[rcgregory]

Can anyone recommend an OSX friendly mapping program? Specifically, I need to load a few thousand zipcodes to visualize how they are distributed/concentrated around the country.



On OS9, I used MapMaker, but cannot find an OSX version.



An online tool would be ok as well.



Thanks for any help.

[DrJill]

MyWorld GIS is a very nice program developed for educational purposes, and packs surprisingly powerful analysis power. You can use a trial version, as well as purchase a low-cost non-educational license. There are a few querks for loading you data - see my review here DrJill.net MyWorld Review. QGIS is a great tool for quick data visualization - I use it all the time for that purpose. QGIS lacks robust analysis functions unless paired with GRASS (there are technical hurdles to setting up GRASS integration - take a look at QGIS) - both are open source software.

Other good news - new for mapping tools for the Mac are being developed. For map illustration software with a focus on publication-quality graphics, we're preparing for our first release of Ortelius coming very soon.

Best of luck!

[Skybolt]

Now if somebody would only come up with an app for the mac like Delorme Street Atlas or MS Streets it would be fantastic! Wonder why nobody is doing that? Even the old Route 66 seems to not be being updated -- though it was always pretty useless anyway.

[RodHagen]

THis is probably too late to help you, but I think iMap, from biovolution - http://www.biovolution.com/ - would be perfect for what you are after.

http://www.biovolution.com/imap/

It is a wonderful little program that I , for one, couldn't live without. Highly recommended.

Rod