Topo Reader 8.1

Topo Reader is a comprehensive mobile app that allows users to conveniently access and utilize a wide range of USGS topographic maps for offline use. It is specifically designed to cater to the needs of road trips, camping, hiking, exploration, and geographical history enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of Topo Reader is its ability to accurately center-align map images regardless of the datum used. These maps are placed on Apple's map kit, enabling easy referencing and intuitive touch navigation.

The software takes full advantage of the latest capabilities of iOS, ensuring a fast startup, seamless map rotating, and unbeatable full detail resolution. Moreover, map downloads can be dispatched in the background, allowing users to continue using the app without interruption.

Topo Reader offers access to a staggering number of US Geological Survey topographical maps, both current and historical. Users can install up to 422,664 maps that describe the topography of every region and island territory in the United States. Historical versions of these maps date back as far as 1879. By pressing and holding a point on the reference map, users can easily install a map quad and explore the available maps at that location, each with its unique name given by the cartographers.

In addition to USGS maps, Topo Reader also enables users to import geospatial PDF maps from various sources such as the web, AirDrop, Finder, iTunes, and email. Even at trailheads, QR codes are available for maps that can be copied and installed directly into the app. Local and national park services often provide PDF maps on their websites, and even aeronautical sectional maps with embedded geospatial metadata can be downloaded and installed in Topo Reader.

All installed maps are easily accessible by zooming out in a colorful violet display. The app allows users to manage their installed maps in a table format, which can be sorted by name, distance, and scale. Multiple versions of the same map can be stacked on top of one another, with their visibility controlled through simple two-finger swipes.

To aid in route planning, Topo Reader offers several helpful features. Users can download maps and utilize the dual mode ruler to measure path distances accurately. The app also allows users to create routes by drawing and recording their planned paths.

For unlimited map downloading, users have the option to purchase a subscription. Subscribing not only removes ads but also ensures that the subscription does not auto-renew. Additionally, users are provided with a few complementary map downloads to get started.

Key Features:

• Does not require cellular service for use
• Ability to use GPS on downloaded topo maps while offline*
• Dual-mode ruler for orthographic line and path measuring
• Waypoints with Augmented Reality finder
• Routes path creation
• Tracks/breadcrumb GPS location recording*
• Full app usability during background map downloads
• Displays footprint grid and quad names
• Aligns map datums to WGS84 (GPS) coordinates
• Dynamic map stitching
• Cropping of map margins for one big map grid
• Automatic USGS topographic map download for current location
• Uses GPS location service to identify user's location on a topo map*
• Miles, Feet, Kilometers, Meters, Nautical Miles units supported
• MGRS, UTM, and geodetic latitude and longitude coordinates
• Ability to import geospatial PDF maps downloaded from the USGS and other sources in zip or regular file formats
• Coordinates can be entered in decimal, minutes, and second formats
• Map rotation and orientation based on user's heading
• Imports GPX file format waypoints
• Email, AirDrop, and SMS text functions for sharing waypoints, tracks, and routes as GPX files (subscription purchase required for permanent enabling)

Not currently supported: Geo TIFF; OCG layer selection used in current USTopo USGS maps.

Not all geospatial metadata formats and datums are supported for imported PDF maps.

Limited KML features are supported.

*Maps need to be downloaded separately. It is recommended to use WiFi for faster downloads. The maximum number of maps that can be queued for download is approximately 36.

**Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Location feature may not function on iPod and WiFi-only iPad devices without GPS hardware.

‡After a subscription period expires, advertisements may resume when using the import features.