Version Specific Assistance

Select a version to learn about:

Select a VersionTOPO! State Series Weekend Explorer 3D Version 4.x Backroads Explorer Trails Illustrated Explorer 3D Legacy Products Partner Products

TOPO! State Series:

Installation and FAQs

When downloading an upgrade, save the file to your desktop, close TOPO!, open the file on your desktop and run it.  When you restart TOPO!, verify the upgrade was successful by clicking on the ‘Info’ tab from the menu bar, and selecting ‘About TOPO!’.

[double check that following is current at time of launch]

 

Download TOPO! version 4.2.8 for Windows
This free upgrade requires TOPO! 4.0 or higher. This will upgrade TOPO! State Series version 4 and any version of TOPO! Streets & 3D Views. It adds support for new USB-connected Garmin, Magellan, and Suunto GPS devices, and fixes problems with GPS, 3D views, and map updates.

 

Download Version 4.4.1 for Windows

This free upgrade is only for users of Magellan Triton GPS Units. In addition to the above, it adds the ability to transfer maps and data to your GPS via Magellan’s VantagePoint software.

 

System Requirements

Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP or Vista. Requires DirectX version 9 or greater (included on the installation CD). An 8MB or more video card that is DirectX 9 compatible is required for 3D views.

 

GPS: Works with most popular handheld receivers manufactured by Magellan, Garmin, Eagle and Lowrance. See compatibility chart. Direct link requires USB port or USB-to-Serial converter cable for units with serial connectors (sold separately by third parties).

 

Installation

How do I install my TOPO! State Series software?

1. Insert the TOPO! Installer CD-ROM.
2. Choose the “Run” command from your Windows Start menu.
3. Type “D:\Setup.exe” (if your CD-ROM drive is not drive D, substitute the appropriate drive letter).
4. Click “OK” and follow the instructions on the screen.
5. The TOPO! Install Wizard will place the TOPO! application and other files needed by TOPO! onto your hard drive.

Once complete, please test the application to verify that you can get to level 5 of 5 by inserting a data disc. If successful, please upgrade to the latest version.

The other discs -- the data discs -- do not get installed.  Once you have the application installed, open TOPO!, 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, TOPO! will prompt you to insert a data disc.  Insert the appropriate data disc, hit ‘Retry’ and the maps will load.

 

If, however, you would like to copy the map data discs to your hard drive, please follow the instructions below:

- Open TOPO!

- Click 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’

 

 

How do I install TOPO! on a Windows Vista operating system?

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, please click on the following link to upgrade to the latest version of TOPO! State Series for Windows PCs:

If successful, please upgrade to the latest version.

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.

 

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

First, please upgrade to the latest version.
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’

 

I have multiple Version 4 State Series products.

Install one State following the directions above.

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 3D.

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.

 

Common Issues

 

After installation, I am receiving a ‘TOPO! has encountered a problem and needs to close’ error message while TOPO! is initializing.

It appears that the problem you are experiencing is with the driver for your video card. Video cards are becoming more complex and powerful. Unfortunately, like a high end car, they can be temperamental. The good news is that our developers have addressed this by giving TOPO! more flexibility to use other resources on your computer and not solely rely on the video card.

 

To resolve your issue please upgrade to the latest version

I have upgraded to the latest version via the Upgrades page and I am still encountering a problem when using the 3D button.

Please follow these steps:

1. Download the latest upgrade for TOPO! State Series.

2. Run TOPO!, and click the "3D" button on the toolbar. TOPO! might crash this first time - but that's OK.

3. Run TOPO! again, and click the "3D" button.

4. This time, TOPO! should ask you whether to "Use Slower But Safer 3D Mode?". Click "OK", and the 3D window should now function properly.

 

 

When I try to upgrade to the latest version of TOPO!, I get an error message saying it could not overwrite existing TOPO!4.exe or could not find existing TOPO! 4.exe.

Please verify that you have quit TOPO! first before running the upgrade.  If this does not work, please rename your existing ‘Topo4.exe’ application to 'Topo4-old.exe' and then run the upgrade.

 

 

When I open TOPO!, I am receiving a Runtime Error / C++ Runtime Error.

1. Please upgrade to the latest version.

2. Delete TOPO!'s preference file, located at:

"c:\program files\topo!\tpo_data\prefs400.tpp".

3. Run TOPO!.

 

 

I am receiving a Windows System 32 / Autoexec error.

Usually with Windows XP, service packs (SP) are offered in order to update your system.  When updating to Service Pack 2, files such as AUTOEXEC.NT or CONFIG.NT can get deleted or damaged.  These are essential files and must be restored.  Windows may have backed up these files off the root of your hard drive (usually your C drive), in the WINDOWS folder, then REPAIR folder.  If either of these files are located there, then you need to copy and paste them into their original folder WINDOWS, then SYSTEM 32 folder.  If the files are not there, then you need to uninstall SP2 and revert back to SP1, then install TOPO! and then update to Service Pack 2.

 

Using TOPO!

How do I find a specific USGS Quad name?

To find the name of a specific 7.5 minute Quad, go to map level 5, then click the right mouse button and select “about this map”.

 

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.

My TOPO! State Series is installed on an external USB connected hard drive and the recent update doesn't find it and therefore won't update it? 

When double-clicking a .tpo file (a saved map), does it correctly launch the TOPO! 4 application stored on the USB drive? If so, the update should find the application. If it doesn't start TOPO!, Windows should ask you to locate the application you'd like to use for ".tpo" files, and then the update should work.

I am trying to view maps for Alaska and I can only get the lower 48 states to come up.

From within TOPO!, select the icon that looks like a lower case blue ‘i’ with a circle around it.  The ‘Welcome to TOPO!’ screen will appear.  Please verify that there is an ‘x’ in the box at the bottom of this screen where it says “Show this welcome screen every time TOPO! starts”.  Select ‘start with a new map” and hit GO.  When the next screen pops up with all 50 states, click on the water below Alaska if you wish to view Alaska.

 

I am trying to view maps for Hawaii and I can only get the lower 48 states to come up.

From within TOPO!, select the icon that looks like a lower case blue ‘i’ with a circle around it.  The ‘Welcome to TOPO!’ screen will appear.  Please verify that there is an ‘x’ in the box at the bottom of this screen where it says “Show this welcome screen every time TOPO! starts”.  Select ‘start with a new map” and hit GO.  When the next screen pops up with all 50 states, click on the water to the left of the big island if you wish to view Hawaii.

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?

We use 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.  To check the publication date of 7.5' USGS map in TOPO!, zoom to level 5, right click on the map and select ‘about this map.’  Be sure you have enabled Live Map Update and then check for updates in order to receive newer maps as they become available.

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 TOPO!?

If they own TOPO!

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 (i.e. California) as the map you are sending.

If they don’t own TOPO!

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.

What can I do if my 3D tool is not working?

First, upgrade to the latest version of TOPO!

Then, ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for the 3D application to run. Check that your monitor display is set to a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and that the color quality is at least 24 bit color (i.e. millions of colors) or higher. Check if there is an updated driver available for your video card.

 

 

TOPO! State Series Version 3.x

If you are experiencing any problems with your TOPO! State Series, always try to upgrade to the latest version.

 

Upgrades/Downloads

Purchase TOPO! Version 4 upgrade online or call 800-962-1643

[http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/247/4022/120.html]

Features:

·         3D Views and Fly-thrus

·         Updated street and road data

·         Live Map Updates – download the latest USGS maps

·         Supports USB-connected GPS receivers

 

 

Download TOPO! version 3.4.3 for Windows
This free upgrade requires TOPO! 2.6 or higher.

When downloading an upgrade, save the file to your desktop, close TOPO!, open the file on your desktop and run it.  When you restart TOPO!, verify the upgrade was successful by clicking on the ‘Info’ tab from the menu bar, and selecting ‘About TOPO!’.

 

What will happen to my old maps when I download version 3.4.3?

Files opened in version 3.4.3 are automatically converted to the new .tpo file format which supports photos, notes, and web links. The original .tpo file will be renamed with a ".tp2" file extension. To view the old file in the older version of TOPO!, run the program called "TOPO2.exe" (located in the same directory where version 3.4 is located - most likely in "c:\topo!\"), then open the file with the .tp2 extension.

 

System Requirements

Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista - 16 MB of memory; double CD-ROM drive; 256-color monitor; 486 DX/66MHz PC or higher.

Installation

How do I install my State Series software?

1.       Insert the TOPO! Installer CD-ROM.

2.       Choose the “Run” command from your Windows Start menu.

3.       Type “D:\Setup.exe” (if your CD-ROM drive is not drive D, substitute the appropriate drive letter).

4.       Click “OK” and follow the instructions on the screen.

5.       The TOPO! Install Wizard will place the TOPO! application and other files needed by TOPO! onto your hard drive.

 

Once complete, please test the application to verify that you can get to level 5 of 5 by inserting a data disc. If successful and you have a version earlier than 3.4.3, please upgrade

The other discs -- the data discs -- do not get installed.  Once you have the application installed, open TOPO!, 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, TOPO! will prompt you to insert a data disc.  Insert the appropriate data disc, hit ‘Retry’ and the maps will load.

If, however, you would like to copy the map data discs to your hard drive, please follow the instructions below.

 

 

How do I install TOPO! on a Windows Vista operating system?

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, please upgrade to the latest version of TOPO!

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.

 

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

 First, insert any CD-ROM you want copied to your hard drive (excepting disc number one) into your CD-ROM drive.

1.       View the contents of the CD-ROM via My Computer.  Right click on the folder called XX_DOX and hit Copy (for example, CO_DO7 for Colorado disc 7.) 

2.       Now, hit the Back browse button and navigate back to your C drive.

3.       Open up your C drive, open the TOPO! folder you see there, locate the folder called  TPO_DATA,  right click on it, and hit Paste. 

4.       You will need to do this for each CD_ROM you want copied to your hard drive.

 

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 other version 3 states:

Insert Disc 1 and just run the " Map Pak Installer", located at “x:\xx_D01\COMAPPAK\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\COMAPPAK\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.")

Common Issues

When I open TOPO!, I am receiving a Runtime Error / C++ Runtime Error.

Please delete the existing PREFS400 and replace it with the attached file (PREFS400.tpp) in C:\Program Files\TOPO!\TPO_DATA. If this does not work, and the error still occurs, you may have to uninstall/reinstall.

The C++ Runtime Error is caused by a bad "prefs400.tpp" file and once that is deleted, and created again, the program should function.

Visit the downloads page to download the .tpp file.

 

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 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 tool, click on the Note you are looking for, and TOPO! will automatically zoom to that particular area.

 

 I am receiving a Windows System 32 / Autoexec error.

Usually with Windows XP, Service Packs (SP) are offered in order to update your system.  When updating to service pack 2, files such as AUTOEXEC.NT or CONFIG.NT can get deleted or damaged.  These are essential files and must be restored.  Windows may have backed up these files off the root of your hard drive (usually your C drive), in the WINDOWS folder, then REPAIR folder.  If either of these files are located there, then you need to copy and paste them into their original folder WINDOWS, then SYSTEM 32 folder.  If the files are not there, then you need to uninstall SP2 and revert back to SP1, then install TOPO! and then update to Service Pack 2.

 

I upgraded to Version 3.4.3 and now I can’t find the Bookmark Tool.

The bookmark tool was replaced in TOPO! 3.3 with the NOTES Tool. Using the Notes tool, you can still bookmark a location and access it quickly and easily. First select the Notes tool, then bring your cursor over the map. Left click where you want to set the NOTE and the NOTE properties will open. Give the NOTE a title that is easy to remember and check the box at the bottom that says: “Bookmark only...”. Make sure to save the map once you have added the Note. The next time you open the file, you can choose that note and TOPO! will quickly zoom to that the area of the map.

 

 I upgraded to Version 3.4.3 and now I can’t save .tpg files.

Version 3 has consolidated .tpg files under the umbrella of the .tpo file. You can still view your existing .tpg files in TOPO! by going to the File pull down menu and clicking “Merge .tpg Region.” Here you will be prompted to browse and find the location of the .tpg (or .tpo) file you wish to open in TOPO!.

 

 I upgraded to Version 3.4.3 and now I can’t view my maps.

A likely reason for not being able to view your maps is that TOPO! version 3 is specifically created for the TOPO! State series - not the TOPO! Regional series. If you are using a TOPO! Regional Series product and you installed TOPO! version 3, it placed an application called TOPO2 in the TOPO! folder on your hard drive. When you open the TOPO2 application, it will open TOPO! in the original Regional Series format, it will allow you to use your TOPO! Regional Series maps.

 

I upgraded to version 3.4.3 and I can view my state maps, but not my TrailSmart National Parks Maps.

TOPO! version 3 is programmed only to work with the TOPO! State Series. When TOPO! version 3 was installed on your machine, it placed an application called TOPO2 in the TOPO! folder on your hard drive. The TOPO2 application will open TOPO! in the original format which will allow you to use your TrailSmart maps.

 

Using TOPO!

How do I find a specific USGS Quad name?

To find the name of a specific 7.5 minute Quad, go to map level 5, then click the right mouse button and select “about this map”.

 

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 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 tool, click on the Note you are looking for, and TOPO! will automatically zoom to that particular area.

 

I am trying to view maps for Alaska and I can only get the lower 48 states to come up.

From within TOPO!, select the icon that looks like a lower case blue ‘i’ with a circle around it.  The ‘Welcome to TOPO!’ screen will appear.  Please verify that there is an ‘x’ in the box at the bottom of this screen where it says “Show this welcome screen every time TOPO! starts”.  Select ‘start with a new map” and hit GO.  When the next screen pops up with all 50 states, click on the water below Alaska if you wish to view Alaska.

 

I am trying to view maps for Hawaii and I can only get the lower 48 states to come up.

From within TOPO!, select the icon that looks like a lower case blue ‘i’ with a circle around it.  The ‘Welcome to TOPO!’ screen will appear.  Please verify that there is an ‘x’ in the box at the bottom of this screen where it says “Show this welcome screen every time TOPO! starts”.  Select ‘start with a new map” and hit GO.  When the next screen pops up with all 50 states, click on the water to the left of the big island if you wish to view Hawaii.

 

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.

Purchase the upgrade to Version 4 to receive current street data that will overlay the USGS map. Street names are then displayed as space permits. Names also appear as you mouse over any street and can optionally be added as text labels.

 

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.  To check the publication date of 7.5' USGS map in TOPO!, zoom to level 5, right click on the map and select ‘about this map.’

Purchase the upgrade to Version 4 to receive updated maps as they become available.

 

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 TOPO!?

If they own TOPO!

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 (i.e. California) as the map you are sending.

If they don’t own TOPO!

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.

 

TOPO! State Series Version 2.x

If you are experiencing any problems with your TOPO! State Series, always try to upgrade to the latest version.

Upgrades/Downloads

First, look at the front of the original installation disc to find your version number.

If your original installation disc is version 2.6.0 or higher you may:

 

Purchase TOPO! Version 4 upgrade online or call 800-962-1643

[http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/247/4022/120.html]

Features:

·         3D Views and Fly-thrus

·         Updated street and road data

·         Live Map Updates – download the latest USGS maps

·         Supports USB-connected GPS receivers

 

Download TOPO! version 3.4.3 for Windows
This is a free download for version 2.6 and higher

When downloading the 3.4.3 upgrade, first save the file to your desktop, close TOPO!, open the file on your desktop and run it.  When you restart TOPO!, verify the upgrade was successful by clicking on the ‘Info’ tab from the menu bar, and selecting ‘About TOPO!’.

 

What will happen to my old maps when I download version 3.4.3?

Files opened in version 3.4.3 are automatically converted to the new .tpo file format which supports photos, notes, and web links. The original .tpo file will be renamed with a ".tp2" file extension. To view the old file in the older version of TOPO!, run the program called "TOPO2.exe" (located in the same directory where version 3.4 is located - most likely in "c:\topo!\"), then open the file with the .tp2 extension.

If your original installation disc is version 2.5.9 or lower, please follow the instructions below:

 

Download TOPO! Version 2.7.7 for Windows

This is a free upgrade for versions 2.5.9 and earlier

When downloading the 2.7.7 upgrade, first save the file to your desktop, close TOPO!, open the file on your desktop and run it.  When you restart TOPO!, verify the upgrade was successful by clicking on the ‘Info’ tab from the menu bar, and selecting ‘About TOPO!’.

 

System Requirements

Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista

Installation

How do I install my State Series software?

 

1.       Insert the TOPO! Installer CD-ROM.

2.       Choose the “Run” command from your Windows Start menu.

3.       Type “D:\Setup.exe” (if your CD-ROM drive is not drive D, substitute the appropriate drive letter).

4.       Click “OK” and follow the instructions on the screen.

5.       The TOPO! Install Wizard will place the TOPO! application and other files needed by TOPO! onto your hard drive.

 

Once complete, please test the application to verify that you can get to level 5 of 5 by inserting a data disc. If successful, please upgrade to the latest version.

The other discs -- the data discs -- do not get installed.  Once you have the application installed, open TOPO!, 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, TOPO! will prompt you to insert a data disc.  Insert the appropriate data disc, hit ‘Retry’ and the maps will load.

If, however, you would like to copy the map data discs to your hard drive, please follow the instructions below.

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

 First, insert any CD-ROM you want copied to your hard drive (excepting disc number one) into your CD-ROM drive.

1.       View the contents of the CD-ROM via My Computer.  Right click on the folder called XX_DOX  and hit Copy (for example, CO_DO7 for Colorado disc 7.) 

2.       Now, hit the Back browse button and navigate back to your C drive.

3.       Open up your C drive, open the TOPO! folder you see there, locate the folder called TPO_DATA,  right click on it, and hit Paste. 

4.       You will need to do this for each CD_ROM you want copied to your hard drive.

 

I am running Windows XP or Vista and my State Series will not run.

To run on XP or Vista, you must be at version 2.7.7 or higher. Please upgrade.

I upgraded to version 2.7.7 and I still can’t get the State Series to run on my XP or Vista system.

To verify that you have properly installed all of your software, I would recommend that you 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 is found in the program files folder) and delete them.  When complete, empty your recycle bin. 

Load your state installation disc and run the set-up wizard.

Before opening TOPO! for the first time, please click on the following link to upgrade to version 2.7.7:  

Download TOPO! version 2.7.7 for Windows  

When downloading the 2.7.7 upgrade, first save the file to your desktop, close TOPO!, open the file on your desktop and run it.  When you restart TOPO!, verify the upgrade was successful by clicking on the ‘Info’ tab from the menu bar, and selecting ‘About TOPO!’.

 

How do I install TOPO! on a Windows Vista operating system?

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, please upgrade to the latest version of TOPO!

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.

 

 

I have multiple version 2 State Series products?

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

Then, 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.")

 

Using TOPO!

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 by creating a Bookmark. To create a Bookmark, center the map as you choose and click on the Bookmark tool, then click somewhere on the map and type in a name to save the Bookmark. Hit Next > OK and then save the file using File > Save As to maintain the Bookmark 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 Bookmark tool, click on the Bookmark you are looking for, and TOPO! will automatically zoom to that particular area.

 

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.

If your original version is 2.6.0 or higher, purchase the upgrade to Version 4 to receive current street data that will overlay the USGS map. Street names are then displayed as space permits. Names also appear as you mouse over any street and can optionally be added as text labels.

 

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.  To check the publication date of 7.5' USGS map in TOPO!, zoom to level 5, right click on the map and select ‘about this map.’

If  your original version is 2.6.0 or higher, purchase the upgrade to Version 4 to receive updated maps as they become available.

 

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 TOPO!?

If they own TOPO!

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 (i.e. California) as the map you are sending.

If they don’t own TOPO!

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.