TOPO! National Geographic USGS Topographic Maps, California Reviews

• Great maps, poor backward compatibility

  
  By A1GXDAHJBN3C5T on 2006-09-09
  UPDATE 1/1/08: I just got a Mac after always previously using Windows. Great news--when I installed this 4.0 software, not only did it work fine, but it also corrected the two most serious objections I previously had with it. I now have no problems importing waypoints from my Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, and the software is now compatible with all the states I own from the previous Version 3 software. I don't know whether this is unique to Mac or whether it now works just as well with Windows, but when I did the installation, it automatically went to the National Geographic web site and downloaded a software update. I still give it 4 stars because of some of the other non-standard user interface choices, but these are easy enough to get used to. I didn't change the rest of the review, so keep this update in mind as you read it.
  
  National Geographic topo maps are great if your understand their strengths and limitations (I have the Nevada version but they all work the same). First, don't expect to import the actual maps into a GPS receiver. These maps are raster-scanned directly from USGS 7.5' topos; GPS receivers use vector-graphic maps that are only available from your receiver's manufacturer (and they are much less detailed than NG maps). But you should never expect your GPS receiver's display to completely replace a paper map anyway. It's too small to show much detail, and if your receiver fails, you'd be out of luck. NOTE: Magellan has just introduced the Triton series, which is the first product designed to import maps from Topo!. This is a great advancement, but I haven't yet evaluated it to see how well it works.
  
  Since these are based on USGS maps, they have the same high quality including tons of detail, but since many USGS maps are more than 10 years old, you won't necessarily get up-to-date information. Since topographic features don't ordinarily change as frequently as man-made features, you're usually OK, but keep this in mind.
  
  These maps allow you do a lot of other things with your GPS. You can create waypoints on the computer, either by placing a marker on the map or by entering in the latitudes and longitudes of your points, then transferring them to the GPS. This is much easier than manually entering the info through your GPS user interface. You can also download tracks from your GPS receiver onto the map to see where you've been. And you can draw intended journeys directly on the map screen, then measure the distance and elevation profile of the route. The elevation profile is a bit noisy, but you get a pretty good idea of how much elevation change you'll experience on a hike. The tool you use to draw the route on the screen could benefit from an improved user interface, but with a little practice you can get pretty good at it. If you make a mistake, hold down the right mouse button to erase the error. One thing I like is that you can print out a custom paper map, and if you print using your inkjet on NG's waterproof paper, you can get a custom color map that really is waterproof. This latest edition is designed to work with USB receivers like the Garmin GPSMap 60-series. This is a tremendous advantage compared to the previous edition. BUT please note that it isn't completely compatible with the new GPSMap60CSx. It doesn't import waypoint names properly, they end up being simple numbers starting at 001. For some reason this isn't a problem with the older GPSMap60Cs.
  
  The main objection I have is that it isn't easily compatible with the previous edition. In my case, I had the prior edition for California, and expected the California CDs to work with the new software. But for some reason they don't. So I have to leave the old edition installed for the California maps and the new one for Nevada maps. Fortunately I can use the USB capability of the Nevada software to download the California waypoints and tracks from my 60CSx. I then have to save the .tpo file, launch the old edition software and pull up the California map, then import the .tpo file. Very inconvenient, but at least there is a way to make it work. I guess they would prefer I buy a new edition of the California maps.
  
  The only other thing to note is that they still haven't completely adopted Windows user interface conventions. For example, there are no scroll bars on the side and bottom of the map to allow you to move the map on your screen. You have to move your cursor to the edge of the map, watch for the cursor to change to an arrow, and hold down the mouse button. The direction of scroll depends on exactly where on the screen your cursor is. Another observation is that there is no EDIT menu, so I can't easily cut and paste data into other applications. But these are relatively small concerns that you can quickly adapt to. All in all this is a very valuable tool that I highly recommend.
  
  

• Mapping on the Mac

  
  By A1CGDTAHSILG65 on 2006-07-28
  This piece of software is what I have been hoping for for since I bought my machine. It is the most elegant and detailed mapping system that I have used. With the Garmin Vista Cx it works flawlessly. You can download any or all of the map data from the disks into the "Topo" file and it runs very well on my powerbook G4. It will upload all waypoints, and routes. It will download all waypoints, routes and tracks! The maps are gorgeous! The interactive web feature is cool but young. It has a geocaching feature. The 3d maps are sweet! It downloads updates and new map layers almost perfectly (had to manually download the software update). I only wish that waypoints symbols would transfer to and from my unit but I can easily live without them. Load the Mapsource maps to your device (Garmin "x" series saves to swappable memory microSD cards) and use Topo! from your laptop.
  
  

• CoupleQuarks

  
  By AZT1GYDGB3FWK on 2006-07-15
  I have not used this product extensively but it had proven to be very useful for my needs. I am very pleased with it and only have a couple of comments. It has an excellent search tool and has found almost every location that I have searched on, even some very little and very remote campgrounds. This is what I was mainly interested in as the other software's I have used are very (VERY) limited in this. The only two things that I have noticed is that it does have fixed zoom ratios and the wildlife areas that I am interested in are shaded dark grey when zoomed in which is somewhat maddening. They could have used a lighter grey as it is very hard to see the mapping in these shaded areas. That is the only reason I am dropping my rating down to a 4. This product is very user friendly and I would highly recommend it, so far it has been the best bang for the buck!. Digitizing the trails and creating profiles along with flyovers is as slick and easy as can be. The same goes with plotting GPS points from ASCII onto my TOPO maps or from them.
  
  

• You Cannot Load These Maps onto Most GPS Units

  
  By A28SKTTWZ8TKBJ on 2007-08-17
  This software looks great. Lots of amazing features. Includes 3-D and Fly-Thru views. It's more detailed than the Garmin MapSource Topo U.S. 2008 (1:24,000 vs. 1:100,000). It is both PC and Mac compatible. Garmin's is only PC compatible. However, you can only use this product on your computer and not on your GPS unit in the field. This is because Garmin will not allow it. You can transfer waypoints and routes but not the maps. According to reviews I've read, the Garmin Topo software is not detailed and not accurate. So, what to do? According to other reviews I've just read, National Geographic has just completed arrangements with Magellan to allow transfer of their 1:24,000 maps to the new Triton GPS that will become availabe in September or October. These new Magellan units are a lot more user friendly than than their old ones. If Garmin won't allow other software vendors access to their product, then they should at least make decent mapping software themselves. I'm going to return my new Garmin GPS and get one of the new Triton GPS units. At that point, I'll probably give this software 5 stars.
  
  

• Good Accurate Mapping

  
  By AWPODHOB4GFWL on 2008-07-03
  All information is in USGS 1:100,000 scale for road and very good hiking mapping and navigation. Its all very, very easy to learn and includes cool features to customize your maps like adding notes, showing your trails and routes, elevation profiles for hiking mountains and a 3D feature. This allows you to actually view your route as your travel in simulation at varying angles. The `Search' feature is very handy in locating just about anything you are looking for in that section/region of the map. You can zoom into five different levels of detail and print out any portion of that map. If your GPS allows you to import information, you can upload your personalized map to it. You can also import most GPS information into your computer onto the topographic maps, such as .gpx files and geocache information. TOPO! National Geographic is the best in mapping information for GPS or everyday route or hiking planning.
  
  I had a Magellan Triton that claims you could download the maps to your Triton handheld, but that software is flawed and I had to return the Triton four times. Now that I have a Garmin, I can download info to my PC and use the National Geographic TOPO! information, but I still cannot import maps into my Garmin (just geocache information).
  
  
• Great maps, poor backward compatibility
  By A1GXDAHJBN3C5T on 2006-09-09
  UPDATE 1/1/08: I just got a Mac after always previously using Windows. Great news--when I installed this 4.0 software, not only did it work fine, but it also corrected the two most serious objections I previously had with it. I now have no problems importing waypoints from my Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, and the software is now compatible with all the states I own from the previous Version 3 software. I don't know whether this is unique to Mac or whether it now works just as well with Windows, but when I did the installation, it automatically went to the National Geographic web site and downloaded a software update. I still give it 4 stars because of some of the other non-standard user interface choices, but these are easy enough to get used to. I didn't change the rest of the review, so keep this update in mind as you read it.
  
  National Geographic topo maps are great if your understand their strengths and limitations (I have the Nevada version but they all work the same). First, don't expect to import the actual maps into a GPS receiver. These maps are raster-scanned directly from USGS 7.5' topos; GPS receivers use vector-graphic maps that are only available from your receiver's manufacturer (and they are much less detailed than NG maps). But you should never expect your GPS receiver's display to completely replace a paper map anyway. It's too small to show much detail, and if your receiver fails, you'd be out of luck. NOTE: Magellan has just introduced the Triton series, which is the first product designed to import maps from Topo!. This is a great advancement, but I haven't yet evaluated it to see how well it works.
  
  Since these are based on USGS maps, they have the same high quality including tons of detail, but since many USGS maps are more than 10 years old, you won't necessarily get up-to-date information. Since topographic features don't ordinarily change as frequently as man-made features, you're usually OK, but keep this in mind.
  
  These maps allow you do a lot of other things with your GPS. You can create waypoints on the computer, either by placing a marker on the map or by entering in the latitudes and longitudes of your points, then transferring them to the GPS. This is much easier than manually entering the info through your GPS user interface. You can also download tracks from your GPS receiver onto the map to see where you've been. And you can draw intended journeys directly on the map screen, then measure the distance and elevation profile of the route. The elevation profile is a bit noisy, but you get a pretty good idea of how much elevation change you'll experience on a hike. The tool you use to draw the route on the screen could benefit from an improved user interface, but with a little practice you can get pretty good at it. If you make a mistake, hold down the right mouse button to erase the error. One thing I like is that you can print out a custom paper map, and if you print using your inkjet on NG's waterproof paper, you can get a custom color map that really is waterproof. This latest edition is designed to work with USB receivers like the Garmin GPSMap 60-series. This is a tremendous advantage compared to the previous edition. BUT please note that it isn't completely compatible with the new GPSMap60CSx. It doesn't import waypoint names properly, they end up being simple numbers starting at 001. For some reason this isn't a problem with the older GPSMap60Cs.
  
  The main objection I have is that it isn't easily compatible with the previous edition. In my case, I had the prior edition for California, and expected the California CDs to work with the new software. But for some reason they don't. So I have to leave the old edition installed for the California maps and the new one for Nevada maps. Fortunately I can use the USB capability of the Nevada software to download the California waypoints and tracks from my 60CSx. I then have to save the .tpo file, launch the old edition software and pull up the California map, then import the .tpo file. Very inconvenient, but at least there is a way to make it work. I guess they would prefer I buy a new edition of the California maps.
  
  The only other thing to note is that they still haven't completely adopted Windows user interface conventions. For example, there are no scroll bars on the side and bottom of the map to allow you to move the map on your screen. You have to move your cursor to the edge of the map, watch for the cursor to change to an arrow, and hold down the mouse button. The direction of scroll depends on exactly where on the screen your cursor is. Another observation is that there is no EDIT menu, so I can't easily cut and paste data into other applications. But these are relatively small concerns that you can quickly adapt to. All in all this is a very valuable tool that I highly recommend.
  
  
• 0 stars. Ripoff. Can't download maps to GPS
  By A1X4EQRYDZ84BV on 2008-04-09
  After spending $250 on a GPS, $40 on a memory card, and $100 on this software (all at the advice of REI (yeah, I bought it from REI, not Amazon)), I saw that the fine print of the software says you can't download the maps to your GPS.
  
  What's the point of having maps sitting on your computer hard drive that you can't download to your GPS? My computer hard drive isn't going hiking. My computer hard drive isn't hunting for difficult-to-find street. My computer hard drive isn't doing a search and rescue mission. Oh, but if your computer hard drive ever DOES want to go hiking, it won't get lost. You, on the other hand, will be lost and out $80-$100 if you buy this software.
  
  If you thought National Geographic was a reputable organization, they're not! (And I guess the same is true of REI.) And does Amazon warn you about this -- not that I've found so far.
  
  
• my opinion after a few hours use of Nat. Geographic Topo States softeware
  By A1G5U9F56AYNBG on 2006-05-12
  Before I bought this product I found it difficult to find reviews of Nat. Geographic topo state software as well as MapTech Terrain Navigator software, so I am giving this input for future customers. MapTech provides a demo. I'd say I prefer MapTech's 3D to Nat. Geographic's 3D version. Nat. Geographic provides more features such as greater grid spacing options. But don't expect either to print with the resolution of the regular 1:24,000 USGS maps; both software brands have to default to a larger scale to get that kind of resolution and clarity at least with ink jet printers. National Geographic Topo's 50% default setting results in an approximate print scale of 1:31,000 which results in very good clarity. However even at 1:24,000 they are legible (although a bit fuzzy). They will both save you money verses buying the regular topo maps (after 20 or so store-bought maps considering your ink and paper costs) plus they give you advantages if you use a gps unit especially in overlaying grids, trail markers, etc., on the printed-out maps. But don't forget it takes more than (4) 8 1/2" x 11" printouts to match one regular store bought 1:24,000 topo map.
  
  
• Better than the Garmin counterpart, but still not good!
  By A7QWB0G58H9XJ on 2006-11-10
  The best part of this package is the possibility to have all maps in hiking friendly 1:24000 scale. Though these maps are not really up to date, not really recommendable for power hikers in the CA bay area. Also on the down side is the strange user interface, you really have to get used to it. Considering some crashes of the software itself I can only give 3 stars. But it is at least the best GPS mapping software I know, among the blind the one-eyed is king...
  
  
• Great maps, poor backward compatibility
  By A1GXDAHJBN3C5T on 2006-09-09
  UPDATE 1/1/08: I just got a Mac after always previously using Windows. Great news--when I installed this 4.0 software, not only did it work fine, but it also corrected the two most serious objections I previously had with it. I now have no problems importing waypoints from my Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, and the software is now compatible with all the states I own from the previous Version 3 software. I don't know whether this is unique to Mac or whether it now works just as well with Windows, but when I did the installation, it automatically went to the National Geographic web site and downloaded a software update. I still give it 4 stars because of some of the other non-standard user interface choices, but these are easy enough to get used to. I didn't change the rest of the review, so keep this update in mind as you read it.
  
  National Geographic topo maps are great if your understand their strengths and limitations (I have the Nevada version but they all work the same). First, don't expect to import the actual maps into a GPS receiver. These maps are raster-scanned directly from USGS 7.5' topos; GPS receivers use vector-graphic maps that are only available from your receiver's manufacturer (and they are much less detailed than NG maps). But you should never expect your GPS receiver's display to completely replace a paper map anyway. It's too small to show much detail, and if your receiver fails, you'd be out of luck. NOTE: Magellan has just introduced the Triton series, which is the first product designed to import maps from Topo!. This is a great advancement, but I haven't yet evaluated it to see how well it works.
  
  Since these are based on USGS maps, they have the same high quality including tons of detail, but since many USGS maps are more than 10 years old, you won't necessarily get up-to-date information. Since topographic features don't ordinarily change as frequently as man-made features, you're usually OK, but keep this in mind.
  
  These maps allow you do a lot of other things with your GPS. You can create waypoints on the computer, either by placing a marker on the map or by entering in the latitudes and longitudes of your points, then transferring them to the GPS. This is much easier than manually entering the info through your GPS user interface. You can also download tracks from your GPS receiver onto the map to see where you've been. And you can draw intended journeys directly on the map screen, then measure the distance and elevation profile of the route. The elevation profile is a bit noisy, but you get a pretty good idea of how much elevation change you'll experience on a hike. The tool you use to draw the route on the screen could benefit from an improved user interface, but with a little practice you can get pretty good at it. If you make a mistake, hold down the right mouse button to erase the error. One thing I like is that you can print out a custom paper map, and if you print using your inkjet on NG's waterproof paper, you can get a custom color map that really is waterproof. This latest edition is designed to work with USB receivers like the Garmin GPSMap 60-series. This is a tremendous advantage compared to the previous edition. BUT please note that it isn't completely compatible with the new GPSMap60CSx. It doesn't import waypoint names properly, they end up being simple numbers starting at 001. For some reason this isn't a problem with the older GPSMap60Cs.
  
  The main objection I have is that it isn't easily compatible with the previous edition. In my case, I had the prior edition for California, and expected the California CDs to work with the new software. But for some reason they don't. So I have to leave the old edition installed for the California maps and the new one for Nevada maps. Fortunately I can use the USB capability of the Nevada software to download the California waypoints and tracks from my 60CSx. I then have to save the .tpo file, launch the old edition software and pull up the California map, then import the .tpo file. Very inconvenient, but at least there is a way to make it work. I guess they would prefer I buy a new edition of the California maps.
  
  The only other thing to note is that they still haven't completely adopted Windows user interface conventions. For example, there are no scroll bars on the side and bottom of the map to allow you to move the map on your screen. You have to move your cursor to the edge of the map, watch for the cursor to change to an arrow, and hold down the mouse button. The direction of scroll depends on exactly where on the screen your cursor is. Another observation is that there is no EDIT menu, so I can't easily cut and paste data into other applications. But these are relatively small concerns that you can quickly adapt to. All in all this is a very valuable tool that I highly recommend.
  
  
• NG topo map
  By A338Q59ITIGEEG on 2007-01-16
  Doesn't interface with our GPS, but made a recent trip up California's PCH even more interesting and informative. All the little trailheads we usually drive past were on there for hike planning. Changing disks along the way were a bit inconvenient.
  
  
• Buggy and you can get 24K maps for free
  By A3CKGQ9J1FG3K5 on 2007-09-23
  This program does have some good features - but the interface is awkward and it crashes frequently. Also, the USGS web site provides free downloads of all 1:24,000 quadrangle maps. With a little trim and paste work you can get custom areas and you don't have to spend good money and not good software.
  
  
• Great mapping tool
  By AUH09QBJK8U7F on 2007-03-08
  I recently purchased this software to help design hiking routes for use with my Garmin GPS Map60CSx. It took just a few minutes to learn, and I found it easy to create routes and waypoints. The integration with the GPS receiver was seamless, and the pictures are beautiful. You can build elevation profiles, see your route in animated 3D, and National Geographic's MapXchange server allows you to find and download routes from the web for use with this software. You will have to check and perform the software upgrade in order to integrate with the newest mapping receivers, but this was neither challenging nor problematic. Please remember that you cannot copy the maps to your GPS - only the routes and waypoints. And this software is quite expensive for the limited coverage. I also have Garmin's MapSource Topo software, which has all of the US on 3 CDs for about the same price. But there really is no comparison - you get what you pay for. With National Geographic, you will get high quality maps and an excellent user interface. I actually find it easier to use the National Geographic software with my Garmin receiver, rather than Garmin's own product.
  
  
• A Good Program
  By AJOWDSYZ0WFUJ on 2007-09-23
  This is a good program with many useful features. I use it primarily for hiking and backpacking in the Sierra Nevadas. The excellent quality maps that I can print out are perfect to use in conjunction with my GPS receiver. You can't download the topo maps into the GPSr, but that's okay since the GPSr has such a small screen (and I prefer having a paper map in hand when hiking). The program also lets me plot courses along trails and calculate hiking distances. The elevation profile tool has been very handy and there is an option to include the profile at the bottom of a map print out. My only complaint is that the USGS maps used by the program do not have all of the trails that other paper maps include (but then again, I've found a few trails in this program that aren't on some of my other paper maps). I also save waypoints and courses to a ".gpx" file which I can then import into Google Earth to get a better feel for terrain and vegetation. I give it 4/5 Star because it is not perfect (see above complaint) but it is close. Overall, I highly recommend this program for anyone who enjoys hiking in California's mountains.
  
  
• Difficult Program To Install and Use
  By A2GZJXK2KRNEX7 on 2007-12-25
  I received this product today for Christmas and spent about 4 hours installing and figuring out how to use the software. Frankly, this is the most difficult installation I have ever experienced:
  
  The installation software doesn't automatically install in Widows XP. One has to type it in the command line in "Run". (Yes, I know this is a minor inconvenience, but it's an indicator of other user unfriendliness.)
  
  The imbedded operating manual is not up to date and must have been written for an earlier version. In some cases the instructions are wrong for the new version. The manual is poorly organized with important installation instructions embedded in FAQ's near the end of the document.
  
  No instructions are given for installing the 5 CDs that contain the topo maps for North and South Carolina. The instructions are buried on page 87 of a 94 page manual! The procedure should been provided in one of the first pages and presented more clearly.
  
  The procedure for saving a simple topo map is confusing and laborious.
  The "Notes and Photos Tool" can't be toggled on and off. The procedure for doing so is wrong in the manual. One needs an embedded note or photo to save the exact topo map!
  
  The procedure for importing a GPS tracks and waypoings is confusing and laborious.
  
  The procedure for exporting a map/track to another application is wrong in the manual. The resulting JPG image of the topo map is of poor quality compared to the in-program topo map.
  
  The 3D maps are underwhelming and fuzzy.
  
  I did like the "fly over" feature, which is like a helicoptor ride over a track on the topo map. Cool!
  
  I purchased this software to complement my newly purchased Garmin 60CSx GPS and Mapsource software. For those of you who have been underwhelmed by the 60CSx manual, it's a treat compared to this.
  
  
  
  
  
• usgs topo maps
  By A33TUG2W04D4VH on 2007-05-12
  happy w/program, easy to use, but when i printed out manual the table of contents came out unreadable and pages were not numbered.this is my first map program ,so i don't have any thing to compare with----
  
  
• TOPO! California
  By A1JVJ04LN98CH7 on 2008-04-06
  Good product and fairly easy to use. The software allows you create straightforward topo maps at whatever scale you desire. I am an archaeologist and most mapping software is extremely expensive. TOPO! is reasonable priced and produces quality results.
  
  The only reason I did not give 5-stars is because the waypoint labeling information is cumbersome and difficult to edit.
  
  
• National Geographic TOPO Maps
  By A3RDF3PT1CUYKM on 2008-06-30
  This product is very hard to use, especially if you are trying to download it to a Magellan Triton 500. Not user friendly or intuitive at all.
  
  
• supplement for old software
  By A3V7JSNFMQG4JH on 2006-11-13
  I was disappointed to receive this software; it is actually an upgrade for an old version of National Geographics Topo software, not an expansion pack for the software generally. I bought the current version at the same time so I didn't need this because these features are built in to the current software. If you have an old version of the Topo software, it would probably be useful.
  
  
• Triton GPS software
  By A12BOMOOLX3NVU on 2008-02-22
  Works with the triton gps.... maps are ok. They are also not up to date like msn or google maps are. Also it doesn't look as anything like what they want to you to believe. It seems like that only option for triton users....
  
  

• Garmin 010-00422-00 GPSMAP 60CSx 2.6-Inch Mapping Handheld GPS
• Garmin MapSource Topo U.S. 2008
• Adventure Paper - Tabloid 11x17
• Garmin Protective Case for GPSMap 60C and 60CS (010-10578-00)
• Garmin Carrying Case for eTrex and Summit (010-10314-00)