Thanks to the many people who replied to my query about creating maps for CBCs. Judging by the number of people who suggested methods, as well as the several people who had additional questions, it seems that this is a topic of interest. So here's a quick summary of the suggestions that I've received. *Microsoft Streets and Trips* The most popular computerized method for creating CBC maps was Microsoft Streets and Trips software. (See http://www.microsoft.com/streets/default.mspx for information. MS shows the list price at $150, but that's the deluxe version; the basic version can be purchased for under $40 from numerous vendors.) Craig Rierker, Delores Cole, and Mary Anne Romito all have used this software for CBC maps. In fact, Craig produced maps showing all of the CBC circles in Ohio, and you can see them at the OOS Web site (overview is at http://www.ohiobirds.org/calendar/winter_counts/overview.php and a full scale map at http://www.ohiobirds.org/calendar/winter_counts/imagemap.php .) Craig has generously volunteered to produce maps for individual count circles for anyone who needs one. You can email him at [log in to unmask] . He sent me maps for two counts that I will be doing and I can vouch for their utility! *DeLorme Maps* Mike Busam has used DeLorme topo map software. (See http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10050. DeLorme lists the new national version 7 of the software for $100; version 6 is available for under $50, and regional and state versions may be available for less.) *GIS Systems* Really high-end maps can be created with "industrial grade" Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, of which the best known is ArcGIS. At least one person has used ArcGIS (installed at his office) to create a CBC map, and Kathy Beal reports that she has GIS software installed on a workstation at home. A high end GIS is more than most of us need, but if you really want to know the *exact* boundaries of your count circle, this kind of software can tell you. If you need detailed maps, get in touch with Kathy ([log in to unmask]). *Google Earth* Aaron Boone posted a message earlier describing how to use Google Earth to produce maps. I won't repeat those instructions here, but if you missed Aaron's note, either he or I can forward a copy. *Scanned Paper Maps* And finally, let's not forget computer-assisted paper maps! John Perchalski produced maps by scanning topo maps into Photoshop and overlaying the needed count circle. Why not just draw a circle on a paper copy of the map, you ask? Because all or part of the resulting map in Photoshop (or any sofware) can be printed out at any size desired. *Miscellaneous* Several people pointed out that Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth, or Microsoft Live Maps (http://maps.live.com/) can be used to provide an orientation to a CBC territory. In particular, Live Maps provides high-resolution aerial photos for many locations, particularly urban ones. (Having hi-res aerial photos available is either really neat or really scary, depending on how you look at it!. Enter your address -- you'll be amazed at the photos of your neighborhood.) The Microsoft Streets and Trips software mentioned earlier links directly to MS Virtual Earth. *Happy Counting! *Of course, there's nothing wrong with traditional paper maps *per se*, but experience shows that the accuracy of circles drawn in by hand may be suspect. So, if nothing else, you may want to check out a computer-generated map if only to ensure that your circle is accurately shown.* *It seems that we have plenty of choices.* *-- Bill Heck ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]