Anyone know of any open source/free atlas that can be used on a computer? Must have search capabilities (find cities, etc).
Anyone?
Thanks.
World Wind, from NASA.
There’s Multimap, that seems to provide road maps of everywhere in the world, and has a search facility. I’ve only used it for British places, but it does have search facilities for a number of countries, and a ‘world search’ facility, for other countries not otherwise covered. The website does list some things as subscription services, but most things seem to be free. You can zoom in or out as neccesary.
The CIA world Factbook does offer reference maps of various areas of the world, and includes maps with its profiles of various countries and regions. It gives more of a broad overview of the areas, with major cities, rivers, borders, etc, rather than the greater detail of multimap.
Google Maps is great for the US, and they’re aiming for world coverage.
Google Maps for the UK is up now too.
sorry, my bad. Meant to specify ‘downloaded’ or installed to a computer. Basically need to have something on a couple of computers with a search function.
For example say I need to find some small less than commonly known city/town, Id like something that lets me punch in the name and have it localized on a map for me. There are several commercial applications that will let me do this, I’m just hoping there’s an open source (ie no fee involved) alternative since Im looking to install it on 6 computers.
urgh.
(cont’d) and Id need to have offline capability as well. I’ve downloaded the CIA Worldfact book, and it has basic search features (the maps are PDF) it isn’t very comprehensive.
I rather doubt you’ll find something that comprehensive at no cost. If you find that you’re forced to spend some cash, allow me to recommend DeLorme’s Street Atlas. Excellent program and not terribly costly - about 40 bucks
http://www.delorme.com/streetatlasusa/default.asp
Here’s another one that ain’t too bad either: Microsoft’s Streets & Trips.
Special deal going right now at Buy.com - less than $25 after the mail-in rebate:
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=20361768&SearchEngine=LSchannelintelligence&SearchTerm=20361768&Type=LS&dcaid=1688