Delorme Leads the Way with New Nav Software

One of the first software titles I reviewed a decade ago came from DeLorme. It was a rudimentary mapping program not much better than what I could get from a AAA TripTik® . But, each year the software gurus at Yarmouth, ME made their programs better by adding features as well as new roads and fun places to visit.

Along the way, the company developed topographical maps that work with the parade of new street atlas programs as well as innovative stand-alone devices that plug into laptops and turn them into super-duper GPS systems that do not cost an arm and leg.

This year Delorme made every effort to impress with its Street Atlas USA 2007. What I love about the 2007 version is that users with handheld PDAs and smart phones, as well as IPods, can export maps to them from the master program, including more than 133,000 new U.S. streets and roads, and 3.4 million updates.

If you travel in Canada, Delorme has included streets and highways from our neighbor to the north, instead of just major roads. The "Plus" version will install 120 million residential and phone listings for the two countries, which can be retrieved by name and address or just by clicking on a mapped street all the numbers in that area, will show up.

Another goodie in Street Atlas USA 2007 Plus is the ability to purchase aerial photos of whatever areas you wish-and they throw in $40 worth of free downloads of your choice to whet your appetite.

If you do not have a GPS in your vehicle, teamed with the Delorme USB GPS receiver, this software offers voice-control navigation ability as well as the familiar vocalized driving directions.

The Plus version, which I reviewed, came on two DVDs selling for $59. They include phone data that can be installed onto the hard drive, along with maps. The CD version is available for a few dollars less.