3 replies to this topic

[mbee]

So it seems Nat Geo are no longer making their State Series software. Does anyone have suggestions for an alternative? Needs to work on both Mac & PC,  have the ability to upload gpx files from handheld GPS, and print topo map for no additional cost with trails overlaid. It needs to be software that can be installed on a computer and that comes with topo maps on disk, rather than something that requires internet link to server for map data retrieval.

[SteveR]

I've got Igage's All Topo V7 for my state, and except for the fact that it doesn't run on MacIntosh, it's really good--maybe better than the National Geographic series:

 

http://www.igage.com...llTopoMain.html

 

Steve Richardson

2i3D Stereo Imaging

[Jelf]

I also have been a satisfied Igage user for a number of years and own their topo data for several states.

Igage makes their own hi-res scans of the paper topos.

 

They also sell lower-res topo scans to some of their competitors.  Thus, you get what you pay for.

 

But as so often happens, no one tool can meet all needs.

 

If you would also like to display your collection of TPO files on hi-res topos then you might take a look at Gmap4. 

To display a TPO (or GPX, KML, KMZ) file:

1.  Put the file online almost anywhere

2. Build a Gmap4 link similar to the following and then paste that link into a browser bar.

 

http://www.mappingsu...emo/daniel2.tpo

 

The above map displays a TPO file.  These hi-res topos are hosted on Amazon's cloud service.

 

Full disclosure time: I am the developer of the Gmap4 software that is showing you the map.  This project is part of my way to “pay it forward”. Translation: Gmap4 is free for non-commercial use.  It is popular with people that enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

Gmap4 is a browser app, not a native app.  Gmap4 runs in most browsers on most devices from smartphones to desktops.  Note that the browser does have to be online.  When Gmap4 is running in the browser on a smartphone, it automatically displays phone-friendly buttons.  The next update (later this month) will feature a much nicer interface when running in the browser on a mobile device.

The button in the very upper right corner lets you change map types.  In addition to topos for the USA, you can also look at vector topos for all of Canada.  The Menu button gives access to various features.  A rightclick will show some useful info.

Anyone can make a Gmap4 link that will show a zoomed in view of anywhere.  Simply use zoom/pan or Menu==>Search to make the map look the way you want it to look. Then click Menu ==> "Link to this map".  The link that is displayed will reproduce the same map you see on your screen.  These Gmap4 links can be used in forum posts, emails, blogs, websites, etc.

The Gmap4 homepage has a FAQ, examples, quick start info (in the Help file) and more to quickly get you up to speed.

Gmap4 default map: http://www.mappingsu...com/p/gmap4.php

Gmap4 homepage:  http://www.mappingsu...om/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

[mbee]

Thank you both for your responses, with samples and links. Igage would be the best option, if it only worked on Mac too!