Working with Topo Maps

ExpertGPS shows your GPS data on USGS topo maps, using a UTM projection. As you move around the map, ExpertGPS will retrieve map data over the Internet and display it on your map. The map server that ExpertGPS uses has topo maps for all 50 states in the US.

Topo Map

Working with Maps

Read about the basic commands for interacting with all of the maps in ExpertGPS.

Showing a Topo Map

To show a Topo Map, click Show Topo Map on the View menu.

Internet Map Retrieval

To allow ExpertGPS to retrieve topo maps over your Internet connection, click Enable Internet Map Retrieval on the Map menu.

Drag the Retrieve Maps Tool Retrieve Maps Tool over a regional map to queue up all of the topo maps in that area for retrieval over your Internet connection.

How Old is this Topo Map?

USGS topo maps are updated when major changes to the landscape occur. The digitized topo maps that ExpertGPS uses are the latest available from USGS.

To determine when a topo map was published, do the following:

  1. Select a waypoint on the map.
  2. On the View menu, click View Online.
  3. The Online Waypoint Viewer will appear.
  4. Click the Microsoft TerraServer link in the Topo Map section. The topo map's name and date of publication are listed above the map.


ExpertGPS is GPS mapping software designed to work seamlessly with your Garmin, Magellan, Eagle, or Lowrance GPS receiver. ExpertGPS makes it easy to view waypoints and GPS tracklogs over USGS topo maps, aerial photos, and color orthophotos. ExpertGPS Pro can send GPS data to and from ArcView GIS and AutoCAD DXF and dozens of other standard file formats.


Return to Getting Started with ExpertGPS Map Software

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$49.95


Download a free trial of ExpertGPS map software (30 day demo, fully-featured)

GPS Map Software
for Windows Vista/XP


New features added
July 30, 2008


GPS Support

ExpertGPS works with:

  • ExpertGPS is Garmin GPS Map Software
  • ExpertGPS is Magellan GPS Map Software
  • ExpertGPS is Lowrance GPS Map Software
  • ExpertGPS is Eagle GPS Map Software

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