Travel Advice - Alternatives to Maps: Mapping and routing software for the PC is No Longer Recommended

How times have changed.  We no longer recommend purchasing or using PC-based mapping software for your travel needs.

Just a few years ago people who had a hard time using paper maps often relied on PC software to do this job for them.  While Microsoft and Delorme still provide this type of product in the US, sales have has declined.  More people are using free, online mapping services or Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) to meet their navigation needs and we heartily agree.  In fact, your best bet is to buy a quality Portable Navigation Device and let it assist your navigation needs wherever they may occur. 

Many people have a hard time using maps to navigate between places. Common map use problems range from finding locations (the one you are at or the one you want to find) to determining a valid route between two or more places.

If you have difficulty navigating to different places while on the road, we present three additional articles on alternatives to maps. One article describes navigation systems provided by rental car companies navigation ( In-car navigation systems ). A second article is used to describe Web sites that provide online mapping and routing services ( online mapping and routing ). Our final article explains the Personal Navigation Devices and cell phones to provide mapping and routing ( mapping and routing with handheld devices ).

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