----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Indeed, you are talking about the high priced spread. The only scanner worth it's salt is that of ANA Tech's. That puppy starts out at 65K. Then you have to start talking about disk space. What about the techy that is required to nurse the bloody thing. Then there are maintence fees. Best bet is to go to outside vendors such as Land Info in Colorado, I think. Good luck. Don't, I repeat don't, get sucked in by the price tag. You are looking for experience. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scanner folk out there that call themselves experts. More like used car salespeople. You might also call Wayne Shannon, of Computer Graphics, Inc. outside of Atlanta, GA. The man has forgotton most of what we ever will hope to learn. Again, good luck.