National Geographic to team up with ESRI

National Geographic Maps "is collaborating with ESRI…on several mapping initiatives," according to the Denver Business Journal. The story also indicates that the makers of National Geographic TOPO! are going to maintain their focus on backcountry maps, and back off the production of maps for the general public.

This gives us a tantalizing hint of things to come. I understand that National Geographic Maps is investigating providing online mapping services, which could include access to aerial photos. ESRI, a leading producer of GIS data and software, would be a possible supplier. I’ve also heard that .gpx file support is coming this year. National Geographic TOPO! remains my favorite CD-based mapping software, and I can’t wait to see where they are taking it.

Related posts:

• Can I put National Geographic TOPO! maps on my GPS?

Via GeoCarta