Looking for Specific Features in a Map Making Software

[Podcreature]

I could swear that I've heard of a software like this, I pray it's freeware, and I'm sorry if someone has asked something just like this already.

I'm trying to make an interactive map... not sure if interactive is the right word. I am sure there is one and I'm just not thinking of it but... What I mean is that I would like to be able to navigate my map in a software that calculates the distances between things for me. (One that takes into account that my flat map is actually a globe..) I'm trying to make truly world sized maps out of my originals, possibly using the original images as bases to build onto.

It would be nice to be able to zoom into a location and add more details, towns etc...

Any recommendations?

[takashi_tk]

What you search seems to be a mix of GIS software and maybe something like Google map.
In any way, if you want to calculate distance on your map, you need to georeference it (ie associate local coordinates (pixels) with geographic coordinates.

In your case, it's quite simple because for a global map coordinates are :

left bottom : -90 ; 180
left top : 90 ; 180
right bottom : -90 ; -180
right top : 90 ; -180

For this you can use software like Quantum GIS and you can begin with tuto like this one.

Is it what you are searching for ?

[ravells]

It is possible to overlay your maps onto Google Earth and then use their tools. Worth a google.

[Josiah VE]

It is possible to overlay your maps onto Google Earth and then use their tools. Worth a google.

Yes, I think on google earth you can overlay an image and add markers and stuff, plus you can use the ruler tool to measure distance.