draw a map using data points?

Hello there! Does anyone out there know of software that will draw a
map using data points? I know this is something that can (sort of) be
done using a program like excel, but I want the end result to look like
a map, not a graph/chart/etc. Help?

There are lots of them, but I tend to use gpsmapedit (which means you
need to get your data points into .mp format), because I can then load
the resulting map back into the GPS, which is more interesting than
having it on paper for the sort of maps I draw.

Google will find it for you, and the format is not too hard to decode. I
actually use Excel (visual basic) to write .mp files from list of points
stored in the spreadsheet itself.

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
Contact recommends the use of Firefox; SC recommends it at gunpoint.

Try GPS Trackmaker from http://www.gpstm.com/ (freeware).

It will plot waypoints on a blank background with lat/lon lines. Easiest
way to to use it is to download some waypoints from a gps to GPS Trackmaker,
and save as a text file. Then use that text file to see how GPS Trackmaker
formats data. Then you can enter your data points in that format.

Tom

Sorry it took so long for me to respond to your replies to me. Thank
you VERY much for your suggestions!!!

In addition (and I quote):
"Thank you Gabriel and Lauren!

"Data Mapping Wizard. Users can create maps with their own data.
Step-by-step instructions guide customers on how to apply their
information and demographic variables to a variety of map types. They
can define the data range, legend label and ramp color palette to
give their maps the look they want."

http://www.microsoft.com/mappoint/products/2004/overview.mspx

If you feel adventurous, then try one of these:

http://www.softill.com/

http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/geography.asp?id=12195 (this has a
free demo)"