MapSend Topo 3D Reviewer's Comments
|
You may also be interested in these review sites...
|
Geography buffs and altitude fanatics will find in our #2 choice all the elevation data they seek with MapSend Topo 3D by Magellan, our “TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award” winner. Magellan uses National Elevation Data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to create it's 3–D images for the most reliability possible.
Although the elevation data is comprehensive, the MapSend customization tools are limited, so we ranked this program under our #1–pick, DeLorme. If elevation data and climbing/descending information are your primary interests—this is the software for you.
MapSend Topo 3D Screenshots. Click to Enlarge
Ease of Use:
MapSend Topo 3D is user-friendly. It takes some experimenting to plan your first trip because the program doesn't have a tutorial to help you along.
Feature Set:
Although the 3-D graphics are exceptional, MapSend Topo 3D cannot map automated routes and give driving directions. This software is more suited to off-road travel; the graphics are shades of gray, which make them difficult to read even on a large monitor.
The program has the ability to transfer data to a Magellan GPS unit, but the 3–D mode is only available on your computer.
Magellan also offers at an additional cost topo maps for regions outside the US.
Points of Interest:
The best part about this program is the points of interest. MapSend Topo 3D includes POI for food and entertainment, as well as a huge database of topography related The POI. These are arranged in logical categories that can be turned on and off.
Map Customization:
The only customization tools available through MapSend Topo 3D include the ability to create an elevation profile for any mapped road, the option of marking waypoints with selected icons and the ability to draw and input new regions on the map. The elevation profile provides interesting data such as climbing/descending distance and elevation.
Safety Features:
MapSend Topo 3D is topography mapping software so doesn't offer the same types of safety requirements. We'd like to see weather updates in the future, however.
Ease of Setup:
We didn't encounter any problems installing MapSend Topo 3D.
Help / Support:
>MapSend Topo 3D offers email and phone support. Magellan took a week to respond to email.
MapSend Topo 3D comes with a user guide and you can access FAQs through Magellan's homepage. This program also has a helpful “Whats this?” icon.
Summary:
MapSend Topo 3D USA includes over 30,000 Trails.com destinations that cover hiking, camping, fly fishing, paddling, mountain biking and cross country skiing areas, which makes it a useful tool for an outdoor adventurist.
The gray graphics lacked definition and clarity making if difficult to see detail, so visually MapSend Topo ranks lower than other programs. But for people that need a large database of elevation data, including the ability to create elevation profiles, this is the best program.
©2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc.
