Map (Topo?) Software that has an Azmuth tool????

[JayCraswell]

On a somewhat similar topic I saw a map (Topo?) Google Earth? like program that would let you enter azmuths and lat longs and get some lines on a map.  We are training to do a better job of triangulation and it would be nice to do it with a laptop (or two)

I know.  Maps and compass map gadgets work fine.  The thing about software is you can zoom in and out and put down different date (Streets, Aerial view etc)

I fiddled with Google earth for a while but I think it was some other program.  Does anyone know what would do this?  Delorma?  Help!

[Eclipse]

Garmin Mapsource.

[Pingree1492]

The National Geographic Topo! State series does this REALLY well.  It's also handy in that you can upload GPS tracks from a BUNCH of different types of GPS's (sp), and be able to see all your different team members movements- though it's a feature only available at debrief, it can be a useful training tool.

I've used this on several different training missions and love it.  Down side is that it's not cheap software ($100 for the Colorado Series maps), but it was definitely worth the money I invested in the program.  Plus side is that you can save all the CDs onto your hard drive so that you don't have to take anything with your laptop when you travel.  Also, you can load it onto a bunch of different computers, and there's also an active website where you can download user trail maps for trails and such that aren't on the regular TOPO! maps.  It also makes it really easy to print out maps for training at any scale you want, with any sort of tags, etc. that you want to put on it.  Again, if you can afford the price tag, you'll get your money's worth out of it.

[sardak]

In addition to Garmin Mapsource and National Geographic Topo!, you can draw azimuth lines in DeLorme Street Atlas and TopoUSA, National Geographic Topo!, MyTopo/Maptech Terrain Navigator Pro and GPS Trackmaker. Some programs make it [much] easier than others, and some allow you to draw the lines in either true or magnetic. It can also be done clumsily and less accurately in the free version of Google Earth using the ruler, marker and path tools.

There are other programs that can do it, but these are the common ones on my computer.

FYI, the price of Topo! has been cut in half to $49.99 (bummer for those of us that bought it at $100), and last week REI had it on sale for 25% off that.

Mike

[Mustang]

FalconView.   Now available to the unwashed, untrusted masses!

[Robborsari]

FalconView.   Now available to the unwashed, untrusted masses!

I have been playing with Falconview and have some problems with it.  First it crashes fairly frequently.  Poof, all the pretty lines are gone.  Start over.   This happend to us on our AF Guided Training Exercise.   Another problem I have with it is no transparency control (That I have found so far)  Overlays are 100% opaque and obscure the map.  It does have hatch patterns and unfilled polys but I really like transparency and color for areas.  It is also complicated to install and find additional datasets.  This could all just be me not understanding it completely but it has not been as useful as I was hoping.

I am still using Google Earth for most of my plotting.  I can switch between the default satelite map, Sectional/Terminal charts and Topo overlays or combine them with transparency.  The internal drawing tools are ok for most things.  You can do more with addons like Earthpaint or Earthshape.  There are also CAP grid datasets available. 

Here are some of the links I use with google earth:
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/
http://www.gelib.com/aeronautical-charts-united-states.html
http://www.painefieldcap.org/gridmaster/
http://www.earthplotsoftware.com/download.htm
http://www.2ld.de/tfr2kml/

[GaryJSO]

Check out the new USGS photomap topos at http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/index.html.  The USGS Store Mapfinder tool has much of the US lower 48 available in the new format, as well as the "classic" topos, all in PDF format.  Not only are the new topos based on very recent overhad imagery (the Ninevah topo photos were from 2008), but when you first run one of the new charts, you will be prompted to download a toolbar (TerraGo).  This is one of the few times downloading the toolbar is a really good idea.  The toolbar will allow you to see the lat/long (DD.ddddd) and 10-digit UTM of the cursor's position on the chart as you move it.  There is also a drawing tool handy for DF azimuths.  Click on the "measure length" tool, then your DF'ing location.  You can then pull out a line, while the display shows the mag and grid bearings of the end from the original point.  Pull the line to the opposite side of the page and hunt a bit untl the mag azimuths match, then click gain, locking the line in place.  Instant LOP.

The chart zooms to cleanly to 1600%, enough for any CAP GT useage.  I've found three issues:
1. The only way to save the map is to "print" it using adobe acrobat or other software printer application, or create a screenshot and copy to a .ppt, .doc, etc.
2. The cursor and tool-drawn line are very fine and challenging to make out in the field on my laptop.  If there's a way to change those setting, Ihaven't found it.
3. You can only draw one line at a time.  I did an "etch-a-sketch" workaround: after the forst LOP, I created another segment to the edge on the map, then another around each side till I was near the next starting point, then out to shoot the next line.  Also, it only displays the azimuth data for the last segment drawn.  A bit clumsy, but, did I mention, it's free...

[SarDragon]

You need to edit your link, and put a space before the period at the end.

[fixed] http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/index.html