National Geographic TOPO! Weekend Explorer 3D (Twin Cities Area, Boundary Waters, Apostle Islands)

Weekend Explorer makes it a snap to generate and print high-quality maps, even if the area you choose is larger than the screen or covers multiple quad maps. And the true color imaging uses millions of colors to optimize your selected maps for viewing. When it's time to print, this software gives you loads of customization options to help you plan your trip: choose color or black and white ink and regular or waterproof Adventure paper, include elevation profiles, select latitude/longitude or UTM grids, or choose from a variety of other navigation aids. You can even personalize your maps with routes, symbols, notes, web links, and photos, or share trail files with other weekend travel enthusiasts.

Weekend Explorer 3D provides accurate, dependable information that will enhance your trip or excursion, including a true sense of the terrain before you head out. First, the elevation profiling option lets you visualize elevation gain. Simply trace a route anywhere on a map in the Weekend Explorer, and the software will generate an elevation profile showing distance and all the ups and downs. This package also incorporates the updated 3D views and animated fly-through technology so you can virtually travel along a trail you have drawn as it winds and climbs to your destination. Intuitive navigation tools make it easy to see hidden valleys, or stand on top of a mountain and get a bird's eye view of what your surroundings will look like. In fact, you can choose any spot on the map or trail, then zoom and pan to see the view. For even better image quality, resizable split screens make it easy to expand any screen so you can take in every detail. And thanks to PC and Mac compatible live map updates, which automatically search your defined areas to see if something new is available, you'll never have to worry about out-of-date maps and information ruining your trip.

Because it comes equipped with several special features, Weekend Explorer 3D can help you plan every detail of your trip. The "Maps by Mail" feature lets you order large, high-resolution prints of your maps, and get them delivered to your door, while the search function helps you locate trails, camps, and campgrounds, lakes and ponds, parks, cities and towns, and USGS 7.5-foot quad names. You can also export customized maps in a number of different file formats (like .gif and .jpg) for use in other applications. Or add map border information to printouts, including UTM or latitude/longitude grids, scale bars, north arrows, and magnetic declination. Whichever options you choose, Weekend Explorer helps ensure that your trip to the Twin Cities area, Boundary Waters and the Apostle Islands will be truly memorable.