Welcome to TOPO! Explorer. This page covers frequently asked questions about this site, the related free desktop application, and other editions of TOPO! mapping software. If you are seeking technical support please visit our support page.
What is TOPO! Explorer?
TOPO! Explorer is both the website you are viewing now and a free desktop application created by National Geographic Maps. The website contains freely browsable topographic maps, aerial imagery, hybrids, and a national recreation database filled with updated trails, points-of-interest, photos, videos, trail reports, and descriptions from professional and community sources. It's the best one-stop shop on the web for planning your next outdoor adventure. The TOPO! Explorer desktop application, available for free download with a registered user account, enables you to customize and print detailed maps, plus connect with a GPS and share your creations to the web. The desktop application comes with atlas maps for the United States, and enables you to purchase detailed SuperQuads from our Map Store.
What can I do with the TOPO! Explorer desktop application that I can't with the website?
The TOPO! Explorer desktop application adds a lot of functionality to the content and community features of the free website:
- Download SuperQuads: The detailed maps, aerial images, and hybrids you see on the TOPO! Explorer website can be purchased using map credits and downloaded into the TOPO! Explorer desktop application for use offline. The desktop application enables you to seamlessly lever the transparency between topo-aerial-hybrid for the "perfect view" of the land, plus toggle shaded relief off/on and overlay updated TeleAtlas® roads.
- Printing: Print detailed maps with GPS grids on any paper size or orientation supported by your printer. Plus, export maps for use in other applications or publications. Your own notes, photos, waypoints, and trails created from the desktop application print as well — or download and print the contents of a Trip from topo.com.
- GPS Controls: TOPO! Explorer's desktop application contains the easiest to use GPS manager available. Simply connect your Garmin, Magellan, Eagle or Lowrance receiver, browse it's contents, and drag/drop waypoints, routes, and tracks to and from the GPS device. Mark and manage points of interest on the detailed maps and load those to your receiver — making it simple to get to new places.
- Share your Trips: Using your GPS or the application's built-in map-making tool box, create and share your favorite Trips with others on TOPO! Explorer. Post photos, video, and trail descriptions or create your perfect map by combing Trips from the website with your own content. The TOPO! Explorer application is easy to use and ideal for hiking, cycling, climbing clubs and outing groups to organize their trips and share their activities with the world.
How do I get the desktop application?
The TOPO! Explorer desktop application is free to anyone that has a registered user account. Create an account today and download either the PC or Mac application from the "My Purchases" tab in your account page.
Can I buy SuperQuads at my favorite retailer?
Yes, if you prefer to purchase maps from a local brick-and-mortar, two retail kits are available, TOPO! Explorer and Explorer Deluxe. Both kits contain 25 map credits for use at the online map download store. The Deluxe kit also contains all the USGS 1:100,000 scale topographic maps for the United States. These are excellent for planning long trips or simply browsing our country's terrain.
If you're feeling lucky, TOPO! Explorer map kits sold from a retail store and activated during the month of June 2008 stand a 1 in 10 chance of including double the map credits (50 vs. 25)!
Can previous TOPO! owners upgrade to TOPO! Explorer?
Yes —The new TOPO! Explorer desktop application will work with TOPO! State Series and Weekend Explorer Map sets, plus enable you to download and post trip files to topo.com. If you wish to add aerial imagery or HybridQuads to your offline map set — these can be added to your earlier TOPO! products by purchasing SuperQuads for one map credit each. (Equivilant to $1.00 each)
Is there a way to get larger map coverage at a discounted price?
Yes — those seeking larger areas of topographic maps at the best value should purchase TOPO! State Series or Weekend Explorer products. Weekend Explorer titles contain the equivalent of 200-300 SuperQuad downloads and are available for popular recreation regions throughout the US. State Series titles contain thousands of equivalent SuperQuad downloads and cover entire states. Both products are available via premium brick-and-mortar and online retailers.
What are the system requirements for TOPO! Explorer?
- Internet Connection Required. DSL, Cable, or equivalent high speed access recommended for performance.
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Microsoft Windows Users:
- Windows Vista, XP, 2000, ME, or 98
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. Internet Explorer 7.0 recommended.
- 1 GHZ CPU or better.
- 512 MB RAM + 64 MB video memory
- CD Drive required for TOPO! Explorer. DVD Drive required for Explorer Deluxe.
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Apple Macintosh Users:
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher.
- 1 GHZ CPU or better.
- 512 MB RAM + 64 MB video memory
- CD Drive required for TOPO! Explorer. DVD Drive required for Explorer Deluxe.
- Software may be installed and used on up to 3 different computers.
- Visit www.natgeomaps.com/gps for a list of compatible GPS receivers.
- Map credits included in TOPO! Explorer and Explorer Deluxe are non-refundable, have no cash value, and will expire 24 months after installing this software and establishing your topo.com user account.
