Customer Reviews
Out of date maps 
2008-07-29
I bought this software because I am a grad student and I had to survey alpine sites around the state of Colorado. I thought it would be great. It was not. The biggest problem is that the maps are out of date. For example several hiking trails are missing. I drove up at least ten roads that had locked gates that were not on the map. Many roads are not labeled or not labeled correctly. It was good for putting waypoints in my GPS, but that is all it was good for.
Expect a long learning curve 
2006-10-05
I've used TOPO! for eight years and it's the best there is for mapping software. I own software for 10 of the western states and use the program almost daily. I use the program in my laptop and when hooked up to my GPS, I have what amounts to a super detailed car navigation system with a 17" screen. As new maps become available, you can download them free into your computer as needed and it's a very easy procedure. Also, free upgrades are available on-line and that's an easy procedure too.
To make the state series most useable, you need to add Back Roads Explorer, which gives much more detailed up-to-date street and street name information.
The only caveates with this program is that you need a relatively fast computer and lots of memory so you can copy the whole program to your hard drive so you don't have to constantly change cd's. Also, expect to take some time to fully get to know this program.
Mac OS X Mapping 
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.
Useless with Garmin eTrex Vista C 
2006-07-24
I won't repeat the complaints by the other reviewers but I will agree with them. I have a new Garmin eTrex Vista C GPS, which is a good product. But, Garmin wants you to buy their poor quality MapSource software. Poor quality because of the scale. National Geographic TOPO software is somewhat clumsy to use, but it will produce a fine map and does a good job for large scale use, as in hiking, etc. The problem is that Nat. Geo. deliberately misleads in its cover blurb by implying that TOPO will work with "most popular handheld receivers." It won't. So, if you want to produce a topographic map, with a route marked on it, and measure distances, develop elevation profiles, etc., then NatGeo TOPO is useful. If you want to upload waypoints from TOPO to your handheld GPS, be careful!
Non existent customer support - Did not work on Mac 2006-03-10
Allegedly installs on PC and Mac OSX (10.2). Attempted install on Mac G4 which more than met minimum requirements and could not plan routes, print maps, nor add markers. Tried to uninstall, reinstall to no avail. Website support is pitiful, phone calls and emails not responded to. I am beginning to think it would be easier to drive the 7 hours to Colorado from Wyoming to visit Nat Geo in person. Stay away mac users!
NOT Great software for Mac users! 2006-03-02
Topo! Oregon State mapping software from National Geographic helps you plan, print and pursue your outdoor adventures with the most accurate and up-to-date geological information available Updated continuously as National G collects topological data, you get 3D views and fly thru's that show you where you're going before you leave the house Features: Combines the best maps from National Geographic and the USGS to give you seamless map coverage at every level of detail TOPO!'s intuitive interface enables you to effortlessly zoom and pan across each of the five map layers TOPO! gives you five map levels, from National Geographic Atlas maps to 1:24,000-scale seamless topographic maps One-click trail profiles show you the trail's distance, along with elevation gain and loss Stunning shaded relief, generated from millions of points of elevation; toggle shaded relief on and off to quickly visualize each area's land features Complete map of Oregon State Specifications: System Requirements: Windows: 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, NT 40 and higher Works with all color and black and white printers supported by these operating systems Macintosh: OS 102 or above Works with all color and black and white printers supported by Mac OS 10
Utah TOPO Maps 2006-02-25
These topographic maps on CD are excellent. The tools allow you to map a route and list GPS points and visualize an elevation profile. They are easy to use and print. A great hikers friend. I have used National Geographic TOPO maps for several states including Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. They are all excellent products.
Extremely Frustrating 2005-06-29
In the past 10 years of using numerous types of computer software this one has to be the worst. Even after reading the entire manual and troubleshooting tips from the website, I have spent hours trying to do things that are very simple in other software - such as simply saving a map that you have put an hour or two into creating. It is a very complicated and frustrating process. I'm sure I will finally figure it out, but I'll have to take detailed notes to be able to do it again!
Go with a different vendor 2005-04-01
This information is all available from the US Govt. The trick is to have software that will display it easily and with no hassles. First some background before I get started. I became a programmer in 1970. My first computer was an Epson QX10, an 8 bit CP/M machine from the early 80's. The reason for giving you a peek at my background is what I have to say about this software. It is, without a doubt, the worst example of
programming I have encountered since owning my first PC. I could list the problems and their lack of attention to detail and their seemingly complete unconcern for bringing to market a product with all the loose ends tied and that has the primary purpose of making the program that is easy to set up and use but I have neither the time nor desire to present you with a multi-page review that would waste your time reading the details of bad programming practice. My advice is this; consider this your last choice when shopping for GPS compatible software. Let the buyer beware. Note: I was going to give it one star but decided to give it 2 since it does work. We have to save one star things that absolutely do not work.
A Good Thing 2005-02-28
This is a 'must have' software if you hike, bike and recreate outdoors. The software interface takes a bit of getting use to, but once mastered it provides simple navigation and a lot of information. I do a lot of mountain biking in Northern California and this software lets you 'preview' a trail by mapping it (you draw a line on the trail) and the software then calculates distance travelled and the cumulative vertical ascent. This is very helpful in determining how long a ride will take, and how much physical exertion will be required. It also helps you to track your condition level - as you get in better shape you will be able to do more vertical in less time ...
Once you have created a route you can send it (via e-mail) to friends, or post it on the Topo website to share with others. Other neat features are a 3 dimensional viewing package (sold separately fo $20) and the ablity to send waypoints to handheld GPS units.
There really aren't any 'cons' to the software. Some things you should be aware of though are that Garmin (maker of many handheld GPS units) promotes its own topographical software. This is a pain because Garmin only allows you to send waypoints form the 'Topo' software and you can't upload the detailed maps into the handheld GPS unit. I own an Extrex Vista and the inability to load maps without buying the Garmin software is an irratant. The only other comment is that some of the maps in the software are dated so they don't always show the latest information in terms of roads and buildings. This you just get used to. Similar to other posts - When hiking or biking in remote areas don't rely on a handheld GPS exclusively, bring a printed map, and have some familiarity with a compass and know generally the area into which you are going - also let other people know where you are going (send an e-mail of your route ...). This is common sense that will save a lot of headache.
Overall this software is 'a good thing' and I highly recommend it to people who enjoy spending time outside, and it is particularly good for the mountain biking community.
