Be sure to check out Fractal Mapper (TM) 8 too. Unlike most other programs, you can try it out free and also get the complete tutorial documentation free. It has the shortest learning curve of the most popular mapping programs, but it also can do almost anything that any other program can. The trial version of FM8 is different from the full license version in only two respects:

1) You can't save maps with the trial version.

2) Fewer mapping symbols are delivered with the trial version.

You can download the trial version here:

http://www.nbos.com/nox/index.php?action=1001&id=144

You can download the beginning documentation and tutorial here:

http://www.nbos.com/nox/index.php?action=1001&id=125

You can download the advanced raster mapping tutorial here:

http://www.nbos.com/vintyri/pdftu01.zip

and the free supporting files for the tutorial here:

http://www.nbos.com/vintyri/tu01sptpack01.zip

There's no time bomb in any of these products. You can use them for as long as you wish. Here are samples of a few FM8 maps.

Attachment 46411 Attachment 46412 Attachment 46413