This is the Help and Info page at NC Storm Surge.com. Here you can learn exactly how to view the storm surge maps. Simply follow the example instructions below, and you'll be viewing all of NC's storm surge maps in no time! The maps are all in what is called a "PDF" format. PDF stands for Portable Document File and allows high-end graphics, like the surge maps, to be saved and then displayed on any computer (Mac or PC) that is using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Reader is the program devloped by Adobe Systems, Inc. that allows any PDF file to be viewed on ANY computer that has Acrobat Reader installed on it. By the way, Acrobat Reader is available for free from Adobe.com. We'll go over that part in a moment. First, we need to make sure you already have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. To find out whether or not you have Acrobat Reader installed, click the start button down in the left-hand corner. Now, look for the "Programs" tab- probably at the top. Look at the listing of programs that you have on your computer by moving your mouse (cursor) into the "Programs" box. Next, look for "Adobe Acrobat" or just "Abode". The listing of programs is in alphabetical order, so "Adobe" should be very near the top of the list. If you see it listed, great. Quit now and go look at some surge maps! Use your "zoom tools" and "select graphics" tools to zoom WAY IN and really see some detail. You can use the "select graphics" tool to drag a selection box around the exact area you're interested in. You may then copy the area you've selected (use the edit tab on the Acrobat menu) and paste it in just about any program like MS Word, PaintShop Pro or Photoshop. From there, simply print out the enlarged area on your own printer. Be sure to set the DPI to its highest setting (like 720dpi). If you don't see it, then keep reading. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, CLICK HERE to go to Adobe's website and get the software FOR FREE.