Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Travel & Map Software.

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Ratings

Ease of Use

We evaluate each mapping program to see if the controls are intuitive. Our Ease of Use rating shows you the level of difficulty required to navigate through the mapping software.

Feature Set

This is a detailed list of the mapping software characteristics tools and features, usually found on the outside of the software box.

Points of Interest

Locations and sites, such as historical buildings, entertainment centers and restaurants appear as icons along a given map route. Many mapping programs allow you to choose which types of icons you want to display and print.

Map Customization

We check out the map customization tools to see if they allow photo, illustration, or note attachments. You should be able to draw on a map, then print your alterations with the map.

Safety Features

Traveling can be dangerous, especially in unfamiliar areas. These mapping software programs have features designed to keep you on track and offer contact information to access up-to-date travel information.

Ease of Setup

We evaluate how much time and expertise it takes to install the mapping software.

Help / Support

We check the mapping software for help files that are well-indexed or searchable so you can find answers fast, and we evaluate the customer service to see how easy it is to get answers from the manufacturer.

Features

City and Street Travel Maps

Mapping software geared towards city and street travel.

Camping and Outdoor Topography Maps

Mapping software designed for camping and outdoor activities.

Maps in Database

Mapping software that comes with a database of maps.

Able to Import Additional Maps

Extra maps are accessible through either downloads, computer files, scanned maps, or community sharing over the Internet.

Automatic Route Generation

Plug in a few waypoints and the mapping program creates the best, most efficient route connecting them.

Turn-by-Turn Directions

On screen or audible map directions that guide you through a programmed route.

Detailed Route Description

The mapping software provides information and detail—such as landmarks—about your plotted route.

Voice Navigation

The ability to give and receive audible commands and responses.

Tutorials

The mapping software comes with tutorials to get you started.

Multiple Languages

The mapping software offers multiple languages.

Points of Interest (POI) - City and Street Travel Maps

Airports

Area airports are displayed.

Attractions

Local attractions in the travel area displayed as a dot or icon.

Campgrounds/RV park

Campgrounds in the area displayed as a dot or icon.

Churches

Local churches displayed as a dot or icon.

Civil Buildings

Civil Buildings such as courthouses and government institutions are displayed as a dot or icon.

Emergency Services

Emergency organizations, such as hospitals, displayed as a dot or icon.

Entertainment

Theaters and other entertainment locations in the area displayed as a dot or icon.

Famous/Historical Sites

Famous and historical sites in the area of travel displayed as a dot or icon.

Food and Drink

Restaurants in the map area are displayed as icons.

Icon Representation of POI

Points of interest appear on the map as icons that you can recognize them at a glance.

Lodging

Hotels and motels in the map area displayed as a dot or icon.

Movie Theaters

Movie theaters displayed as a dot or icon.

Post Offices

Post offices displayed as a dot or icon.

Schools

Schools in the map area displayed as a dot or icon.

Shopping

Shopping centers and malls displayed as a dot or icon.

Points of Interest (POI) - Camping and Outdoor Topography Maps

Campgrounds

Campgrounds in the map area displayed as a dot or icon.

Cities and Towns

The topography map has cities labeled and displayed as a dot or icon.

Dams

Dams in the area of travel displayed as a dot or icon.

Forests

Forests are shown and labeled.

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails in the area of travel displayed.

Marinas

Marinas in the area of travel displayed.

Parks/Picnic Areas

Picnic areas displayed as a dot or icon.

Shoreline Detail for Lakes and Reservoirs

Shoreline detail for lakes and reservoirs displayed as a dot or icon.

Shoreline Detail for Rivers and Streams

Shoreline detail for rivers and streams displayed as a dot or icon.

Ski Areas

Ski areas displayed as a dot or icon.

Summits

Summits displayed as a dot or icon.

Search Capabilities

POI

We evaluate each mapping program to see if the controls are intuitive. Our Ease of Use rating shows you the level of difficulty required to navigate through the mapping software.

Address

This is a detailed list of the mapping software characteristics tools and features, usually found on the outside of the software box.

Zip Code

Locations and sites, such as historical buildings, entertainment centers and restaurants appear as icons along a given map route. Many mapping programs allow you to choose which types of icons you want to display and print.

Name

We check out the map customization tools to see if they allow photo, illustration, or note attachments. You should be able to draw on a map, then print your alterations with the map.

Keywords

Traveling can be dangerous, especially in unfamiliar areas. These mapping software programs have features designed to keep you on track and offer contact information to access up-to-date travel information.

Coordinates

We evaluate how much time and expertise it takes to install the mapping software.

GPS Unit Data Transfer Compatability

Garmin

The software is compatible with and can export data to certain Garmin GPS handheld receivers and devices.

Magellan

The software is compatible with and can export data to certain Magellan GPS handheld receivers and devices.

Lowrance

The software is compatible with and can export data to certain Lowrance GPS handheld receivers and devices.

Eagle

The software is compatible with and can export data to certain Eagle GPS handheld receivers and devices.

Furuno

The software is compatible with and can export data to certain Furuno GPS handheld receivers and devices.

Real-time Tracking

A feature that allows for you to plug a GPS device into your PC or Laptop through a serial connection and track your movements and other information on the computer screen.

Safety Features

Road Construction Reports

Mapping software offers real-time updates on the status of local road construction.

Weather Reports

Weather statistics and updates for a selected map area are included.

Shows Restricted Areas

Government restricted areas, such as military practice grounds, are labeled.

Compass

A compass tool available in conjunction with a GPS device.

Voice prompts and Alerts

Audible prompts and alerts with the software.

Automatic Back-on-Track Settings

If you stray from the preset course to explore, the software will record the journey then guide you back to the original course.

Automatic Route Recalculation for Wrong Turns

In the case of a wrong turn, the software recalculates the route to get you to your destination.

Status Box

A small window that appears on screen with relevant information such as speed, estimated time of arrival, distance, etc.

Map Customization Tools

Draw Options

A feature that allows you to draw on or over a map.

Printout

The ability to print selected areas.

Photos and Illustrations

A feature that lets you attach photos, illustrations or notes to the actual map.

Multiple Routes

The ability to draw and plan multiple routes and plot them all on the same map.

3-D Mode

Topography map showing the terrain in three dimensions.

Elevation Profile

The elevation level of a selected area.

Shaded Relief

Shading added to an image that gives the image an appearance of having three dimensional aspects. This is a rendering of graded shadows that would be cast by high ground if light were shining from the northwest.

Aerial Photos

Photographs taken from airplane or satellite are included in the mapping software; these are usually not animated or digitalized.

Trip Sharing Plans Online

The ability to obtain routes and plotted trips planned by peers using the same software over the Internet.

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