How to Customize the Default Map Template

Here is a helpful tip that many folks have asked me about.  It is all documented in the help file but who reads that, right?

Note: This applies to all versions of Streets & Trips.

Out of the box when you launch S&T – you will get the default North America Map View:

The application reads a file called "New North America Map.stt".  You can replace this file with a custom map view that is geographically more relevant to your location.  For example, if I want to show the New York area with pushpins showing all the Wall-Mart locations (download Wallmart zip file from http://www.discoveryowners.com/cginfolinks.htm).

Load the map file and get the zoom and position exactly how you want it for the default.

Step 1: Choose File | Save as… "Map Template (*.stt)

Step 2: Save in the required location (C:Program FilesMicrosoft Streets & TripsTemplates)

Step 3:  Overwrite the existing "New North America Map.stt".  Optionally, you may choose to make a copy of the original template file under another name if you ever want to go back to it.

Step 4:  Confirm (click ‘Yes’) to overwrite existing file.

That’s it.  Now try it out.  Whenever you launch the application you will see your custom map.  How cool!