Microsoft MapPoint North American Maps 2004 [CD-ROM]

THE GOOD: Other upgrades/changes include 2002 Census update data, and a whole bunch of new data fields that can be mapped thematically. These are consumer-oriented demographics, like households with internet access, computers, etc. There are a lot of statistics on avg. household expenditures (movies, clothing, furniture, food, etc.) Another nice upgrade is the ability to print maps almost edge-to-edge, getting rid of that stupid huge amount of white space at the bottom that took up 25% of your page real estate. There are more pushpins, and it is supposedly easier to import new pushpins (I have not tried that.)

THE BAD: Mappoint 2002 had census data projections for 2005; this version has no projections for anything, 2002 is as current as you are going to get. No upgrades that I have been able to see with respect to territory mapping, they still have the same small (and ugly) selection of colors to shade your territories. Data is still mapped at the census tract level or higher - if you need block group level fuggedaboudit. Data import options seem to be unchanged as well.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If Mappoint 2002 floated your boat, this is a required upgrade just to get updated roads. If the older version didn't have the flexibility or features, you probably should be looking at coughing up the dough for Arcview by ESRI. For a real comprehensive list of all the updates and changes, go to the Mappoint home page on Microsoft's web site.


Ummm   September 5, 2003
 25 out of 34 found this review helpful

How exactly has the first reviewer been able to comment on the 2004 version, as it has not been released yet? Anyhow, the previous version is a great product, so hopefully Microsoft didn't mess it up. Easiest to use, and most powerful, off-the-shelf desktop GIS out there. And believe me, I've bought them all...Maptitude, BusinessMap 3 from ESRI, etc. While Mappoint does not have as many customization options, it is MUCH easier to use, and comes bundled with good demographics dataset. Here is hoping that the new version has really updated the streets, freshened the demographics, and has incorporated a web update feature. Users of Arcview, forget about it, this will seem like a joke to you, Arcview is the best (but a real bear to learn).


I found my way there ! Worth EVERY Pennty of price !   August 4, 2003
 4 out of 29 found this review helpful

Lets say your lost, and you have your laptop and you have a connection to your digital phone ?

I found myself absolutely lost the other day driving around Fort Lauderdale, Florida looking for an address of a friend in the area.

I plugged in my cel phone, fired up my laptop, entered my location and BOOM, a CURRENT map that I could use and direct instructions.

I have used other programs and services before and found myself at the "Road Closed" intersection or at the exit that no longer was where it was supposed to be.

With Map Point that does not happen as I can get a current map that has been updated.

The Update makes it all worth while.

Best Regards to all, MC - TheStickRules.Com