Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions about TPE:

How often will TPE be updated?

TPE for iOS will likely see an update every month or two, or sooner to address any bugs that are found.

TPE for Desktop development will continue and you can expect updates every few months or so.

Why are TPE for iOS and Android paid apps, but TPE for Desktop free?

TPE for Desktop is required to be free in order to use the standard Google Maps services. The minimum cost to use the commercial version of Google Maps is too high for it to make much sense to try to charge for TPE for Desktop.

We believe TPE has real value for serious photographers and requires serious effort to develop and support. As the mobile platforms provide a straightforward way to charge for apps that do not require significant up-front investment, TPE for iOS and TPE for Android are paid apps.

Will there be an iPad version?

Yes - it's available now. TPE for iOS 2.0 is a Universal app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

What version of iOS is required?

Up to version 2.0.6, TPE will run on iOS 3.1 and higher. Going forward, TPE will require iOS 4.2 or higher. We're making this change to allow us to update the app with additional functionality. Support for 3.1 is becoming increasingly limiting in terms of what we can do with the app, and we believe support for one major release behind the current version (iOS 5.0) is a reasonable compromise. Any device capable of supporting iOS4.0 can also run 4.2, including the iPhone 3G.

Will there be a version for Android-based devices?

Yes - it's available now! TPE for Android requires Android 2.2 or higher. It is optimised for phones rather than tablets, but will run on most tablets without any problem. The app is not currently available for Kindle Fire, although we are evaluating support for that device.

Will there be a version for Windows Mobile devices?

Unlikely at present. If Windows Phone 7 really takes off, we'll re-evaluate.

Will there be a version for Blackberry?

Unlikely at present. If you'd like one, let us know...

Why are Terrain maps unavailable on TPE for iOS and TPE for Android?

TPE for iOS uses the Apple/Google supplied MapKit and TPE for Android uses the Google supplied MapView. Terrain maps are not included at present (and although Terrain maps are included in the Maps app on iPad, they are not available for other apps to use). There appears to be no technical reason why Terrain maps could not be made available to developers. (We suspect it's a question of licensing rights.) We'd love to be able to include them. We have filed a request with Apple to make these available. As soon as they are, they'll be included in TPE for iOS. In the meantime, we're investigating map technologies from other providers that might provide an alternative solution.

UPDATE (2 Dec 2011): we've added OpenCycleMaps to TPE for iOS version 2.1. These provide topographic maps between latitudes 60°N and 47°S.

How can I transfer my saved Locations between desktop and iOS device?

At present, you can't. We're working on it, however.

Where did the toolbar icons come from in TPE for iOS?

They're courtesy of Joseph Wain / glyphish.com

Why is TPE's default location Timbuktu?

In Britain, Timbuktu has since Victorian days been used as a metaphor for distant, faraway lands. In keeping with TPE's 1920s explorer-style visual theme, Timbuktu was chosen as the default location to suggest planning for a photographic expedition to an exotic location. A dusty study, maps and papers scattered about, sun pouring through the window. You get the idea.