Answering the need for dependable route planning, this guide highlights five route mapping software options that cater to different kinds of buyers—from casual travelers to professionals managing complex trips. Best for portable, on-the-go planning are lightweight mobile solutions; best for detailed US routes are desktop catalogues with expansive POI data. The table below summarizes each top pick to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-20 Street Atlas | Windows (CD-ROM) | Laptop-based, detailed Street Atlas USA maps |
| Route 66 Mobile Software 8 for Windows Mobile Europe | Pocket PC / Windows Mobile | Mobile Europe navigation |
| Humminbird Autochart DVD PC Mapping Software | PC | Custom lake mapping with zero lines |
| Route 66 Route USA 2004 (Mac) | Mac | Door-to-door U.S. and Canada routing |
| Route 66 Route USA (Mac/PC era) | Mac/PC | Extensive road network and POIs |
DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-20 Street Atlas Review
This option turns a laptop into a capable GPS tracking tool with detailed Street Atlas USA maps. Best for travelers who want to work offline on a dedicated notebook, it supports creating address-to-address routes within the United States. It’s suited for road trips, fieldwork, or freelance map plotting where a portable PC remains the primary device. A potential limitation is reliance on older map data, which may affect current-point accuracy without updates.
Route 66 Mobile Software 8 for Windows Mobile Europe
Route 66 Navigate 7 for Europe on Pocket PC offers compact, mobile mapping for European routes. This choice is best for travelers who need offline guidance on handysized devices and prefer route planning within European road networks. It’s a better fit for those who value portability and simple navigation interfaces. A caution: feature depth may be limited compared to desktop-grade mapping suites, which can affect advanced planning tasks.
Humminbird Autochart DVD PC Mapping Software
Humminbird AutoChart DVD maps empower lake-focused planning with Zero Lines Map Card as a starting point. It enables contour creation and is compatible with i-Pilot Link for lake navigation. This product is best for anglers and boaters who map fishing hotspots and water depths. A limitation is that it centers on body-of-water mapping, which may not cover broader road-based routing in the same depth as road-centric GIS tools.
Route 66 Route USA 2004 for Mac
Route USA 2004 for Mac emphasizes door-to-door routing across the United States and Canada. It claims extensive coverage with millions of miles, streets, and house numbers. This product is best for users who rely on comprehensive geographic data and want broad, urban-to-rural route planning on macOS. A potential caveat is older dataset updates; ensure compatibility with current Mac systems if you rely on this software for precise routing.
Buying Guide: Route Mapping Software Essentials
What should you consider when selecting route mapping software? Start with platform compatibility: ensure the tool works on your primary device (PC, Mac, or mobile). Consider offline capability if you often travel without reliable internet. Evaluate data breadth: number of streets, POIs, and up-to-date maps matter for accurate routing. Look for offline editing and export options to share routes or print itineraries. For boaters or anglers, check if the software offers specialized layers like depth contours or waterway navigation. Finally, assess ease of use and integration with other tools you rely on, such as calendar apps or GPS devices.
Key questions to ask before you buy
- Does the software support offline map access on my device?
- Is there extensive coverage for the regions I travel most?
- Can I import or export routes and points of interest?
- Are updates or expansions available for current road networks?
- How user-friendly is the interface for non-technical users?
How to compare options quickly
- Platform fit: Windows, Mac, or mobile—choose what you use daily.
- Data depth: more streets and POIs translate to better route options.
- Specific features: contouring, go-to-address routing, or water mapping can drive your choice.
- Longevity and support: consider software that offers current updates or community support.
FAQ
- What is route mapping software used for?
It helps plan, visualize, and optimize travel routes across regions, with features like turn-by-turn directions, POIs, and offline maps. - Is offline access important?
Yes, it ensures navigation remains available when internet access is limited or unavailable. - Can these tools work on Mac and Windows?
Some tools target one platform, while others offer cross-platform compatibility or Mac-specific options. - Do these products include updates?
Availability of map updates varies by product; verify update options during purchase. - Are these solutions suitable for boating or fishing?
Some products offer water-focused features like depth contours, but many primarily target road routing.