Introducing Topo

Field-ready answers via satellite, in plain language.

Hi, I'm Tan. I built Topo because I kept running into situations where I needed a quick answer but didn't have cell service. Now I just email a question from my satellite device and get something useful back.

Email or text a question from your satellite device. Get a short, practical answer you can act on immediately.

How to use

You can reach Topo in two ways: text Topo’s number or email b@asktopo.com. Use the table below to see which to use for your device.

Device Method
Garmin inReach Text or email
Zoleo Text or email
iPhone 14+ Text only (cell and satellite)
Any phone Text only (cell)
  1. On iPhone 14+: you need a SIM that supports texting (not data‑only), and you should add Topo's number as a contact before texting so messages are delivered reliably.
  2. Location: Texting on a phone does not include current location, so include coordinates or a nearby landmark. inReach and Zoleo can attach your current location so Topo can answer with local context.
  3. Redundancy: If your device supports both text and email, set up both so you have a backup if the text gateway is ever down.

Standard satellite or SMS messaging fees apply.

Questions? help@asktopo.com

— Tan

Stay in the loop

Occasional notes on what's new. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

What Topo does

Ask things like:

  • Where to camp east of Hood tonight
  • Is that road open yet
  • Does the wind shift after noon
  • Bus time out of Skógar
  • Where to get water on your route

Topo checks official sources—weather, closures, maps—then sends back just the answer. No links. No fluff. Sized for satellite.

Where the data comes from

Location & Maps

  • Google Places & Maps

Weather

  • OpenWeatherMap

Conditions

  • CAL FIRE — wildfires
  • USGS — river flow
  • NOHRSC — snowpack

General

  • Web search via AI

Real questions, real answers

Actual exchanges from field use.

  • Q. Where are best camp spots east of Mt Hood in Oregon?

    Topo. Still Creek (4.3*) 31000 E Perry Vickers Rd, Gov't Camp, 9km S; Lost Lake Resort (4.5*) 9000 Lost Lake Rd, Hood River, 17km NW of Mt. Hood.

  • Q. What facilities are there at Lost Lake Resort in Oregon?

    Topo. Lost Lake Resort, OR: cabins, yurts, camping, store, boat rentals, showers, hiking, fishing, swimming. Open May–Oct. No cell/Wi‑Fi.

  • Q. Give me the bus schedule leaving Skógar going to Reykjavik on August 12 2025

    Topo. Aug 12, 2025: Bus Skógar → Reykjavik departs 10:15 (Highland Bus) or 16:25 (Strætó, transfer at Selfoss), trip 3–9 hrs.

  • Q. Are there any wildfires near the John Muir Trail?

    Topo. CAL FIRE Pack Fire 64mi NE, 4,200 acres, 85% contained. Web update: Light smoke visible at higher elevations, air quality good per Mammoth sensors (AQI 15).

  • Q. How much snow is at Timberline Lodge?

    Topo. Timberline Lodge, OR snow: depth 11 cm (4.3 in), SWE 31 mm. NOHRSC modeled estimate as of 2025-12-01 18:04 UTC.

  • Q. What's the flow on the Arkansas River near Nathrop?

    Topo. USGS Salt Fork Arkansas River Nr Alva, OK (07148400) Flow 109 cfs, stage 3.15 ft at 2025-12-01 19:30 UTC. Gauge 1304 mi E of you. Source: USGS.