National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

I use this program whenever I go on a trip - in fact I have also purchased Idaho, Oregon and Montana as well. I can draw a route, figure out approximate mileage and profile the elevation gain/loss. I can place waypoints and download them into my GPS. I can print topo maps to take on the trip.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

Old outdated information. Planned a 60+ hike in the Pasayten last September. Many route possibilities were omitted. Plotting trip on PCH from Snoqualmie to Stevens. Trail disappears completely then is mismarked. This product is untrustworthy for hiking. A complete waste of money. NG staff should be ashamed of themselves.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

This is the best mapping software in the world. The people who panned this item made two mistakes: they made little attempt to learn the ins and outs of the software, in one case throwing a tantrum because everything wasn't instantly obvious. They also expected the wrong thing. These are not maps designed specifically for on-trail hikers who want to search for trails by name. They are simply the most accurate and detailed landscape maps you can buy. One reviewer cracked me up because he said he prefers USGS maps. That what these are, duh! The ability to scroll across the entire state, seamlessly (once you download all the discs) is priceless. The ability to make a specific map of an area, add markings of your own, save it to disc,and email it to a friend (for example) is fantastic. The ability to customize the size of the area shown on your printed map is also nice, zooming in if you need to, or zooming out if you want to cover a larger area. GT maps are OK if you happen to have the one you need, and the main thing you are interested in is hiking trails, but the accuracy and detail aren't even in the same ball park as TOPO! State Series for Washington.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

I've used Green Trails paper maps from REI and I was so impressed. I was hoping for the same quality and content from National Geographic in a reprintable format. Nenhh!

The TOPO! tool shows land topology and little else. A few trails I looked for but did not find are: Mt. Si, Old Si, Little Si, Rattlesnake Mountain, Lake Serene. The map indicates the data is the most current, but it is dated 1987. Really? I did find the Snow Lake trail, not sure why they bothered.

I tried remedying the situation with the online mapXchange feature. This promises to augment the trail information with user generated data. Nenhh! These are all special interest maps with little coverage and no standard trail information (like, where is the trailhead?). And these all appear to be compiled years ago using an ancient version of TOPO! that requires recompilation and occasional crashing.

This tool helds promise, some years ago. Maybe National Geographic can partner with Green Trails to bring out a decent product. Until then, I better take care of my paper maps.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

If you have never used this software then you have got to check it out. This software allows you to plot any course you want and see it in 3D afterwards. You can download the waypoints to a GPS and you can practically sit back and let the GPS tell you where to go. Yes, I know this is cheating, but it can save you a lot of time on the trail.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

If I could give this product zero stars, I would. [...] I had 2 in my hands, totaling about $15, and ended up putting them back and walking out with [$] for software and waterproof paper. Boy was I a sucker...and a dummy for not saving my packaging and receipt.After installing, it became obvious that maps would not be as easy as just typing in the trail name. Not to mention that some maps cut off mid trail and I can't "bleed" maps together. I had to load all the CD's in order to have the maps at the ready, which was annoying, and once I was able to "kinda sorta" figure out what I was looking at, I realized I was not going to be able to just load a map and hit the trail. I tried looking for the West Tiger 3 trail and the only Tiger trail I could find was TMT, which did me no good. I also was unable to find something simple and popular like Mt. Si or Mailbox Peak. I was so exasperated from fiddling for almost an hour that I flung the CD box across the room and made a photo copy of a Mountaineers map until I could get to the store for a USGS or Green Trails map. For being the #1 item in the 10 essentials, good maps are hard to find without paying thru the nose. You'd think NatGeo would partner with someone to really make this a top notch product...especially for those without interest in GPS, like me... I just want a stinkin map.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

I've been using this software for many years now, since Version 3 point something. The program is nothing more -- and nothing less -- than a scan of all the USGS maps for the State of Washington. I've prepared dozens of maps planning hikes using this program and never had a problem. With the large hard-drives available today, it's easy to download all the data onto your computer once and navigate seamlessly over the entire state.

You can mark waypoints and load them to your GPS. Understand that there's a difference between loading maps and loading waypoints: the maps can be loaded only onto certain brands of GPS units; waypoints, routes, and other data can be loaded onto a much broader range of units. I just wish the NatGeo maps were compatible with my GPS unit.

I agree with the other reviewers who've observed that the negative reviews are based upon unrealistic expectations and a failure to spend time learning the program. If you're using physical USGS maps, you can't do a search for trails by name; why would you complain that you can't do that with the software? In short, if you don't know how to navigate using map and compass, then this program probably isn't for you.

I've never used the NatGeo Adventure Paper for printing: I just slip the map inside a gallon-size plastic bag, and it's protected from rain, sweat, and sharp objects in my pockets.

I prefer to print the maps in the 1:24,000 format, which results in a somewhat limited area on a letter-sized page. That can be a problem if you're trying to locate your position with map and compass. I know this defeats the purpose of the software, I still buy the USGS map and carry it in my pack. If you're secure relying solely on a GPS, then this is not a problem at all.

One more thing (for you compass types): NatGeo provides annual updates that, among other things, adjusts the declination calculation. I've found that the NatGeo data is generally within 15" of the more accurate declination calculators available online.

If you're involved with Scouts or another group that goes into the mountains and needs multiple copies of maps, this program is indispensable.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

I use this product whenever I hike, even on well known trails like Mt. Si, Rattlesnake Ledge, etc. even though the trails are clearly marked. I like the information at hand and enjoy seeing where I'm at.
That being said, this software truly shines off the beaten path. You have to know what you're doing to use this software effectively, and you have to put in the time to plan your route. This is not a digital map of every trail in Washington!!! Some of the reviewers on this site clearly had no idea what the product they bought is supposed to do, which is provide the most detailed topo maps available in a very versatile platform.
I love plotting my route, way-points, and knowing my elevation, and this software does it all.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

As many other reviewers commented on, this software doesn't have the trail accuracy of the Green Trails series or the USGS maps. The topological data is perfectly accurate though, which makes it great software for mountaineering, snowshoeing, and other off-trail excursions.

I'd also recommend a laser printer if possible, as the resolution of the software exceeds the resolution of most inkjets.

Comments about National Geographic TOPO! Outdoor Recreation Mapping Software - Washington:

The basic features are very attractive. You can string together a very long hike and get a complete elevation and distance profile as well as print out the route on water-resistant( water proof, come on) paper. Here is my gripe. Why does the latest USFS paper map for a specific wilderness area have trails that TOPO does not. That is unacceptable in a modern digital world.

Service and delivery comments:

Sent TOPO an email, got no reply. Also, Microsoft security update wiped out TOPO registration so TOPO software would not load unless you registered again. Better keep your Serial Number handy.