Maps

abo4ster

abo4ster

Joined
Aug 24, 2003
Messages
1,461
I spend most of my time in the Chattahoochee National Forest. I primarily use a US Forest Service map, but also use the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteers -- I have most of the states in the southeast and some in the western US for when I travel. In lieu of carrying a large map or the Gazetteer I will print topo maps from http://www.topozone.com/ and/or use Google Earth for satellite images as needed.

What do you use for a map when you go somewhere you don't know?

Anybody use something different to print maps online (for free)?
 
QB,

Unless you are using waterproof paper and ink in your printer, be very careful about relying on those maps. I have been chatting with a guy on another forum who ended up lost and nearly "in a survival situation" because of a single drop of sweat obscuring a critical part of the map he had printed. Just think if it had been raining. :eek:

Laminating is an option, but it is bulky and expensive.

I have several software topo programs, and have printed out custom maps as needed. Sometimes it is nice to be able to zoom into an area of interest to give these 40+ year old eyes a break!

-- FLIX
 
http://store.usgs.gov/ click on the Map Locator and Downloader, and then again on the next page.

They have every 7.5 minute quad ever as a free pdf download using a good google map downloading system. If you get the adobe reader plug-in you can query distance, area, lat/long, and some other useful stuff. Good for pre planning. I haven't researched what it would cost to print them off at full resolution (at kinkos or something), but it might be cheaper just to buy the 6 or 8 dollar map for real. Still, it's a good way to research before you go/buy.

Cru
 
Use clear contact paper, the stuff you use to line the inside of your cabinets, but clear, and use that to laminate your maps. Its cheap. You can use a wax pencil to write on it, and erase with a bandanna if you need to.
 
I've bought a couple of maps from mytopo.com . Very happy with both.
I have heard good things about National Geographic as well , I don't know if they print maps or if you have to print your own.

Phil

PS. If you print your own, try an 8 1/2 X 11" and put into a cheap clear note book page ;)
 
I have a large collection of the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps. They are made to cover a larger area than a 7.5 quad. There are about 40+ maps for Colorado. These maps are going to cover more popular areas for backpacking, hiking and such. They are made of a waterproof tyvek type material which is nice. They are double sided and cover about 8 USGS 7.5 topos. One good thing is that they revise them regularly. For example my map for Winter Park/Rollins Pass was revised in 2006. A lot of the old USGS quads (especially less popular areas) can be almost 20 years old! Just something to keep in mind if your buying USGS topos.

These maps run about $10. Scale is 1
;40,680 and has full UTM grid.
 
I have the NG topo map program its a 10 disc for CA. I use the map when i go backpacking. I do use the GPS so when i stop i get the cordinates of the GPS and mark it on the map. This way i always have a back up and know where im. I also use the NG topo when i go Geocaching in the mountains. If you want you can print the maps with waterproof ink and you can use the waterproof paper. I have looked at many maps before i got the NG and im very happy with it.

Sasha
 
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