Share a map design program

Download free map making software and tools from shareware sites.

I recommend: MapCruzin keeps up-to-date information on free programs and map services, including web map clients and web applications. Don’t forget Open Source software like the Quantum GIS program that runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OSX and Windows operating systems.

Take a trial run of software to design maps

Download trial versions. Some companies that design map software allow access to a full program for a limited amount of time. Others offer limited features, but let you use the software indefinitely.

I recommend: SmartDraw and Microsoft’s MapPoint offer free map making software as trial downloads. Use MapPoint for 60 days, which is twice as long as many programs allow. Another trial version of a map program geared to the real estate industry is Maptitude. MapMaker Gratis is a free version of Map Maker Pro with limited export format options and no templates, grids or 3D functions. The professional version, Map Maker Pro, is available for purchase or free to not-for-profit organizations.

Try satellite mapping software

For aerial maps, design software based on satellite views allows you to use arrow keys and your mouse to pinpoint locations. You can also use search terms to focus on specific areas.

I recommend: NASA started it all when they made their World Wind software a free download. Users zoom in from NASA’s Landsat satellite to see any location on Earth. Google has made the process even simpler with Google Earth, which allows you to create content overlays as KML files.

Locate GPS and GIS websites

Check Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geography Information System (GIS) websites for free map design software. GIS programs capture geographical information to allow you to create density maps and also plot how certain decisions will affect locations.

I recommend: Check the Guide to Geographic Information Systems for the latest in GIS software and data. GPS Utility allows you to plot GPS information and add labels to a map. With both freeware and shareware versions, you can transfer information from a GPS receiver to your computer.