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TopoFusion Basic: A Beginner’s Guide to GPS Mapping

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TopoFusion Basic Tutorial: Create and Export Your First RouteTopoFusion Basic is a user-friendly mapping application designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to plan, analyze, and export GPS routes. This tutorial will walk you through creating your first route from scratch, editing it, viewing elevation and map layers, and exporting the route for use on a GPS device or mobile app. Follow these step-by-step instructions and tips to get comfortable with TopoFusion Basic quickly.

What you’ll need

  • TopoFusion Basic installed on your computer
  • A GPS file to import (optional) — GPX, TCX, or other supported formats
  • Internet access if you want to download online maps or use map layers that require it

Interface overview

When you open TopoFusion Basic, you’ll see several main areas:

  • Map view (center) — where maps and tracks are displayed
  • Left panel — contains track and waypoint lists and file import/export controls
  • Right panel — shows track statistics, elevation profile, and map layer options
  • Toolbar (top) — quick tools for drawing, editing, importing, exporting, zooming, and searching

Spend a minute exploring these panels so you’re comfortable finding the tools we’ll use.

Step 1 — Create a new route

  1. Click File > New Map or use the New button in the toolbar.
  2. Choose the base map you want to work with (TopoFusion supports multiple map layers; pick one appropriate for your area such as USGS topographic or OpenStreetMap if available).
  3. Zoom to the area where you want to plan your route using the mouse wheel or zoom controls.

Step 2 — Start drawing your route

  1. Select the “Draw Route” tool (often a pencil or route icon) from the toolbar.
  2. Click on the map to set the first point of your route. Each subsequent click adds a segment.
  3. To create a curved or more precise path, add more points and use the zoom tool to place points accurately around trail features.
  4. Right-click (or double-click depending on version) to finish the route.

Tips:

  • Hold the Shift key while clicking to snap to roads or trails when that feature is available.
  • Use high zoom levels for precise placement near trail intersections.

Step 3 — Edit the route

  1. With your route selected in the track list (left panel), click the Edit tool.
  2. Drag existing points to adjust the path. To add a point, click on a segment and choose “Insert Point.”
  3. Delete unwanted points by selecting them and pressing Delete or using the right-click menu.
  4. Name your route by editing the track properties (double-click the track name or open Properties).

Editing tips:

  • Use the elevation profile (right panel) to spot and smooth abrupt elevation jumps caused by inaccurate points.
  • If your route crosses private land or impassable terrain, adjust points to follow legal or safe corridors.

Step 4 — Analyze elevation and statistics

  1. Select your route; the elevation profile will appear in the right panel.
  2. Hover over the profile to see elevation and distance at specific points.
  3. Use the Statistics tab to view total distance, ascent/descent, estimated moving time, and other metrics.

Quick checks:

  • Total distance and total ascent are the most useful for planning effort level.
  • If ascent looks wrong, check for outlier points in the profile and edit them.

Step 5 — Add waypoints and annotations

  1. Use the “Add Waypoint” tool to mark important locations: trailheads, water sources, campsites, or hazards.
  2. Give each waypoint a name and description in the waypoint properties.
  3. Change waypoint icons to make them visually distinct on the map.

Waypoints are useful for navigation and for exporting separately if your GPS device supports them.

Step 6 — Save your project

  1. Save your TopoFusion project file via File > Save or Save As to keep an editable copy (.tfz or project format).
  2. This preserves layers, waypoints, and route edits for future work.

Step 7 — Export your route

TopoFusion Basic lets you export in common GPS formats so you can load your route onto devices or apps.

  1. Select the route in the left panel.
  2. Click File > Export and choose your format:
    • GPX (widely supported by GPS units and apps)
    • TCX (training-focused; retains some activity data)
    • KML (for Google Earth and some mapping apps)
  3. Configure export options:
    • Choose whether to export as a “track” or “route” (tracks record every point; routes are waypoints-based navigation).
    • Include waypoints if you want those on your device.
  4. Choose the filename and location, then click Export.

Notes:

  • For most handheld GPS units, export as GPX track is a safe choice.
  • If your device prefers routes (e.g., for turn-by-turn), export as GPX route or consult the device manual.

Step 8 — Transfer to your GPS device or phone

  1. For GPS units: connect the device to your computer via USB. Most devices will appear as a removable drive. Copy the exported GPX file into the device’s GPX/import folder. Safely eject the device and turn it on to load the route.
  2. For phones/apps: import the GPX file into your mapping app (many apps allow import via file open or cloud sync). Alternatively, upload the GPX to a cloud service (Dropbox, Google Drive) and open it from your phone app.

Troubleshooting common issues

  • Route looks jagged or has spikes in elevation: open elevation profile and remove outlier points; smooth the track if the app supports it.
  • Device doesn’t show route: ensure file format is supported; try GPX track if route isn’t recognized; place file in the device’s correct folder.
  • Map tiles not loading: ensure internet connection or download offline maps in TopoFusion first.

Tips for better routes

  • Use multiple map layers (satellite + topo) to verify trail lines and avoid private property.
  • Break long routes into segments/legs — easier to edit and navigate.
  • Keep waypoints for any decision points (junctions, river crossings).
  • Regularly save your project while editing to avoid losing changes.

Example workflow summary

  1. New Map → choose base map → zoom to area.
  2. Draw Route → place points along trail → finish.
  3. Edit points → smooth/remove outliers.
  4. Add waypoints for key locations.
  5. Analyze elevation and stats.
  6. Save project.
  7. Export as GPX track → copy to device or import into app.

If you want, I can:

  • Convert these steps into a printable quick-reference checklist,
  • Provide a short video-script you can follow while using TopoFusion, or
  • Walk through a route creation for a specific area if you tell me the location and goal.

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