For those of you who like to use computers, I've found some mapping software that is pretty useful. <br> <br>You can buy it for the state of Arizona for example, and zoom all the way from a State-level map down to actual topo maps. They have all the topos for the state in the software. <br> <br>The neat part is that once you have zoomed in to the area you are interested in, you can push the "3-D" button and it will draw a 3 dimensional map on the screen. You can tilt and rotate the 3-D map to look at it from all directions and angles. So you can see what a certain mountain looks like from different angles (for example the earlier postings about an oxbow shaped mountain). <br> <br>The resolution is not as good as I'd like, so it's not the same as looking at a picture, but still interesting to play with. <br> <br>The name of the software is 3-D TopoQuads by DeLorme. The have a web site with info and demos. There is also a 3-D version for less money that doesn't have the topo maps.
I'll second the recommendation for the DeLorme 3-D TopoQuads. Its the software that I use for study and overviews of the different terrain features of the mountains. <br> <br>I believe the cost is c. $100 for the software plus the state of your choice. <br> <br>You wont see every spire and cave, but it gives a decent view of the various <br>landmarks and points of interest. <br> <br>P
Should also keep your eye on NASA's web site. They are supposedly releasing "the most detailed three-dimensional maps ever made" of the Earth. This is based on radar imagary taken from the space shuttle. I have a link here somewhere, but haven't seen these maps or data there the last time I looked.
I have been using a software package called "TOPO" for about a year. Does not do any fancy 3-D but I don't need it either. Wide World of Maps was selling it for $50.00. The company also has a website where you can try it out free. <br> <br>azmula
Glad you're having fun with it. The only thing I wish it could do is draw the 3-D map from the perspective of someone standing in a specific spot on the map (would make it easier to find out where you have to stand to see four-peaks line up as one peak and other useful things!) <br> <br>I sent this suggestion to DeLorme, don't know if they'll implement it.