PC Software Support

Installation:

TOPO! is compatible with most Windows operating systems newer than Windows 98, including Vista, XP, NT, and ME. Specific installation tips including loading map data on to your hard drive can be found in this section. If your question is not answered in this section, check the Version Specific Assistance and Common Questions section for additional answers.

Windows Vista Installation

When installing software, Vista may ask you to 'Allow' the installer program to run, and might require you to enter an administrator password to proceed. Follow the on-screen instructions, allowing Vista to run the setup.exe installer.

You should be able to install to the suggested 'Program Files' location, but if you experience any problems with this, please click the 'Browse...' button during installation and change the install location to the following: "c:\users\public\topo!". This will allow any user account on the PC to run the application.

If the program icon does not appear in the Windows Start menu, you can add one manually by right-clicking on the program icon and choosing 'Pin to Start Menu'. Locate the program icon by clicking 'Start > Computer' and browsing into the install folder (usually at "c:\program files\topo!").

After installing, we suggest that you check for updates for your product.

If you have trouble running an update that you have downloaded from this website, try right-clicking on its icon and choosing 'Run as Administrator'. This will allow Windows Vista to properly update the application and related files.

                Installing Map Data on Hard Drives:

With today’s larger hard drives, it may make sense to load map data on your drive rather than handling CDs each time you use TOPO! You can install as much or as little map data as you desire.

First, please ensure you are running the latest version of your product by visiting our downloads page. Upgrade as necessary.

Then:

- Open TOPO!

- Click on View > TOPO! Product Setup > Copy Data CD-ROMs to Hard Drive

- You will be prompted to insert a TOPO! Data CD to copy, then click ‘OK’

- You can load as many or as few TOPO! Data CDs as you like.

Installing Multiple Versions:

Most TOPO! powered software products can work effectively with one another, including multiple states and previous versions. This section details the proper installation for users that own multiple software titles.

                                Important Note the Following Products Must Run as Separate Applications:

TOPO! Regional Series

TrailSmart National Parks

National Parks Explorer 3D

I have multiple Version 4 State Series products.

First install one of the version 4 State Series Products.

Then, from the menu bar in TOPO!, please click “View.”  Then choose the “TOPO! Product Setup.”  Select a radio button denoting that you “have a new serial number.”

Please enter the number then click the “Activate New Product.”

Select “OK” and TOPO! will now recognize your other version 4 of TOPO!.

I have a version 4 State Series product plus version 3 and/or version 2.6.0 and higher State Series products.

Install your version 4 State Series first

Other version 4 States:

From the menu bar in TOPO!, please click “View.”  Then choose the “TOPO! Product Setup.”  Select a radio button denoting that you “have a new serial number.”

Please enter the number then click the “Activate New Product.”

Select “OK” and TOPO! will now recognize your other version 4 of TOPO!.

 

Version 3 and version 2.6.0 or higher States:

From the menu bar in TOPO!, please click “View.”  Then choose the “TOPO! Product Setup.”  Select the radio button denoting that you “don’t have a serial number.”

Please insert a data disc (a state disc 2 or higher) into your CD-ROM drive.  Wait a few seconds and then select “Activate New Product.”  After you insert a data disc into your CD-ROM drive, a window may appear displaying a folder.  If so, simply close the window.

Select “OK” and TOPO! will now recognize your earlier state version of TOPO!.

 

I have a version 4 State Series product and Back Roads Explorer/Back Roads Explorer 3-D.

Install your version 4 State Series first

Back Roads Explorer/Back Roads Explorer 3-D:

From the menu bar in TOPO!, please click “View.”  Then choose the “TOPO! Product Setup.”  Select the radio button denoting that you “don’t have a serial number.”

Please insert a data disc (a Back Roads Explorer/Back Roads Explorer 3-D disc 2 or higher) into your CD-ROM drive.  Wait a few seconds and then select “Activate New Product.”  After you insert a data disc into your CD-ROM drive, a window may appear displaying a folder.  If so, simply close the window.

Select “OK” and TOPO! will now recognize your Back Roads Explorer/Back Roads Explorer 3-D version of TOPO!.

 

I have a version 4 State Series product and Weekend Explorer.

Install your version 4 State Series first

Weekend Explorer:

From the menu bar in TOPO!, please click “View.”  Then choose the “TOPO! Product Setup.”  Select a radio button denoting that you “have a new serial number.”

Please enter the number then click the “Activate New Product.”

Select “OK” and TOPO! will now recognize Weekend Explorer.

 

I have a version 4 State Series product and GPS USA.

Install your version 4 State Series first

GPS USA:

From the menu bar in TOPO!, please click “View.”  Then choose the “TOPO! Product Setup.”  Select a radio button denoting that you either “have a new serial number” or that you “don’t have a serial number.”

If you have a serial number, please enter the number then click the “Activate New Product.”

If you don’t have a serial number, please insert the GPS USA disc into your CD-ROM drive.  Wait a few seconds and then select “Activate New Product.”  After you insert a data disc into your CD-ROM drive, a window may appear displaying a folder.  If so, simply close the window.

Select “OK” and TOPO! will now recognize your GPS USA.

 

I have multiple version 3 State Series products.

Please completely uninstall anything relating to TOPO from the add/remove programs found in your control panel (please make back up copies of any maps that you have previously saved).  When finished, please check your hard drive for any TOPO! folders (usually one is directly off the root and the other may be found in the program files folder) and delete them.  When complete, empty your recycle bin.

Install the most current version first(version numbers are printed on the front of the installation disc)

Then, for the version 3 states:

Insert Disc 1 and just run the " Map Pak Installer", located at “x:\xx_D01\XXMAPPAK\SETUP.EXE". (For example;  Insert Disc 1 of "TOPO! Colorado" and just run the "Colorado Map Pak Installer", located at "?:\CO_D01\COMAPPAK\SETUP.EXE".)

 

I have a version 3 State Series product plus other version 3 and/or version 2.6.0 and higher State Series products.

Please completely uninstall anything relating to TOPO from the add/remove programs found in your control panel (please make back up copies of any maps that you have previously saved).  When finished, please check your hard drive for any TOPO! folders (usually one is directly off the root and the other may be found in the program files folder) and delete them.  When complete, empty your recycle bin.

Install the most current version first (version numbers are printed on the front of the installation disc)

Then, for the version 3 states:

Insert Disc 1 and just run the " Map Pak Installer", located at “x:\xx_D01\XXMAPPAK\SETUP.EXE". (For example;  Insert Disc 1 of "TOPO! Colorado" and just run the "Colorado Map Pak Installer", located at "?:\CO_D01\COMAPPAK\SETUP.EXE".)

For the version 2 States:

Just create empty map level 1 folders inside the "TPO_DATA" folder that resides with the TOPO! application. This will instruct TOPO! to look for map data on those State Series CD-ROMs. To do this, locate the TPO_DATA folder (which should be at "C:\TOPO!\TPO_DATA\"), and create a new folder inside it: called "xx1_MAP1.”  “xx” is the State abbreviation.  (For example;  just create an empty map level 1 folder inside the "TPO_DATA" folder that resides with the TOPO! application. This will instruct TOPO! to look for map data on the Utah CD-ROMs. To do this, locate the TPO_DATA folder (which should be at "C:\TOPO!\TPO_DATA\"), and create a new folders inside it: called "UT1_MAP1.")

 

I have multiple version 2 State Series products.

Install the most current version (version numbers are printed on the front of the installation disc)

For the other version 2.x States, just create empty map level 1 folders inside the "TPO_DATA" folder that resides with the TOPO! application. This will instruct TOPO! to look for map data on those State Series CD-ROMs. To do this, locate the TPO_DATA folder (which should be at "C:\TOPO!\TPO_DATA\"), and create a new folder inside it: called "xx1_MAP1.”  “xx” is the State abbreviation. 

(For example;  just create an empty map level 1 folder inside the "TPO_DATA" folder that resides with the TOPO! application. This will instruct TOPO! to look for map data on the Utah CD-ROMs. To do this, locate the TPO_DATA folder (which should be at "C:\TOPO!\TPO_DATA\"), and create a new folders inside it: called "UT1_MAP1.")     

Printing Maps:

Even when you are carrying a GPS unit, it’s critical to take a printed map with you in the field. A printed map provides an overview not possible on a handheld screen, and it doesn’t depend on batteries. Use National Geographic Adventure Paper, and you’ll have a waterproof, tear-resistant map for a better, safer experience in the outdoors.

How to Get the Best Print Quality

To create sharp, clear TOPO! prints:

·         Make sure that you are using the most current version of the TOPO! software.

·         Choose settings that provide the best graphic image prints for your printer. Use "raster", not "vector", settings if you are given the choice, and set the resolution to "good" or "best" rather than "draft."

·         Always print from map level 5 when possible. This is the most detailed scale available.

·         After selecting a print area, make sure that "Suggested" is checked on the right side of your screen. Doing this prints the maps at a 50% scale, which squeezes the pixels together and provides a sharper printout.

 

How to Print the GPS Waypoint List

At this time TOPO! does not have a tool to automatically print the waypoint list. To print a copy of the waypoint list, view the list in TOPO, then press the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. This copies the contents of your screen (the “screen capture”) to the clipboard. You can then open a graphics application, such as Paint, create a new document, paste (go to the Edit menu and choose "Paste") the contents of the clipboard into a new document, then print the screen image.

 

Printing Using a Plotter

·         TOPO! is designed to work successfully with any Windows-based printer driver. In order for TOPO! to send prints to your plotter, the plotter needs to be using a Windows-based driver.

·         Make sure that your plotter is selected as your default printer, since TOPO! prints based on the information provided by your default print driver (i.e. where you change your settings from "good" to "best"). To make your plotter the default printer, right click on the plotter's icon in the Control Panel - Settings and select "use as default".

·         If your plotter is still not printing a TOPO! map, you may be sending an image that is too large a size for TOPO! to send to the plotter. Try sending a smaller test image. If this prints, you may need to reduce your image size.

·         Another option is to use TOPO!'s "Save map as" command to save a file to disk. You can then open this file in another graphics program and try printing from another application that works with your plotter.

·         If none of the previous suggestions have an effect, you may need to disconnect from your network, if possible. Applications such as Norton Utilities, crash protection programs, and some screen savers on a network can interfere with TOPO!

 

HP Printer Unable to Print in Landscape Mode

If you are using an HP printer and get an error message when attempting to print a map from TOPO! In landscape mode, visit the HP web site [http://www.hp.com] and download the most current driver for your printer. This new driver from HP should eliminate the problem.

 

An Error Occurred Sending the Image to Printer

Make sure that you are running the most current TOPO! version.

Do not change your printer preferences while TOPO! is up and running. If you need to change your printer default settings, do so before you launch TOPO!

If the previous suggestions do not help, try exporting a map from TOPO! and printing it from another application such as Paint. To export a map, first set up your print area, then go to the File menu and choose "export map to disc." You can specify where you want to save the map and in what raster file format.

 

Working with GPS

 

Compatibility

View our gps compatibility chart for an updated list of GPS receivers that work with our software

 

Any issues with GPS, Upgrade TOPO! and firmware first.

Most GPS issues can be resolved by upgrading to the latest edition of your software. To do so, visit the downloads page.

 

What will the software allow me to do with my handheld GPS unit?

Our outdoor recreation map software will allow you to transfer routes and waypoints between your GPS receiver and the software. You can also import GPS tracks from your receiver into the software. The software does not export maps to a GPS, with the exception below.

 

Transferring maps and data to Magellan Triton

For users of TOPO! State Series Version 4.x and Weekend Explorer 3D. Complete how-to here. (PDF) [http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/downloads/NG_Triton_Export_Guide_low.pdf]

 

How can I transfer waypoints and routes between my GPS and TOPO?

1.       Connect your GPS to your PC with either a Serial Port or USB cable

2.       Open TOPO!, click Handhelds > Change GPS Settings > Receiver Type > set make to (GPS Manufacturers Name) and set model to (GPS Model name)

3.       Click Connection Settings, choose Serial Port or USB and then click 'Test GPS Connection' 

4.       Click OK if the connection is confirmed, recheck your settings if an error message occurs

5.       Click Handhelds > Import (from GPS or .txt) Wizard or Export (from GPS or .txt) Wizard.

 

Note: USB receivers require Version 4 or higher.

 

How can I track my position in real-time using TOPO!?

You can track your position in real-time using TOPO when connecting a GPS to your laptop or PDA (using Pocket TOPO!). 

1.       Open TOPO!, click  Handhelds > Change GPS Settings > Receiver Type > Set make to NMEA

2.       Click Connection Settings > choose Serial Port or USB connection.

 

How do I change the way my waypoints are displayed in TOPO!?

1.       Open TOPO! > Handhelds > Change GPS Settings > Waypoint Display

2.       Choose hide waypoint labels, etc.

 

GPS waypoints appear shifted after importing them into TOPO!

There are several different datums used among maps and GPS receivers, including datums such as NAD27, NAD83, or WGS84. If you are experiencing a shift in your waypoints after you import them, make sure that both your GPS receiver and TOPO! are set to the same datum. After both are set to a common datum, re-import the data, and the waypoints should appear properly aligned.

My GPS and COM port won’t communicate and I have used a Palm Pilot on my computer.

Locate the "Hot Sync" icon at the bottom right of your desktop screen and right click on the icon. In the pop-up window that opens, find either the "General" or "Settings" tab. Find and select the setting that enables the Hot Sync feature to run only when the Palm Pilot is running (rather than the default setting to not run continuously).Until you have changed this setting, the Palm Pilot controls the COM port continuously. Adjusting this setting will free up the COM port for use by other applications (such as TOPO!) and should eliminate this error.

Printing the GPS Waypoint List

At this time TOPO! does not have a tool to automatically print the waypoint list. To print a copy of the waypoint list, view the list in TOPO, then press the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. This copies the contents of your screen (the “screen capture”) to the clipboard. You can then open a graphics application, such as Paint, create a new document, paste (go to the Edit menu and choose "Paste") the contents of the clipboard into a new document, then print the screen image.

I am receiving a COM Port is in use error message?

The COM port in use 'by another application' indicates a conflict of resources - that TOPO! is unable to find a virtual Serial Port.  This is due to either a hardware conflict, or software driver conflict.  For example, if you have an UPS that uses a Serial Port for alarming,  you may have to unplug it and reboot because of virtual Serial Port driver conflicts.

Disconnect every possible device from your computer, reboot, and see if the conflict is still there.

Otherwise, have you installed any communications software, or done significant upgrades to any communication software?

It can happen that a software install or update 'reserved' a virtual Serial Port on startup, and that blocks other software from getting resources later on demand.

First try disconnecting all possible hardware, then try disabling any software that might use the Serial Port (such as UPS, communication software, etc.)

Also, try different virtual COM ports and the 'Test GPS' button. The port may have 'moved' because of other software installs/upgrades.

                I am getting a negative elevation when importing waypoints from my GPS?

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer your actual elevation into TOPO!.. Most devices do not transfer the elevations across for waypoints.