OK, i did a few searches and didn't see anything recent.
i've tried the various free map apps i was able to find within the first few pages of search engine results but am dissatisfied with them either due to the output or the user experience. so finally, i think i'm ready to spring for commercial software for this. i'm looking for something that can do world, region or tactical maps on a windows box. AFAICT, the 3 major options appear to be CC3, dundjinni and fractal mapper.
for those who have made the commitment: what's your experience been like with any of the 3?
I'm not sure what your looking for but... RPtools.net
It won't generate maps, but it makes a nice virtual table top to run games on.
mello red, thank you. what i'm looking for is a mapping solution that is reasonably easy to use and generates output that i find aesthetically pleasing for regional/world maps, that ideally can also do tactical maps for 4e.
the free mapping software i've seen fails the one or the other requirement for me. i'd ideally like software capable of creating LOTR-style maps as well as battle maps. therefore, i'm left with exploring commercial software for this.
i'm assuming that your experience does not include commercial software that can do this, though: T/F?
ed
You might have better luck at The Cartographers Guild. At the very least you will get advice on what tools people use, you may even find free maps suitable for your needs 
good point: thanks, i appreciate the suggestion! i've been aware of 'em for a while but somehow never figured out that i should just ask 'em!