Map software
 

What's the best map software to plan a trip on less traveled hard surface roads?

Re: Map software
 

If you want a GPS program that will work on your phone or tablet a program called InRoute is hands down the best I have seen. It will pick a route for you or you can tell it exactly the roads you want to be on by using weigh points. I have it running on my i-Pad hooked up to the six volt positive ground system and it works great.

Re: Map software
 

I use the TripTik website offered by AAA.

https://triptik.aaa.com/

It allows you to say you want to avoid highways. It will program in rest stops at a time interval, if you want. Sometimes, to force it to take a scenic route that I prefer, I add artificial destinations along the route that force it to go a certain way.

I think I had a problem in the past where it classified a 4-lane divided US highway as a "highway" and would not put my route on it. I had to remove the "avoid highway" option and then force it off of the Interstate roads. They may have this fixed now. :confused:

You can save the route and print out turn-by-turn instructions to give to others in your tour group, so that everyone has the same instructions to follow (you don't have to travel in a pack and worry about getting separated -- assuming everyone in your group can follow instructions and read a map! :eek:).

As a AAA member, this website is free to use and store routes. I don't know how they handle non-members.

You can also use Google Maps. Tell it you want to avoid highways. Once it creates a route, you can grab the blue line with your mouse and drag it over to force it to take a road that you prefer over one it chose.

The AAA TripTik web page is powered by Google Maps, but has a special AAA look and feel. And it saves and prints the routes better (IMHO) than Google Maps.

Re: Map software
 

Re: Map software
 

Yes they do. They used to have them in the lobby in a vending type machine, but now
you have to go in and ask for them.
But they are disappearing. We rented a car a few years ago and the young person behind the counter asked if I wanted to add GPS I said no thank you I have M-A-P-S she said
"whats that"................

Re: Map software
 

I refer to my maps as my Analog GPS. The kids understand that.

:D

Re: Map software
 

Yes, they do still have maps, but the new maps have about 1/2 the info on them than the older ones. We do use GPS but still navigate by our '60's-'70's maps too. Only problem is the scotch tape on the creases is dried out.

Re: Map software
 

It’s not software, but I highly recommend the atlases by Delorme. I have one for Wisconsin and it shows every kind of road you could think of. I think they are available for every state.

Re: Map software
 

Re: Map software
 

I heard a talk by some folks who took a cross country trip in a Model T and used the bicycle route map for their trip. An interesting idea, but that can identify roads that are not for motor vehicles, so you need to be careful with that. I am an old school map guy, though. I am glad that Delorme still sells good map books.

I always liked AAA maps, but I agree they are not as good as they used to be. Exxon used to have great maps, too. I have no idea whether they even have them any more?

States give out their own maps. They often will have scenic and historic route and bicycle maps to promote tourism. You can probably get them to mail them to you if you contact the state tourism office or DOT.

Re: Map software
 

Google maps.

There are two settings to avoid highways and toll roads.

Avoid tolls and highways

• Open the Google Maps
• Search for your destination or tap it on the map.
• Tap Directions Directions.
• Tap Driving.
• In the top right, tap More More and then Route options.
• Turn on Avoid tolls or Avoid highways.

Re: Map software
 

29leatherbackA, We have the atlases too and they are great, very detailed. But had to restore the covers on them due to over use.

Re: Map software
 

Do any of them give you the option of avoiding dirt roads? Avoiding highways is not enough in my area.

Re: Map software
 

Thanks for all the ideas.
Dick

Re: Map software
 

Better check out your GPS reception for where you plan to go unless you use the "old" maps from AAA.

Re: Map software
 

With 24 GPS satellites circling the earth all the time it shouldn't matter where you are to get good reception, unless you're at a place where you're sheltered from the open sky.