TOPIC

Upgrades to Terrain Navigator Pro are now available.

DISCUSSION

What is Windows 7 and Why is it Different?
Windows 7 (and its cousin, Windows Vista) are two of Microsoft's newer Operating Systems. The Operating System is essentially a very large and complicated computer program which controls other computer applications. Each software application on your PC (regardless of who created it) must work properly with the Operating System in order to run flawlessly.

Unlike previous versions of the Microsoft Windows Operating System, Windows 7 places a series of restrictions on application folders. Simply put, each application now must adhere to these new rules to be called "Compatible."

Moreover, most versions of Windows 7 are "64-Bit" (and are often referred to as 'x64'.) Without getting into all the technical details, this basically means that the operating system is optimized for the latest generation of computers, allowing access to larger amounts of memory and providing speedier computer processing.

Older applications that use 16-Bit setup routines can not be installed onto a 64-bit version of Windows. In most instances, attempting to install older versions of Terrain Navigator on Windows 7 will give the following error:
The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

Discontinued Maptech products released prior to 2009 are not compatible with Windows 7 and will usually not install. You will find the version number of Terrain Navigator printed on the disc labeled "Installer"; all versions prior to 8.51 (such as version 7.03, 6.04, etc.) were released prior to 2009 and are not compatible with Windows 7. Fortunately, MyTopo provides an inexpensive upgrade to Terrain Navigator Pro, which is fully Windows 7 compatible.


Upgrading to Terrain Navigator Pro
MyTopo is pleased to offer inexpensive upgrades to Terrain Navigator Pro from older, discontinued Maptech products. Moreover, those with more than one state are entitled to additional discounts. Because we must verify ownership to qualify for the upgrade pricing, these upgrades are only available by calling MyTopo directly at 877-587-9004.

Typically, upgrades are available for $99 for the first state, and $59 for each additional state. Some states, such as New England (NH, VT, ME, MA, RI, CT) and Mid Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, DC) are sold together as regional sets. However, this offer is subject to change and limitations, please call for the details.

In addition to being Windows 7 compatible, Terrain Navigator Pro includes a myriad of new features and benefits. For details, please see: http://maptech.mytopo.com/land/terrainnavigatorpro/index.cfm?infopg=df

Also, upgrades to Terrain Navigator Pro include all new map DVDs, which feature updated topographic maps and an additional map scale, 1:250,000 (in addition to the 1:24,000 and 1:100,000 scales.) If your collection of map CDs is tired, cumbersome, damaged, or outdated, an upgrade to Terrain Navigator Pro represents a great value.

To order an upgrade, please call MyTopo at 877-587-9004.


Common Questions:
Q: Can I transfer my markers, routes, tracks, etc. from Terrain Navigator to Terrain Navigator Pro? If so, how do I accomplish that?
A: We have a Backup and Restore Utility which will easily transfer your project layers (markers, routes, tracks, and labels) to a new computer. This utility can also take the project layers from an older version of Terrain Navigator Std. Edition and install them into the current version of Terrain Navigator Pro.

To download this free utility, and for detailed instructions, please see:
http://maptech.mytopo.com/support/emailed.doc.cfm?docat=178.30

Alternatively, you may use the Import/Export facilities in the File menu to save the data files and bring them into a new installation. However, please be certain that when exporting tracks, each individual track MUST consist of a unique name. Otherwise like-named tracks will be combined together (into a single track) once imported into Terrain Navigator Pro.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO COPY THE RAW DATA FILES. DOING SO MAY CORRUPT THEIR CONTENTS AND RECOVERY MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE. Instead, please use the Backup and Restore Utility, or the Export/Import functions found in the File menu.


Q: I no longer have access to the original installation. Instead, I have copies of the raw .TRK, .MRK, and .RTE files. Is there any way you can recover the lost data?
A: Please zip whatever raw data files you have and email them to support@mytopo.com. We will do our best to recover the lost data. There is no fee for this service to customers who have upgraded to Terrain Navigator Pro and maintain an active subscription for aerial photo access, application upgrades, and software maintenance.


Q: I have version 8.51 of Terrain Navigator Std. Edition and it will not install on Windows 7. What do I do?
A: Terrain Navigator version 8.51 may not install properly in Windows 7. However, since this product was released relatively recently, a patch (to version 8.71) is available for download that is fully Windows 7 compatible. For details and download instructions, please see: http://maptech.mytopo.com/support/emailed.doc.cfm?docat=648.0

Of course, those with version 8.51 (or later) of Terrain Navigator Standard Edition are also welcome to take advantage of our offer to upgrade to Terrain Navigator Pro. Please call 877-587-9004 to purchase this upgrade.


Q: Why isn't there a simple patch available to install older, discontinued discs on new operating systems?
A: Terrain Navigator is a complex product and has had many different versions (and names) over the last 16+ years. To make a patch that is compatible with all the possible map discs is simply too large of an undertaking. Instead, we are making our flagship product, Terrain Navigator Pro, available to all of our legacy customers, so that they can enjoy the latest software, features, and maps, in a way that is optimized for their new computer.


Q: I've upgraded to Terrain Navigator Pro, but I am now getting odd problems and hang ups in Windows 7. What's wrong?
A: Most likely, the video display driver that you are using was not optimized for Windows 7. Fortunately, video card manufactures are constantly revising their drivers, adding new features and correcting these issues as they are identified. Most vendors provide updated drivers free of charge on their web site.

Therefore, simply visit the web site of your computer manufacturer (or video display adaptor, if you know it) to download and install the latest video display drivers for your PC and your version of Windows. Note that these updates are not typically included with new PCs, nor are they included as part of the "Automatic Windows Updates" that Microsoft may download to your PC from time to time.

For detailed instructions on how to update your video display drivers, please see:
http://maptech.mytopo.com/support/emailed.doc.cfm?docat=669.31


Q: I have Windows XP 64. Can Terrain Navigator Pro be used on this older Operating System?
A: Terrain Navigator Pro was not designed to be installed under Windows XP 64-bit. As such, errors will occur during the installation process. While we have no immediate plans to address this incompatibility in the installer for Terrain Navigator Pro, please contact our support team at 877-587-9004 for a work-around.


Q: Is Terrain Navigator Pro a 32-bit or 64-bit application?
A: At this time, Terrain Navigator Pro remains a 32-bit application that can be run in a 64-bit Operating System environment. A native 64-bit edition of Terrain Navigator remains one of our development goals.