GPS units are fading in popularity thanks to the improvement with smartphone mapping systems, however they still are not built to guide a user around forests and trails. The new Trimble TopoCharger is designed to change your iPhone into a fully fledged outdoor GPS system.

The TopoCharger from Trimble Outdoors ships with a full set of topographical maps for 49 US states with 15 zoom levels, from 1:250 to 1:24. A specialised application is also supplied to work with the maps.

The map set is stored in a removable chip at the bottom of the TopoCharger case and the idea is that the user will buy the device for their home state, or whatever location you want to explore. You then purchase other state oriented map cards as needed and switch them over.

The ‘charger' part of the name, may sound misleading, but the company have also built a 1,440mAh battery into the case to help double the iPhone life.

The 85g case is designed to fit the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 models, so those with an older model are out of luck. It will launch in America priced at $149. Versions for larger states such as Texas and California need to pay a little extra, $169.

If you own an Android phone then you can't use the case, but the maps are available via SD and microSD cards. Only Alaska isn't supported on Android. An application is supplied for Android OS as well.

You can read more about this, over here.

Kitguru says: No sign of UK support yet.

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