Back Roads Explorer Reviewer's Comments
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National Geographic's Back Roads Explorer is topography-based mapping software that includes precise layouts of city grids. We found it to be less of a back roads guide and more of a public roads guide.
Ease of Use:
Back Roads Explorer could confuse someone that is new to mapping software.
Feature Set:
Back Roads Explorer provides most basic functions you would expect from mapping software (such as the ability to create an elevation profile). You can view any map and take a fly-thru in 3D.
Back Roads Explorer is compatible with Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, and Eagle GPS units.
Also, be prepared to research every path and turn because Back Roads Explorer does not offer Automatic Route Generation, Turn-by-Turn Directions, or a Detailed Route Description. Back Roads Explorer has a unique tool called a Hot Spot Magnifier that provides a close–up view of any area that your mouse scrolls over.
Points of Interest:
Although Back Roads Explorer has over one million POI, the program does not include many rural back roads or trails.
Map Customization:
This is one area that Back Roads Explorer nails beautifully. You can draw your own routes and the program will auto–generate waypoints based on your criteria. You can create multiple routes, add notes and photos.
Safety Features:
Back Roads Explorer includes a compass but does not provide weather or travel update information.
Ease of Setup:
We didn't have any problems setting up Back Roads Explorer.
Help / Support:
Back Roads Explorer offers phone and email support. A PDF user manual can be accessed from the main menu; however, the manual lacks a FAQ section.
Summary:
Back Roads Explorer does not include as much detail as you would like in a topography map and does not show any more roads or trails than most of the software that we reviewed that were designed for city travel. You cannot find obscure or remote hiking trails, and this is why most people buy a topography map. Because of this, we don't recommend this software for hikers and trail hunters.
©2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.
