Review
Benchmark Maps recently released its Idaho Road & Recreation Atlas, which may render the DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer obsolete. That's not a cheap shot against DeLorme's atlas. It has its flaws, but for years it's been a valuable resource for Idahoans. But Benchmark's atlas seems to have cured all of DeLorme's flaws and created a detailed, easy to use, comprehensive atlas for recreationists. Benchmark spend months in Idaho gathering information and driving 12,000 miles around the state to double check its accuracy. It has three obvious improvements over the DeLorme atlas: the maps on each page overlap so you don't get lost going from page to page, the maps have contour shading so you see mountains, valleys and ridges rather than having to interpret them through topographic lines, and the atlas overlaps border areas with neighboring states. There are many other improvements. (refers to 1st edition). -- --Roger Phillips. The (Boise) Idaho Statesman
About the Author
Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlases are created for people who need an authoritative reference to the natural beauty, culture, and history of the American West. Nowhere else will the camper, boater, traveler, or armchair explorer find a more comprehensive guide and travel companion. There are eleven atlases, six folding recreation maps, and six folding road maps with more currently in production. Every new map and atlas raises the bar a little, while finding new friends in new markets. Benchmark Maps' mission is to continue to refine and improve the series and strive to identify and serve the needs of a broad range of users.