Topo USA Ver. 3.0

overkill · Sep 8, 2004

I'm thinking of buying Topo USA Ver. 3.0 off of ebay and was wondering if anyone here has used it to create maps of remote hunting areas. My main concern would be the exclusion of small fire and gas roads in remote areas. It's must for me to be able to map these kinds of roads. Also is the software user-friendly and how large of a map can be printed out. Any other useful info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

105Coues · Sep 9, 2004

I have never used the 3.0 version. However, Topo USA 4.0 is a very user friendly program. The roads are probably all there but the maps are vector based and are not as detailed as real topo maps. If you want the best maps, buy the 3D Topoquads. I have never used the 3.0 version.

smokepoler63 · Sep 9, 2004

I have never used Topo USA Ver. 3.0, so I can't tell you anything about it. My favorite map software though is Topo! produced by National Geographic. It has 5 levels of detail, from a state overview map down to the 7.5 minute topographical quads from the USGS. Through the software, the 7.5 minute topographical maps have been joined together seemlessly, so you can 'virtually' fly over a hunt unit, trace out a ridge line, or walk a creek drainage, and not run off the edge of the map. It also has a 3D shade feature that makes the flat topo map come to life and pop out with 3D relief.

I own 4 states of this software and love it. It will set you back about $100.00 per state, but IMO, well worth the $$$. The state of Idaho has 1800 7.5 minute topographical quads, Montana, 3000. At $4.00 a sheet at the BLM/Forest Service office, it wouldn't take long to pay for this software. Good luck in choosing your software.

saminwy · Sep 9, 2004

i have 4.0, and am not real happy with it. i mostly use topozone.com. i dont remember how much it cost for premium services, but i get good quality topos, plus airial photos. searchable by place names, and also by lat/long.

ridgetop · Sep 10, 2004

I got it, and its ok. You can get the "Version 5" western region for @ $50 american right now though, so unless you can get it really cheap, I would probably reccomend going with the newer version.