SmartDraw.com today announced the release of SmartDraw 2008.1, an updated version of its latest software. The new release now features more than 35,000 maps from around the world, as well as revamped image charts.

"Now users can search maps virtually anywhere in the world, using live data from the Internet," said Paul Stannard, CEO of SmartDraw.com. "We've added provinces for countries in the European Union and Australia, as well as new maps for countries in Central America, Asia, and the Middle East. The integration with Google Earth allows users to incorporate regions and even satellite images into their illustrations."

In addition, SmartDraw 2008.1 offers improved image charts, which enable users to create lively, eye-catching charts that use pictures and images instead of standard bars, lines and circles. Now, image charts are even easier and more intuitive, and feature helpful features such as "one-click fills."

More than two million people have downloaded and used SmartDraw to create graphics such as flowcharts, org charts, family trees, floor plans, forms, timelines and more. Unlike other graphics programs that provide you with a blank screen and expect you to draw, such as Visio, with SmartDraw you start with a template that is specifically designed to create the type of illustration that you need. You enter your
information and SmartDraw does the rest: building the graphic automatically using built-in rules and professional design themes to guarantee polished, presentation-quality results in just a few minutes. It draws for you!

This new release is free to SmartDraw 2008 users, and can be downloaded from http://www.smartdraw.com. The free, 30-day trial download is also available from the site.

About SmartDraw.com
SmartDraw.com is the creator of SmartDraw, the world's most popular business graphics software and the first program that makes it possible for ordinary computer users to create presentation-quality business graphics in minutes. Each year more than two million people install and use SmartDraw and the company counts more than half of the members of the Fortune 500 as loyal customers.

Founded in 1994, SmartDraw.com is privately-held and based in San Diego, CA. In addition to SmartDraw 2008 for general business and home use, the company also offers SmartDraw Healthcare and SmartDraw Legal editions which include graphics and applications unique to their respective fields. For more information on the company or to download a free trial of SmartDraw, please visit http://www.smartdraw.com.