, and points of interest into any map-compatible Garmin GPS unit. You’ll see the location of restaurants, banks, gas stations, and tourist attractions and more. Or, you can use your GPS to look up street addresses and points of interest, then navigate to them with onscreen guidance. You’ll be able to drive to any city address in the large database using an electronic map that shows street-level detail.

Magellan MapSend Streets (Europe)

Magellan MapSend Streets CD For Map 330

Magellan MapSend Streets and Destinations (Canada)

Magellan MapSend BlueNav XL3 Charts for Meridian (US West Coast/Hawaii)

Magellan MapSend CD-ROM/Americas PC Software Program