TOPO Explorer
From NatGeoMaps
Product Overview
TOPO! Explorer is National Geographic Maps' latest outdoor recreation software title.
The name TOPO! Explorer is used to refer to 2 aspects of the product.
1. the desktop application
TOPO! Explorer version 1.2.1 is available for free download at topo.com/downloads
With the TOPO! Explorer desktop application users can download purchased SuperQuads (maps) and free trails to their computer(s). Users can also post their own trips, photos, and videos to the sharing community using the desktop application.
2. topo.com (website)
www.topo.com hosts National Geographic's new National Recreation Database. Users can browse, download, and share updated trails to the website.
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.
To learn more visit: About TOPO!
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 User Guide
Have questions about installing TOPO! Explorer, exporting maps to a Triton, or publishing trips to topo.com etc.? Visit the complete TOPO! Explorer User Guide
TOPO! Explorer Dictionary
Looking for the definition of a TOPO! Explorer term. Visit our TEX Dictionary.
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
- TOPO! Explorer App -Triton Map Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Waypoint Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Route Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Track Transfer
Garmin
- TOPO! Explorer App -Waypoint Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Route Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Track Transfer
Magellan (Non-Triton)
- TOPO! Explorer App -Waypoint Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Route Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Track Transfer
Eagle/Lowrance
- TOPO! Explorer App -Waypoint Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Route Transfer
- TOPO! Explorer App -Track Transfer
Using TOPO! Explorer Deluxe
Uninstallation of TOPO! Explorer
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 1.2.1 ::
| Version | Release Date | Note | Release Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2.1 | Dec. 23, 2008 | Enhanced Triton Map Export & Bug Fixes | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.2.1 | |
| 1.2.0.1 - 1.2.0.3 "Beta" | Dec. 2 - 12, 2008 | Triton Map Export Patch | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.2.0.1 - 1.2.0.3 | |
| 1.2.0 | Nov. 19, 2008 | Improved Triton Map Export, Added Functionality, & Bug Fixes | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.2.0 | |
| 1.1.3 "Beta" | Nov. 14, 2008 | Improved Magellan Triton Map Export | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.1.3 "Beta" | |
| 1.1.2 "Beta" | Oct. 31, 2008 | Streamlined Map Transfer for Triton GPS | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.1.2 "Beta" | |
| 1.1.1 "Beta" | Oct. 3, 2008 | Added displays and features | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.1.1 "Beta" | |
| 1.1.0 | Sept. 8, 2008 | Elevation Profiles, Printing Features, & Added Functionality | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.1.0 | |
| 1.0.9 "Beta" | Sept. 4, 2008 | Elevation Profiles, Printing Features, & Added Functionality | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.9 "Beta" | |
| 1.0.8.2 | Aug. 28, 2008 | SuperQuad download fix | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.8.2 | |
| 1.0.8.1 | Aug. 22, 2008 | GPS Route and Track Support | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.8.1 | |
| 1.0.7 | July 31, 2008 | Coordinate and Grid Display | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.7 | |
| 1.0.6 | July 15, 2008 | Added Triton Functionality | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.6 | |
| 1.0.5 | July 11, 2008 | Garmin Colorado Support, Trip Editing | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.5 | |
| 1.0.4 | June 27, 2008 | GPS compatibility for Mac | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.4 | |
| 1.0.3 | June 24, 2008 | Triton Map Transfer - PC Only Update | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.3 | |
| 1.0.2 | June 18, 2008 | State Activations | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.2 | |
| 1.0.1 | June 5, 2008 | First Upgrade Edition | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0.1 | |
| 1.0 | May 30, 2008 | First Version Available to Public | TOPO! Explorer Version 1.0 |
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.

