Offline maps and directions

Factual Questions
1

I’d love to have something like Google Maps that can be used with no internet connection.

Going on vacation without a GPS, but with a laptop, I figure this could be a great way to do a cheap improvised substitute for a GPS. I once had a desktop program (I think it was called Street Atlas USA or something like that) and it would certainly be adequate, but I can’t find the cd and don’t want to buy another copy. Anyone know of anything which is downloadable for cheap (<$10) or free?

advTHANKSance!

2

I use Google Earth but on a machine with a full-time Internet connection. I suspect that it downloads content dynamically as needed rather than storing it all locally, but I don’t know for sure. It’s free so may be worth a try.

3

Not free, but free for 60 days:

Microsoft Streets and Trips

http://www.microsoft.com/streets/en-us/Products_Streets2009.aspx

4

Yes!!! Thanks!!!

5

Thomas Guide also has digital editions of their books. They are not free, but the print editions (the only type I’ve used) are excellent.