TOPO Explorer
From NatGeoMaps
Product Overview
TOPO Explorer is National Geographic Maps' latest software application, the name of our national recreation database website, and the title for two retail packages. The TOPO! Explorer companion desktop application can be downloaded for free from topo.com with a registered user account. Additionally, both retail packs include a complimentary copy.
The TOPO! Explorer application is new from the ground up and works on both the Mac and PC operating systems. It uses a new online set of maps known as SuperQuads. SuperQuads contain the USGS 1:24k scale, USGS 1:100k scale, I-cubed aerial imagery, and a Hybrid blend of topo and aerial imagery. SuperQuads are downloaded from our new map store at a cost of one map credit each (equivalent to $1.00).
Along with the map store, topo.com is also host to National Geographic's new National Recreation Database which enables users to explore, download, and share updated trails, recreational points of interest, trail descriptions, conditions, reviews, ratings and more. By using the new TOPO! Explorer desktop application, you can download these updated files from the site free of charge for use with your purchased SuperQuads or post your own trips, photos, and videos to the sharing community.
Two retail packages of TOPO! Explorer will be available on May 30th, 2008. Both packages contain a free copy of the TOPO! Explorer desktop application and 25 map credits for use in the online map store. A deluxe edition also contains a seamless set of USGS 1:100k scale topographic maps for the entire US - ideal for planning longer trips or browsing terrain.
TOPO! Explorer version 1.0 released on May 30th, 2008 is available for free download for anyone that creates a registered user account on the TOPO! Explorer website. This launch version contains the core functionality to create, print, download, and share topographic hiking maps. GPS users can transfer routes, waypoints and tracks from TOPO! Explorer to most popular handheld GPS receivers. Compared side-by-side to TOPO! Version 4.4.3 (the current release of the TOPO.exe,) TOPO! Explorer V 1.0 contains a few less features and preferences - however only the TOPO! Explorer application can download SuperQuads and updated content from the map store. As the foundation for future development, the TOPO! Explorer application will quickly be upgraded with new features and functions (some found in TOPO v.4.x) and others not yet supported by that application. To see the features of the latest shipping version scroll down the #Version History. To get a look at our future development plans review our TOPO! Explorer Development RoadMap.
Features
- SuperQuad - Nat Geo's new online set of detailed maps and aerial imagery available for 1 map credit each at our map store.
- Sharing - Give as you get to our national recreation database filled with updated trails, photos, ratings, and more.
- Map Store - TOPO! Explorer connects to our new map store, enabling you to add map coverage 1 SuperQuad at a time for anywhere in the United States.
- Photo and Video - a new photo organizer supports high resolution photos. New video capabilities enables you to share clips of your favorite places and activities.
- Map Design Tools - TOPO! Explorer contains hundreds of symbol choices, new line styles and millions of colors to create perfect maps.
- GPS Connectivity - Enhanced GPS support makes it easier to browse, import and export the contents of your favorite receiver.
System Requirements
- PC Requirements:
- Internet connection required. High speed recommended for performance. Windows Vista, XP, 2000, ME or 98. Internet Explorer 6 or higher. 1 GHZ CPU or better. 512 MB RAM + 64 MB video memory. CD Drive. *Note* Deluxe Edition Requires DVD Drive.
- Mac Requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher. 1 GHZ CPU or better. 512 MB RAM + 64 MB video memory. CD Drive. *Note* Deluxe Edition Requires DVD Drive.
Software may be installed and used on up to 3 different computers.
TOPO! Explorer Website Support Articles
The TOPO! Explorer website offers a variety of functionality free to all visitors, including searching and browsing detailed topographic maps, aerial imagery, and hybridquads. Registration on the site is free and enables visitors "explorers" to post reviews and ratings of Trip Files, add authors or trips to their "favorites", and download the companion TOPO! Explorer desktop application. This section provides detailed information for using the site.
Creating and Managing Your Account
Using the Explore Section :: Maps and Trips
Using the Connect Section :: Forums
Using the Download Section :: Map Store
TOPO! Explorer Desktop Application Support Articles
This section contains support articles, organized by category, related to the desktop application of TOPO! Explorer. This application is available for free download for anyone with a registered user account on topo.com. If you have not downloaded the TOPO! Explorer Application Click Here.
Installation
Working with SuperQuads
Working with Website Content
Editing & Creating Custom Maps
Printing
Working with GPS
This section contains general use articles for using the TOPO! Explorer desktop application with handheld GPS receivers. Additional make/model specific results can be found in the subsections below.
Magellan Triton
Garmin
Magellan (Non-Triton)
Eagle/Lowrance
Using TOPO! Explorer Deluxe
Integrating with Other TOPO! Products
Troubleshooting :: Known Issues
This troubleshooting section contains articles with step-by-step instructions for resolving known issues with the TOPO! Explorer application. Unlike the how-to articles above, these are highly specific to certain problems or symptoms that may affect a particular operating system or hardware configuration. If you are having technical difficulties the best first step to resolving any problem is to ensure you are running the latest version of TOPO! Explorer.
- How to Identify Your Version (This article contains information for both Mac and PC OS)
If you do not see a solution to your problem listed or your problem remains unresolved - you can best assist us in helping you by providing a log file from TOPO! Explorer that tracks all of the application's operations. See the article below for how-to do this:
- Creating a Log File for Troubleshooting (This article contains information for both Mac and PC OS)
Windows Troubleshooting
Continuous Reinstall - Windows XP, Vista, 98
Mac Troubleshooting
Version History
:: The Current Version is 1.0.7 ::
| Version | Release Date | Note | Release Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | May 30, 2008 | First Version Available to Public | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0 | |
| 1.0.1 | June 5, 2008 | First Upgrade Edition | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.1 | |
| 1.0.2 | June 18, 2008 | State Activations | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.2 | |
| 1.0.3 | June 24, 2008 | Triton Map Transfer - PC Only Update | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.3 | |
| 1.0.4 | June 27, 2008 | GPS compatibility for Mac | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.4 | |
| 1.0.5 | July 11, 2008 | Garmin Colorado Support, Trip Editing | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.5 | |
| 1.0.6 | July 15, 2008 | Added Triton Functionality | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.6 | |
| 1.0.7 | July 31, 2008 | Coordinate and Grid Display | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.7 | |
| 1.0.8 | TBA | GPS Route and Track Support | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.8 |
Additional Resources
[1] Product Information for TOPO! Explorer and Explorer Deluxe Retail Packages
[2] TOPO! Explorer Getting Started Forum - Contains Useful Articles for Starting to use TOPO! Explorer
[3] TOPO! Tips and Tricks Forum - User moderated forum for discussing TOPO! tips and tricks with other users.
