Fsman

Is there a generic roads "layer" that many software companies use? I have noticed an error on the same road that shows up in Google Earth, Virtual Earth and other mapping programs.
I don't have a problem that there is this error, actually it's pretty impressive that most of the roads are accurate.
But what I would like to do is clip parts of this layer and convert to a GPX file.

Any ideas?
Thanks

Jogga

I don't think that there is much doubt that mapping companies use the same raw material for their programs. However, I suspect that they pay big $s for the priviledge and where they source them from I couldn't say.

JakeRich

Ther are a few sources for road data: NavTeq and TeleAtlas are the most common. Garmin and a few others have their own proprietary databases.

Fsman

I appreciate the replies.
I looked at the at both Navtec and TeleAtlas but appears you need to buy the software.
Perhaps its wishful thinking, but I was hoping to get the data free.

JakeRich

Nope, that's how they make the money. It costs a LOT to do the inventory.