Eric from National Geographic here. Glad you’re still using TOPO! In addition to our state and regional packages, we’re about to launch a new web-based version called TOPO! Explorer that lets you choose specific quads.

The topos will be packaged with aerials to form what we’re calling SuperQuads. Also, there will be a National Recreation Database that includes thousands of miles of trails, forest service roads, public lands boundaries and much more, as well as content that will be contributed by users. This data will be available to add to the USGS maps, free for TOPO! Explorer users as well as users of state series and Weekend Explorer.

There is also a free web site for browsing the maps and aerials and forums. It’s in beta now at http://beta.topo.com. The whole deal launches May 30th and there will be TOPO! Explorer products in retail stores that access the online maps and software.

Thanks for the cool links! I’ll have to check those things out.

As for being a mapaholic, I’m right there with you, brother…

I’ve used it for a number of years for topo maps.(My family likes to go Geocaching) Lately, he’s added APRS to it and I’ve filled a couple gigs of hard-drive space just following people around.

Another nice free program is NASA’s World Wind (worldwind.arc.nasa.gov). I’m not sure which came first Worldwind or Google Earth, but I’m glad both are available. Worldwind is more educational than Google’s entertainment value.

For hams, I’ve really enjoyed seeing how far my VHF signal is getting out by using Radio Mobile (www.ve2dbe.com/english1.html)

Finally, what qualifies for becoming a mapaholic? If it also includes star charts and lunar maps, I’m in deep trouble…