Version Specific Assistance

Select a version to learn about:

Select a VersionTOPO! State Series Weekend Explorer 3D Backroads Explorer Trails Illustrated Explorer 3D Legacy & Partner Products

Backroads Explorer

Installation and FAQs

If you are experiencing any problems with Back Roads Explorer, always try to upgrade to the latest version.

Upgrades/Downloads

Download version 4.2.3 for Mac OS X
Upgrade from any earlier Mac version of Back Roads Explorer 3D. This update is for Back Roads Explorer "3D" only - there is no update available for the standard version. Before running this updater, please make sure that the 'TOPO!' folder is currently located in the 'Applications' folder on your Macintosh.

 

System Requirements
Version 4.x (“3D”):

Macintosh OS 10.2 or higher

350 MHz G3 or better

128 MB RAM + 16 MB video memory

Version 3.x:

Macintosh OS 9.0 or above or 10.2 or higher

32 megabytes of available memory

266 MHz processor or faster

 

Installation

How do I install my Back Roads Explorer software?

- Insert the CD titled "Installation"

- Double-click the "Back Roads" CD icon that appears on your desktop

- Double-click "Install Back Roads.mpkg", and continue with the Installer.

 

This will install a "TOPO!" folder in Applications, which contains the "Back Roads Explorer 3D" application.

Also -- some users running Mac OS X 10.4 / Tiger have had problems with the update installer.  The first time it runs, instead of just replacing files that have changed and adding new ones, Apple's Installer program removes files that haven't changed.  It seems to only do this the first time (and only Tiger), so if you encounter a problem after installing the update --installing from the CD and then running the update again should work.

Once you are installed, test the map and ensure that you can get to level 5 of 5 by inserting a disc.  If you are successful, then please upgrade to the latest version of Back Roads Explorer for Mac by going to TOPO! > Preferences > Live Update.  Quit once the update is complete and restart to enable the upgrade.

The other discs, the data discs, do not get installed.  Once you have the application installed, open Back Roads Explorer, select ‘Start with a new map”, hit GO and select your State.  Using the zoom tool click on the map in an area you wish to view in more detail.  When you get to the more detailed levels, Back Roads Explorer will prompt you to insert the data disc.  Insert the data disc, hit ‘Retry’ and the maps will load.

If, however, you would like to copy the map data disc to your hard drive, please follow the instructions below.  TOPO! v.4 will find Data CD folders in the following locations (if they exist):

 

Applications > TOPO!

 Applications > TOPO! > TPO_DATA

 Applications > TOPO! > Data CDs

 (user home) > Library > TOPO > TPO_DATA

 (main level of any hard drive)

 

How do I save the data CDs to my hard drive?

To copy the data CDs to your hard drive, first view the contents of the CD-ROM, click on the folder called  XX_DOX (for example, CA_DO2 for California disc 2.), and drag the folder to any one of the following locations.  TOPO! v.4 will find Data CD folders in the following locations (if they exist):

 Applications > TOPO!

 Applications > TOPO! > TPO_DATA

 Applications > TOPO! > Data CDs

 (user home) > Library > TOPO > TPO_DATA

 (main level of any hard drive)

 

Using Back Roads Explorer

How do I plot the boundaries of the USGS Quads on the map?

Using the grid tool, overlay a lat/long grid at 450 seconds

 

When I save a file in TOPO! and then reopen it, it takes me to the overview map level, not the area I saved?

When you save a map and then re-open it, TOPO! will always open your file at the overview map level, and you will need to zoom down to find the area where you were working. To avoid this process, save the primary location of your file as a Note. To create a Note, center the map as you choose and click on the Notes and Photos tool, then click somewhere on the map and type in a name to save the Note. Hit Next > OK and then save the file using File > Save As to maintain the Note you have created. When you re-launch the file, the overview map level will appear.  However, to jump to the area where you created the note, click on the Notes and Photos tool, click on the Note you are looking for, and TOPO! will automatically zoom to that particular area.

 

When I upgrade to version 4.2.3, I get an error message: ‘Warning: Data files not found.’

Unfortunately, the 4.2.3 update installer has trouble updating BRE-3D unless the application is in its original / factory configuration.  I suggest the following:

1.  Move any Data CDs that have been copied to the hard drive somewhere safe (like the Desktop) temporarily.  (BR_D02 etc. folders).

2.  Uninstall BRE-3D by trashing the following folders if they exist:

Applications > TOPO!

(user home) > Library > TOPO

(Data CDs don't need to be removed)

3.  Download the v. 4.2.3 update installer.

4.  Install BRE-3D from the CD.

5.  Start BRE-3D once just to make sure it runs okay and the make sure to Quit.

6.  Open the TopoMac423.dmg and run the update installer.

7.  When the update has finished, start BRE-3D again.  It may take a few minutes to start up the first time it runs.  After it starts, go to the "About TOPO!" menu item  and verify that it's 4.2.3.

 

Why are some street names missing from the map?

The emphasis of the maps in TOPO! is on topography--depicting the terrain and natural landscape.  In urban areas, a map shows the maximum number of street names compatible with the map scale after the application of essential descriptive labels and other features’ names.  Preference is given to the named principal or through-arteries.  Additional names are shown at intervals to serve as ready points of orientation without unduly congesting the maps. Street names will appear as you mouse over a street. If desired, adjust settings so that a text label is added to the map when you click on a street.

 

Why are some features incorrect or missing from the map?

National Geographic Maps uses the most current maps available at the time of publication.  While most landforms are correct, man-made features such as roads or trails may be missing or incorrect because the maps have not been updated. 

More detailed USGS 1:24,000 (7.5 minute maps) are available in the TOPO! State Series and Weekend Explorer 3D.

 

How can I reverse the direction of an elevation profile?

TOPO! builds elevation profiles from the start point of a route to the end point. You can reverse the direction that a profile builds by adding a small segment of route to the start point and then rebuilding the profile.

 

How do I send someone a map made with Back Roads Explorer

If they own Back Roads Explorer, Weekend Explorer 3D or TOPO! State Series

Once your map is exactly how you want it, select "Save As..." from the File menu. Save your map as a .tpo document in a location that you can easily find. The saved .tpo file can then be sent to other TOPO! users as an e-mail attachment or on a disk. A .tpo file saves all free-hand routes, as well as added text, symbols and bookmarks. The recipient must own the same map coverage as the map you are sending.

If they don’t own Back Roads Explore, Weekend Explorer 3D or TOPO! State Series

Try exporting a map. To export a map, first set up your print area, then choose "export map to disc" from the File menu. Specify where you want to save the map and in what raster file format. You can then e-mail this image file as an attachment or copy it to a disk.