atlases and maps

DeLorme has been establishing a name for themselves, having issued a set of road atlas and gazetteer books for each state, including this one for Vermont. Showing every back road in the state is rather impressive. Couple that with the amount of "gazetteer" information, such as landmarks, points of interest, museums, etc., it can be a very handy trip companion.

While I took a copy of DeLorme's Vermont atlas on a recent trip, I found a much better atlas once I arrived in Vermont. It's Jimapco's "Vermont Road Atlas" and is priced the same as DeLorme's book. However, the Jimapco atlas is smaller (8.5" x 11") and is spiral bound, making it much more convenient to use on the road as it always lies flat. You can also look at just one page -- if you try that with a DeLorme atlas too many times, the book will fall apart. Also, the Jimapco atlas strives to name EVERY single street and road in Vermont, while DeLorme names the more prominent roads only showing the minor roads while leaving them nameless. The only feature lacking from the Jimapco "Vermont Road Atlas" that DeLorme has is 3-D terrain shading. But, when you're in a car trying to find a street or looking for a point of interest, the terrain shading is of little help.

I've been a big fan of the DeLorme atlases for years now, but Jimapco's Vermont atlas will be a constant companion for me on all future Vermont roadtrips.

Armed with DeLorme Publishing's Vermont Atlas & Gazetteer, the appropriate topographical quad maps and this book, the adventurous traveler needs nothing more to explore Vermont's natural wonders. Ric Bourie, Boston Herald, May 6, 1999