Which Map Software is Right for Me?

Choosing the right recreation map software is easy. We offer (4) different options designed to meet the needs of the casual hiker to the experienced backcountry adventurer. Select the right product by answering a few simple questions.

Do you prefer authentic USGS topographic maps or our own Trails Illustrated topographic maps?

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USGS topographic maps are the classic, recreational map. There are 55,000 7.5' 1:24,000 scale USGS topographic maps in the United States. Each map covers approximately 49 square miles and shows the shape of the land through contour lines. These maps are ideal for understanding the lay of the land, finding important terrain features, and navigating by compass or GPS. They are the most detailed maps available for the entire country, as 1" on the map is equivalent to just 0.38 Miles. Their biggest drawback is that they often lack up-to-date recreation information such as the location of all trails, campsites, ranger stations, etc.. We have (3) different USGS based software products available: TOPO! State Series, TOPO! Weekend Explorer, and TOPO! Explorer.

Trails Illustrated maps are our gold standard recreation map. Like the USGS they contain contour lines and important terrain features to show the lay of the land, but contain expertly researched and up-to-date recreation information like trails, campsites, parking areas, and more. Trails Illustrated maps are available for the most popular recreation areas nationwide (like National Parks) and we are continuing to expand our coverage each year. We have several Trails Illustrated Explorer software titles currently available and are adding more.

How much map coverage do you need?

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Our USGS based TOPO! products come in three varieties, the main difference is the amount of map coverage each package contains. Our TOPO! State Series titles cover an entire U.S. State or region of States. (For example California or New England.) These packages have 1000's of USGS topographic maps.

Our Weekend Explorer TOPO! products cover popular recreation areas around major U.S. cities. (For example Denver and the Front Range or Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.) These packages have 100's of USGS topographic maps.

TOPO! Explorer offers users a new way of getting the exact USGS topographic maps they need, by selecting them and downloading them one at a time from our topo.com website. The software packages come with credits to download up to 25 USGS maps from anywhere in the U.S. Should you need additional credits, they can be purchased from topo.com in packs of 10.

Our Trails Illustrated Explorer software products offer a collection of our Trails Illustrated recreation maps for a popular recreation area, like the Adirondacks, or for major National parks.

Hiker Profile Recommendations:

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YOU love National Parks and visit a variety of them each year - GET Trails Illustrated National Park Explorer.

YOU recreate around your house on weekends and rarely venture more than a few hours away - GET TOPO! Weekend Explorer.

YOU recreate often and throughout your State. - GET TOPO! State Series.

YOU recreate across the country, trying new destinations all the time - GET TOPO! Explorer.

Still not sure?

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If you're still not sure which software product to by visit your local outdoor specialty retailer or give our call our customer service and ordering department at 800.962.1643. We're available Mon-Fri from 8am - 5pm MST.