Garmin MapSource U.S.A. Topographical Map CD-ROM (Windows)

I got this software for use with my Garmin eTrex Summit, and found it to be less than adequate for my work. As a botanist in the northwoods, I cover a lot of territory each season. I need to be able to view accurate and complete topographic maps, plot my tracks and markers on these maps, and orient locations by legal description -- Township, Range, and Section line -- so that I know, for instance, when I'm crossing property lines, say from public to private land.Mapsource's topo maps have few contour lines and omit many dirt roads, small lakes, and many other details. Most importantly, Township, range and section lines are omitted. In it's favor, Mapsource is easy to use. And the price is good: The entire U.S. for $100.I later obtained MapTech's Terrain Navigator software, and it works much better for me. The details are almost as complete as USGS topo maps. Township, range and section lines are included, as are complete contour lines and even some abandoned, bermed roads (on public land). MapTech is not, however, as intuitive as Mapsource. And MapTech costs much more in relation to the area covered: I paid for one small part of our state.So if you want maps for the whole U.S. and don't necessarily need details, get Mapsource. If you want USGS-quality maps with excellent detail, look at others, including MapTech.

After reading all the negative reviews, I was very reluctant to take the plunge with this product. However, as the date of my Vermont hiking trip approached, I decided to go for it.I was very plesantly surprised. Here's what I found:1. This product provides good BASIC topo maps for garmin GPS (I personally use an etrex legend). If you are looking for 1:24,000 level of precision with every obscure trail, fire road, etc. you WON'T find it here. However, I found the maps to be more than adequate for orienting myself and cross-referencing with USGS paper maps if necessary. (As others have repeated ad nauseam, you should ALWAYS carry paper maps in addition to electronic gizmos like this). Also, as other reviewers have pointed out, you can get good USGS-derived paper maps from Maptech.2. My experience was that the accuracy was good, once I enabled the WAAS on my unit. I didn't encounter any of the missing lakes, etc. which others have spoken about (I also used it recently in the boundary waters area of MN). That having been said, I don't think it's necessarily the best for roads-- also as other reviewers have pointed out. It is best suited for topographic features. There are other products which are more suited for roads and highways.3. I didn't have any problems with installation-- went very smoothly. The software is somewhat rudimentary, but that also makes it very simple to use. I was up and running in no time. Downloads were also very easy and straightforward.4. Can't beat the price!! You get all 50 states-- not like other products that are state by state. You buy it once and then you are done.So overall, know what you are getting into and you will not be disappointed. DONT expect any bells and whistles like fancy 3d flybys, etc. DO expect a cheap, basic, reliable-- and in my experience-- accurate map which will get you MORE than adequately oriented with your surroundings.

I use this software in a GPS Map 76CS when riding an ATV. It shows many existing ATV and snowmobile trails, sometimes with the trail name. It also shows most logging roads, with names where applicable. Streams, lakes, and ponds are also listed. It's very accurate, and makes it easy to see where you are in relation to known landmarks. It's just what I was looking for!

First, before you buy this product, you should understand that it is NOT intended to replace good, high-detail paper topo maps. Relying simply on a sensitive piece of electronic equipment without a good map and compass in the backcountry is not a well-advised decision. ("Whoops! Shouldn't have dropped my GPS on those rocks." "Darn! Coulda sworn I packed extra batteries!" You get the picture.)That said, I've found it to be an excellent supplement to 1:24,000 paper maps. The detail is surprisingly good; I recently completed a section of the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado and found most (but not all) of the trail information from the 7.5' maps on the GPS map. It's nice to be able to instantly correlate your position between the GPS and a paper map, and the contour lines simply make it easier to visualize your position. It also shows points of interest like small lakes and rivers, and even old mines and such. The contour lines do not always perfectly jive up with higher-detail maps, but are close enough. There does seem to be a problem with not enough contour lines at higher magnifications, so you won't want to zoom in too close if you want to see the lay of the land on your unit. Position accuracy, however, was very good and appeared just about spot-on with my paper maps.Installation is easy and the data meshes seamlessly with other MapSource products (well, City Select, anyway, which is the other MapSource product I currently own). My Garmin GPS60CS holds a tremendous amount of topographical information in its 64 MB internal memory; I fit in almost the entire west half of Colorado plus City Select info for numerous cities between Colorado and Michigan.One big downside to having so much information loaded is that map-drawing times are achingly slow on my unit, especially if detail is set on Most and Declutter is set to Off. I found that by unselecting topo information for areas I didn't need, drawing times were improved substantially, though still a bit irritating. Scrolling to a new area and waiting for the map to catch up can be tedious. I usually leave Declutter on unless I need a particular detail in an area.I did not have the opportunity (or the need) to map routes using this software. I have done so with City Select and found it simple and effective, but don't know how this will translate into Topo. I've heard and read that the National Geographic maps are better for route mapping, but your results may vary. I suspect that this is due in large part to the fact that NatGeo maps are 1:24,000 in detail, much higher than USA Topo, so errors will naturally be smaller. Thus far I have not needed to map routes, as I rely on my map and compass more than my electronics for detailed positioning (and my pencil never runs out of batteries), with my GPS as a verification device. I can see where this would be an issue, however, if you do a lot of off-trail exploring or otherwise have the need for a detailed, precise route through tricky country.Value-wise I'd say USA Topo qualifies as very good, particularly in light of the fact that Garmin tends to nickel-and-dime you to death with all of their maps and accessories. However, you can get USA Topo online for 75 or 80 bucks, and that includes topo information for all 50 states.My conclusion is that as an advanced, standalone navigation tool for backcountry climing, canyoneering, and other off-trail stuff, USA Topo is a poor choice. It's fine for trail-hikers and those that don't go bushwhacking, but still no replacement for a good 1:24,000 paper map. However, if you use it as a supplemental tool and recognize its limitations, it's just dandy.