Author Topic: Topo Maps (Read 1556 times)

ButlerFord45 · « **on:** November 10, 2005, 02:37:50 AM »

Who has a Topographic map of their home stomping area? Does anyone get one for when they are going to a place that is new to them? Does everyone know how to read and use a topo and compass? If you do, where did you learn/who taught you? What do you think the best resourses are for someone wanting to learn? What scale do you think is best for someone on foot? Where do you get yours?

fe352v8 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2005, 05:41:47 AM »

The Army taught me. Our local Jr. college has an orientation class and there is even a few orienteering clubs in the area.

life is no joke but funny things happen

jon

savageT · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2005, 07:44:52 AM »

Buttler,
There are books on map reading/survival techniques at the library or bookstores. Here in New York State, you can purchase Topo maps bound in an atlas just about any roadside stop or bookstore. I've found that even the on-line free or low-cost topo maps are pretty good if you are hunting in a particular region. I carry a copy in my survival kit in a zip-lock baggie.

Jim

BamBams · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2005, 08:50:23 AM »

I use topo maps frequently. The atlas types are good for an overview, but not so good for actual orienteering. I've had the BEST times hiking off the beaten path with map and compass.

I learned how to use a map and compass by reading the book, which includes excercises, called "Map & Compass." It's a small paperback book that has been in print for many years now. It comes with all kinds of practice ideas also.

Here's a link to the book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0020292651/002-8520989-5662444?v=glance&n=283155&v=glance

For topo maps, you want to get the 7.5 minute size. Anything bigger is too big for detailed hiking. I use a Silva "Ranger" model compass - about $40 I think? When you get a compass, it is a really good idea to get one that is adjustable for declination. This way, you can set your local declination and forget about it.

Hope I helped.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2005, 11:19:09 AM »

I learned in the Army also, having flown for fifteen years, I'm accustom to 1:50,000 but would agree with BamBam about the 7.5 minute maps. A source for Quality Custom maps is http://www.offroute.com/mod2/index.asp
My personal preference is the waterproof paper.
I believe the Silva Ranger Compass can be had at Wal Mart for less than $20, good basic compass.
I don't know of any good books on map reading, compass use or orientiering, I've never needed one so have never looked.

willysjeep134 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2006, 09:41:13 AM »

I was (and am) in the scouts since I was very young. I also took a four credit "maps" course in college as a part of my degree program. I have had lots of practice orineteering. I like these DeLorme Atlas and Gazateer books. They are really nice even for traveling on roads because they show all of the little paths, railroad grades, township lanes, everything. The scale is pretty large for precise orienteering, but they can help you triangulate yourself with landmarks and move from major feature to major feature if need be. I also go to my state's Department of Natural Resources website and download map data form them.

http://terraserver.microsoft.com is also a good place to get free topo data and aireal photos. I showed a bunch of guys at work how to use that site. Now everybody has a full poster sized map pieced together of their deer camp and hunting area. I also use that to print off cheapie small scale topo maps for scout outings. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminestration has a historic charts and maps collection on line. They are all out dated, and hard to put on paper without special programs (they come in MrSID format which is kind of weird) but they can be neat to look at. http://www.noaa.gov It's down by the bottom of the page

Sourdough · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2006, 12:39:02 PM »

I not only have topomaps of the areas I go to, but I usually go get arial photos. They show a lot more detail. USGS has not updated the maps for Alaska since the 40s. The photos show trails, waterways, small ponds and lakes, and recent burn areas that the topo maps don't show. The ,ilitary put trails in all over the state back in the 50s. The topo maps don't show those trails. But I need the topo maps to make sure I'm not in a National Park, or National Preserve. That is the only thing the USGS has kept up on their maps.