Mapping Software | US

Work With Just The Right Map Data Needed!

A Highlighted feature and strong point of the 'DeLorme 3-D TopoQuads' interactive map application, is the ability to display uncluttered maps with just the right type of map detail needed by the user. A powerful map defining tool provides a very detailed and extensive list of all USGS legend graphic map-detail images, divided into categories, which can be selected to display or not to display on the map. To control which categories will be displayed, simply click on the 'Use Custom Map Features' 'ick' box; then click on the highlighted 'Customize Features' button-image. Now using the pointer, click on each category's 'tick' box to 'select' or 'unselect' that category of map information. By selecting just the data needed, the user can work with an uncluttered map with just the right map type desired within the normal range of topographical map information!

Map Display Control

The following items are available for selection in the Features dialog area of the Map Display tab. Shorter descriptions of these features are available in the information box to the right of the Features selection area.

Shaded Relief

Shaded relief becomes visible at zoom level 8-0 or greater. It simulates the effect of sun shining on terrain features and casting shadows, providing greater depth perception of the image. Lighter shades of gray indicate gentle terrain and darker shades indicate steep terrain. Using shaded relief may slow down the draw time of the map screen as you pan.

Contours

Contour lines are available at zoom level 8-0 or greater (up to at least zoom level 12).  Contour lines show the elevation of the land in feet or meters. The closer the contour lines, the greater the slope.  The distance between the lines is the contour interval, which is displayed in a data window titled 'interval'; in the 'Control Panel'; located on the right side of the application window.

Grids

The Grids option can be used to identify coordinate points on the map. Grid lines automatically adjust for the zoom level of your map and are available beginning at zoom level 3-0. Change the grid display coordinates by adjusting coordinate and datum options in the Units dialog area of the Map Display tab.

Land Cover

Land cover colors are available at zoom level 9-0 and greater (up to at least zoom level 12-0). Colors indicate vegetation and land cover areas on the map such as rock and sand, forests, transitional areas, and wetlands. For more information on what map colors this option controls, see the Land Cover section of the Land Use/Land Cover map legend.

Map Center Crosshair

The map center crosshair indicates the map center at any zoom level.

One Ways

One ways display as bright green triangles on roads, pointing toward the direction of travel (most noticeable in large cities). They are available at zoom level 13 or greater.

Places (Minor)

Places (minor) include smaller towns (beginning at zoom level 3-0); subdivisions (10-0) and locales, small islands, and natural landmarks, such as a desert (11-0).

Transportation (Minor)

Transportation (minor) includes secondary roads and trails at zoom level 7-0 and greater. View local and rural routes, trails, and foot trails at zoom level 11-0 and greater. These items do not display on raster datasets.

USGS Quadrangle Coverage

The USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle coverage is indicated by red lines. These display  at zoom level 8-0 or greater. Quadrangle names display at zoom level 9-0 and higher. To view quad info such as Orig Date and Quad Order ID number (needed when purchasing quads), right-click a point within the desired quad and then click Info. An information box displays in the lower-right corner of the screen.

ZIP Codes

ZIP Code boundaries display at zoom level 8-0 and greater, with ZIP Code labels displaying at zoom level 10-0 and greater. May not be viewable on raster datasets.

screen-captured image of 'Map Display Features' selection

Advanced Map-Type Selection

Choose how hundreds of types of map-objects display on the map.  Select the 'Use Custom Map Features' check box and then click 'Customize Features' to view an extensive detailed list of map data type categories where each can be selected for display or not to be displayed on the map.  Create An Uncluttered Map With Just The Right Map Information Needed!

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