[VHFcontesting] Favorite path analysis programs, and topo map question

[Patrick Thomas]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find good rove spots (not so much today but in general), and curious if anyone prefers splat, radiomobile, or something else, for doing topo mapping and path analysis.

Related to this, I've been trying to figure out a tool to provide a topo map with custom color gradients, rather than squinting at the topo lines in google or other terrain maps, or ballparking the greyscale one provided by splat.  For example, around here there are lots of rolling hills that are near 950-1000 feet, so unless you're above that height, you're likely not to be "in the clear."  A few places are in the 1000-1100ft range but it's really hard to pick them out visually.

It would be nice to have a greyscale gradient from say 500-1000ft, then a really abrupt gradient (like weather radar colors, etc.) every 25 feet tick above 1000.  But I can't find a tool to do this.  Anyone else have a solution?

Happy contesting to those participating in the distance contest!

Patrick
KB8DGC