Memory-Map's USGS Topo Maps on DVD give you a large area of seamless map, without the hassle of downloading them. However maps and aerial photos are available for free download, if you feel so inclined. (NB, a Navigator license is required)
The USGS website allows for free download of area DOQQs (digital orthographic quarter quadrangles) which have been assembled into seamless maps.
Go to the USGS website (seamless.usgs.gov).
Read the Tutorial on using the site.
Zoom in to the area of interest.
On the right side under Download tab, select ORTHOIMAGERY and then either the DOQQ BLACK AND WHITE or DOQQ COLOR
Now, on the left side under DOWNLOAD, select DEFINE DOWNLOAD AREA (the first icon)
The cursor will change to a crosshair design.
Click and drag to draw a box around the area you want to download.
A box will appear asking you to select a format. You want to download the GEOTIFF format. (This may not be available for all areas.)
Click the DOWNLOAD button.
You will be prompted for a location to save the file. (NB, if the download is blocked by Internet Explorer, go to Tools / Internet Options / Security / Custom Level. "Automatic prompting for file downloads" must be enabled).
The download will be in one or more ZIP files. Open the Zip files and extract all the contents.
Now, run Memory-Map and select MAP > MAP LIST > REFRESH MAP LIST. Add the folder which contains downloaded files. Enable SEACH SUB-FOLDERS. Click OK. The maps should now show in the map list.
If the download was split into more than one TIF file, you can merge them in Memory-Map. Click MAP, select the files, and click MERGE
Another way to download free aerial photography is using USA Photo Maps, a free mapping application that displays data from a number of internet sources.
To use the USA Photo Maps, you will first need to download the client software from their website at http://www.jdmcox.com/
Follow directions from the website to install their software. You will need to read the directions on basics of running the program.
Once you have the program running, find the area you want to export. Center the desired area on the screen and zoom in/out to get the amount of map you need.
Now, select FILE > CREATE A BIG JPEG FILE.
You will be prompted to use the cursor to click-and-drag a box around the desired area.
This will export a two files for the map you have selected to the USAPhotoMaps folder (in the Program Files directory). One is a JPG and the other is a JGW. You will need both files.
Now go to HELP > GET DATE OF PHOTO / TOPO. This will bring up a Terraserver page. Under the map (next to Projection) it will show a UTM zone. Remember this as you will need it later.
Run Memory-Map (version 5.0.0 or later) and select MAP > DEFAULT MAP PROJECTION.
Select UTM and enter the number portion of the zone (i.e. for 18N, just enter 18) for the map you are importing (which you recorded earlier)
Go to MAP > MAP LIST > REFRESH MAP LIST and add the folder with the JPG and JGW files. The map should now show up in the map list.
Although we attempt to give users the greatest flexibility with regards to third party maps, we do not provide support for the software used to obtain these maps. Please contact the respective software company with questions specific to their products.