Topos Add Aerial Photos

A set of CD-ROMs with state-by-state maps of the entire country from the U.S. Geological Survey can be a handy tool for residential land buyers. Now a leading provider of these maps has added a new dimension to standard topographic maps: aerial photographs.

Maptech of Amesbury, Mass., is offering a version of its CD-ROM maps enhanced with Internet links to 16,000 aerial photos (with 1-meter resolution) from across country. The product, called Terrain Navigator Pro, includes the ability to:

• print on large-format printers.
• organize projects with GeoPins, which hyperlink digital photos, spreadsheets and reports to maps.
• transfer data between a PC and GPS receivers.
• add marks, lines, notes and symbols to customize maps.

A builder/developer can buy single-state or regional CD-ROMs for $300 apiece, which includes a one-year subscription to the aerial photo Web site. Successive annual subscriptions will cost $99 and include updates of software and maps, says Maptech spokesman Martin Fox.

For more information, go to www.maptech.com.