Apr 28 2008
National Geographic’s TOPO Explorer - Where’s the API!?
National Geographic just rolled out a beta of their new TOPO! Explorer website. It’s got a really nice Ajaxy-Google Maps interface but with real, genuine topo data, something that’s impossible to get on the web. I took a look at the source and they’re using all of the technology-goodness of Google maps but sadly there isn’t any kind of API so we can start creating topo-mashups of our very own.
The site has some great features. You can upload GPX data, geotag your photos and videos, then share all that data as a trip. You can also buy Topo maps (a key feature for National Geographic). Having all of this Web 2.0 goodness with the Topo data is awesome but it does leave me hungering for more. I’m totally fine buying software to sync with my GPS. And I think freeing the data and letting people do awesome things with it would only drive more sales. But what do I know.
Hi this is Mike at National Geographic. Thanks for the plug about our new site!
A couple quick notes:
1. The TOPO! Explorer desktop application which allows authoring your own custom maps, printing, and connection to GPS will actually be FREE. It’s in closed beta testing right now but will be available to the public on June 3rd via download.
2. National Geographic Maps has a simple business model - we sell maps! Our topographic content, aerial content, and our new custom hybrid of the two are unique high quality maps that you can’t find anywhere else. We think a $1.00 a piece for download, or free for online streaming is a pretty good deal. We’ll continue to support our existing State and regional map sets too - for those that want even a better value in maps. We’ll also offer a retail kit that contains 25 map credits for $24.95 for those that prefer to support their local brick and mortar retailer. During June (our launch month) 1 out of 10 retail kits activated will contain double the map credits.
We encourage people to sign up today and get a free online account and get ready for the desktop application in just a few short weeks!
Thanks again for the coverage!