Vacation Resorts: Artisans and Travel in Mexico

National Geographic Maps Launches National Trails Database : New Web Site and Software to Map, Connect and Share the Outdoors

EVERGREEN, Colo. (Business Wire EON) June 4, 2008 -- TOPO! Explorer allows outdoor enthusiasts to browse and download the exact maps they need. Using a GPS or the application's built-in map-making tool box, users can create and share their favorite excursions with others on TOPO! Explorer and create their perfect map by combining trips from the Web site with their own content. The TOPO! Explorer application is ideal for hiking, cycling, climbing and outing groups to organize their trips and share their activities with others.

"Building upon our history of creating mapping tools for outdoor enthusiasts, we are delighted to offer TOPO! Explorer as a platform for expanding this robust community by allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals and share their outdoor experiences," said Fran Marshall, president, National Geographic Maps. "TOPO! Explorer will allow users to actively participate in updating map content, by sharing their knowledge and recommendations on trails and other recreation-specific information."

Current users of National Geographic's TOPO! map software will find many of the features in TOPO! Explorer familiar, including GPS connectivity, custom map-making tools and printing. Innovations include an entirely new database of detailed maps and aerial photographs known as SuperQuads?, a powerful Web-based place finder, support for video and higher-resolution photography, and a new interface and map design tools.

SuperQuads are composed of six layers, including genuine USGS 1:24,000- and 1:100,000-scale topographic maps, i-cubed aerial photography with 4-meter resolution, Tele Atlas roads, USGS Digital Elevation models and names, and a new HybridQuad? that combines aerial photography and topographic contour lines. SuperQuads can be freely browsed and are available for purchase via download for $1.00 each.

Two new retail packages, TOPO! Explorer ($24.95) and TOPO! Explorer Deluxe ($49.95), are now in stores or at www.shopNG.com. Both packages contain 25 map download credits for use on the TOPO! Explorer Web site. The Deluxe edition also includes a nationwide set of USGS 1:100,000-scale topographic maps, ideal for planning trips and browsing terrain.

TOPO! Explorer is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, ME or 98, and Macintosh OS 10.3.9 and above and requires Internet Explorer 6 or higher, Firefox or Safari. Maps can also be printed on National Geographic's waterproof, tear-resistant Adventure Paper, designed for use with home ink jet printers and are available in a variety of sizes for a suggested retail price of $19.95. TOPO! Explorer's printing tools allow users to print detailed maps with GPS grids on any paper size or orientation supported by their printer. Content from existing trip files, or the user's own notes, photos, waypoints and trails created from the TOPO! Explorer desktop application can be printed as well.

TOPO! Explorer's desktop application also contains an easy-to-use GPS manager. Users can connect their GPS receiver; browse its contents; and drag/drop waypoints, routes and tracks to and from a compatible GPS device. Users can also mark and manage points of interest on the detailed maps and load those to their receiver. Magellan's Triton GPS handheld units also allow users to import maps from TOPO! Explorer for viewing on-screen.

National Geographic Maps was established as a division of the National Geographic Society in 1915 and has been producing maps for National Geographic magazine and other Society groups for more than 90 years. National Geographic Maps produces TOPO! and Weekend Explorer 3D outdoor recreation mapping software, Trails Illustrated maps and software, globes, wall maps, travel maps and atlases, and professional software. For more information on National Geographic Maps, visit www.natgeomaps.com.

MORE ARTICLES:

Win a Luxury All-Inclusive Mexican Vacation for a Family of Four in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Family Scavenger Hunt Leads to 4-Day/3-Night Mexican Vacation at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Celebrate Grandparents at Grand Velas Resort in Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Encounters, Spanish Lessons, Mexican Folkloric Night and More As part of the Grandparents Package Available Until October 1st

In-Suite Spa Treatments Exude Romance in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
New In-Suite Spa Treament and Diamond Bath for Couples at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya Offers Luxury, Family Fun, and Culinary Excellence
A recently completed expansion provides all-inclusive getaway at the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.

Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals
After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of ?The Night of the Iguana,? the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine

Uncovered: A New Resource for Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
fundVallarta announces a full online resource for discovering real estate investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With conditions similar to the property boom in California, Puerto Vallarta is poised to become an international performer with a solid return on investment. Visitors are able to access a significant knowledge-based investment resource center at the fundVallarta.com website.

La Punta Realty, Puerto Vallarta, Pacific Mexico Named Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates
La Punta Realty, Pacific Mexico, joins Largest International Network of Real Estate Brokers Specializing in the Marketing and Sales of High-Value Properties. As exclusive affiliate of Christie's Great Estates in Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Costa Careyes, Costa Alegre and Costa Nayarit, La Punta Realty [http://www.lapuntarealty.com offers our clients the extraordinary reach and strength of the world's largest and most prestigious network specializing in the sale of luxury real estate.

La Casa Que Canta In Zihuatanejo Mexico Pacific Coast
It is difficult to do justice to the La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo , but for a start, you only have to think of no kids. no noises. No distractions...just pure beauty, and total relaxation. A perfect choice for a Mexico romantic honeymoon hotel.

A Mexico Vacation Special To The Maroma Resort In The Mayan Riviera
Some very good reasons for booking a Mexico vacation special and choosing the best of luxury hotels the Maroma Resort in the Mayan Riviera

The Beaches Of Puerto Vallarta
The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts. Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Iconic Mexican Performers Take Flight In Puerto Vallarta
Every weekend in Puerto Vallarta, a group of famous Mexican performers take flight From a central location on the Malec?n ? Puerto Vallarta?s beloved boardwalk ? the Papantla Flyers dazzle visitors with six performances each Saturday and Sunday

More Vacations at Puerto Vallarta MX
Puerto Vallarta MX is definitely one of the places where people can stay and enjoy more vacations Puerto Vallarta MX is in the state of Jalisco and is one of Mexicoýs premier resort cities

Spring Break Soccer Training and Spanish Language Camp in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Spring break soccer training and Spanish language camp will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

A Mexico Travel Special To The Mexico Caribbean Coast
A Great Mexico Travel Special should include time spent on the Mexico Caribbean Coast, where you will find so much to do and so many things to enjoy. You can easily organise a Mexico Vacation Package that will allow you to travel around Mexico seeing some of the Country?s amazing sights and then allow you to finish with a relaxing time on the Mexico Caribbean Coast.