Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a subscription fee?No, buying TopoFusion is a one-time charge for the software. All map downloads are free.
Q: What maps are available in TopoFusion?
A: TopoFusion uses four public map servers. The available imagery, coverage and resolution can be viewed on the features page.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the maps? Can I publish maps from TopoFusion?
A: All map images from TopoFusion are freely available for you to download, use and re-distribute. There are no restrictions.
Q: What is the difference between the Pro and Basic versions?
See Which version is right for me?
Q: Using Goto Coordinate, I entered a coordinate but no maps are downloading. I'm either getting white tiles, or "Downloading" tiles.
A: Check your longitude. Longitudes in the United States are negative and need to be entered as such. 110.0 W = -110.0 Alternatively, you can add a "W" to the end to signify that you are entering a western longitude.
Q: The map tiles say "Downloading Disabled". How do I enable it?
A: On the toolbar is a toggle called "Toggle Internet Downloading." It looks like this:
Q: Can I use TopoFusion to upload topo maps to my GPS?
A: No. TopoFusion displays raster maps, while GPS units can (usually) only display vector maps. This is a key difference. Garmin units, for example, can only receive maps from Garmin's Mapsource product. It is possible to upload sets of GPS tracks and waypoints to the GPS using TopoFusion, of course.
Q: How do I upload a track to my Garmin GPS?
There are a few options:
- Upload to the "active log" (in topofusion). 10,000 point limit (for most units) . The downside is that the active log is where new GPS points are recorded, so you may not want to fill it up.
- Simplify to 500 points and then upload to "saved tracks". Each saved track can 500 points. If the track you are uploading has more than 500 points you will get a "track truncated" error on the GPS.
- In the simplify dialog choose the "split" option (Pro only). The track will be split into 500 point chunks. Then upload the split file to "saved tracks." 10,000 point limit (500 x 20 tracks).
A: The profile tool and other elevation features only work when elevation data is attached to track points. If you drew a track using the Draw Track tool or your GPS doesn't save elevation data, the profile will be flat. You can add elevations to a track using the Climbing Analysis dialog.
Q: How do you pronounce TopoFusion?
A: We've heard two variants. One is "Toe-po Fusion" and the other is "Tah-po Fusion." We use the latter, and ask those who say Toe-po how they pronounce words like topographic and topography. If it were a majority vote, though, the Toe's would win. Most people we meet pronounce it Toe-po Fusion.