Community Forums

Sue46 · 03-20-2019, 01:56 PM

We like paper maps for our in-depth touring. In the past, we have bought the Benchmark Atlas for various states. We are getting ready for an in-depth visit to Idaho prior to going to Alaska. We don't have any really good maps of Idaho. Many years ago the Benchmark Atlas was to go-to map for the western states. Has anyone surpassed their quality? I don't think we have bought a map in 10 years or more. Now that we have more time we are very interested in getting better maps for our in-depth look.

Thanks

MRUSA14 · 03-20-2019, 02:11 PM

For maximum detail, the Gazetteers are hard to beat.

Sue46 · 03-20-2019, 02:25 PM

The only problem is that DeLorme went out of business years ago and I don't think they had the detail of the Benchmark Maps, haven't looked at a DeLorme in years nor compared them to Benchmark except a long time ago.

igave · 03-20-2019, 03:52 PM

I believe you can also go on the State of Idaho website, find their tourism folks, and I bet they’ll send you a state map for free.

Sue46 · 03-20-2019, 03:58 PM

I am looking for a good map which state provided maps aren't. They provide no detail to minimal detail. We like dirt roads and exploring, most maps exclude many of them. Been frustrated with AAA and state maps for years but there aren't many quality map makers any longer.

Thanks

Busskipper · 03-20-2019, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igave

I believe you can also go on the State of Idaho website, find their tourism folks, and I bet they’ll send you a state map for free.

👍

TriMoot · 03-20-2019, 04:06 PM

I'm interested in this too. Sometimes when you REALLY need more detail, the internet is not available, so we've also used paper maps..BUT..like the OP said, those are not so good.

Standy by.

*Update: Hmm, I found this site and an it's interesting idea...digital map. Let me know what your would think the pros vs cons are:

https://www.avenzamaps.com/vendor/179/benchmark-maps/

lnicols · 03-20-2019, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue46

We like paper maps for our in-depth touring. In the past, we have bought the Benchmark Atlas for various states. We are getting ready for an in-depth visit to Idaho prior to going to Alaska. We don't have any really good maps of Idaho. Many years ago the Benchmark Atlas was to go-to map for the western states. Has anyone surpassed their quality? I don't think we have bought a map in 10 years or more. Now that we have more time we are very interested in getting better maps for our in-depth look.

Thanks

I know AAA still hands out maps to their members. I just got one for Yellowstone.

ByeTheWay · 03-20-2019, 05:03 PM

Found this on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Delorme-Atl...cAAOSwRW9cjn6u

twogypsies · 03-20-2019, 05:48 PM

Why not stick with the best? The Benchmark Idaho one. It shows so much easy-to-read detail including good gravel roads to explore. It gives the public areas such as national forest, national parks, etc. It gives public campgrounds and special interest areas.

We tried Delorme Gazeteers when we first began full-timing and found them truly lacking is good detail and very hard to read. We soon bought the Benchmark for every western state and when we crossed a border that's the first thing that we grabbed.

True explorers need maps. They give the whole picture of an area unlike a GPS unless you zoom in tight.

bobmar · 03-20-2019, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

For maximum detail, the Gazetteers are hard to beat.

Been using them forever. DeLorme was bought out by Garmin and still produces publications. It’s really hard to beat a real map in your hand!!

traveldawg · 03-20-2019, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmar

Been using them forever. DeLorme was bought out by Garmin and still produces publications. It’s really hard to beat a real map in your hand!!

Another vote for the Benchmark. We only have Utah but I expect the upcoming trip to some western states will mean getting a few more states. I love the detail that is provided.

bobmar · 03-20-2019, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveldawg

Another vote for the Benchmark. We only have Utah but I expect the upcoming trip to some western states will mean getting a few more states. I love the detail that is provided.

We’ll check them out as I’ve never seen one of those. Gazetteer is nicely detailed but can be a little difficult to read at times.