Maps

[Jerry]

Maps...



Wow! What a topic. We all need maps, don't we? From my experience we use a multitude of different types and brands of maps for the same route.

IronViking started a thread about maps under the "What Would You Like to See Here" forum-heading followed by posts from Steve and Albino94ltd and I thought I would take it a step further. Thanks for the idea, guys!

Since there is no such thing as a perfect map, maybe we could use the forum to discuss why we use particular maps in various situations. Maybe put in a plug for your favorite map, and why it's your favorite map. How about letting everyone know when a new map comes on the market or is available online. Possibly discuss how to create a route map that shows the route of our tours as IronViking suggested. Or maybe some discussion on orienteering and compass use. How about reading a map with the help of a GPS unit?

Maps are certainly an important part of "Adventure Equipment", the title of this heading, but is there enough interest to create a separate forum-heading just for MAPS?
Jerry

PS Sorry about the arrow pointing to Yakima County in the map above. It has no bearing on this subject other than it's where we live.

[Toy Man]

I might use paper maps at home but while driving I use National Geographic's !TOPO program and their state series maps. Made my life much easier. No more carrying a bunch of maps, trying to open them in the car because it is pouring outside. No more trying to figure out 'where in the hell am I'. No more cussing mapmakers for incorrect mapping of roads - even on 'new' maps.

Ok - !TOPO maps are not up to date either but I find they give me a better 'feel' for the land/roads/possible roads plus you can download the latest USGS maps for the area. Did I mention 5 different resolutions, different views, etc, etc.

Plus I can plot a route in !TOPO and then have it draw a 'follow me' line. That line immediately shows if I am deviating from the route. Big, big help.

Plus where I went is captured digitally so I can review it up, send to other people, etc.

Toy Man - 'Gone digital'

Oh yeah - forgot to mention the latest craze of Forest Service's - not showing what they consider minor roads and deliberating omitting places/sites THEY think you should not go/visit.

[alanh]

I usually have state highway map(s) or an atlas with state maps if I'm going very far from home.

The other type of paper map I try to get for backroad travel are 1:100K topo maps from the BLM called surface edition maps. They're similar to the USGS maps of the same size except the BLM maps show land ownership through color shading (private, state, blm, forest service...), roads, etc. Like all maps, they're not always up-to-date though. I find this size is a reasonable compromise between lots of detail and lots of maps and few maps with no detail. Unfortunately the BLM is doing away with these maps. I think they may continue to offer another map of the same size which shows minerals or mineral rights, but that probably is less useful. It costs a few $$ to build up a collection of those maps though.

I also like the paper backup in case my computer/GPS moving map system doesn't work (which I've had happen). I use Ozi-Explorer and the electronic USGS maps that I've found on various sites. I've also converted electronic maps in various graphic formats for use in Ozi-Explorer. Sometimes a park or recreation area will have a map with some useful information on it with enough info to establish some coordinates to make it useable in Ozi.

Navigation packages with turn-by-turn directions can be handy too, but I don't have enough experience to make any recommendations there. I haven't used what I have much since the computer isn't in the truck that often.

I recently had a coupon for Amazon and used that to buy some of the Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas map books for OR, WA, ID, NV. They seem to be pretty similar to the DeLorme printed maps so I don't know which is really better. I'd say they fit in between a state highway map and the BLM maps. The book format does make them easy to use unlike the paper maps that can be unwieldy when unfolded.

[Steve]

My experience is that it seems that you need at least 3 different maps to guide you in the backcountry. Some roads/trails are on one, but not on another and vise versa.

Steve

[Jerry]

I think GPS in one form or the other will be the "map" of the future, but for the time being most folks rely on less expensive paper maps. And I LIKE paper maps. I can take paper maps with me to the recliner, to the kitchen table and to the throne room. My personal advice for a new backroad adventurer would be to always carry a folding state highway map and for more detailed navigation buy a Benchmark Atlas. Then broaden your collection from there.
Jerry

[SafariAWD]

Someone mentioned to bring several maps ... amen! I remember one time I we were wondrously driving a service road but it started to look much less of one and for about 45 minutes after departing from the road we got worried. Couldnt find where we were on a few maps, no chatter on CB old old signs posted. Well good old GPS with long/lat and a big atlas book That was my first time going to Liloeet in BC (for those who know) but I took a detour somewhere hah ha. *whew*

[Jerry]

Some of us have been discussing maps for the Owyhee trip including BLM maps, DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer and Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlas. Well, I pulled out my trusty Metsker Map for Malheur County, Oregon and what do you know? It shows roads the others don't. Of course the others show roads not shown on the Metsker map, too. In other words, there is no single perfect map. I plan on taking all of them with me on the trip.
Jerry

[IronViking]

I carry a breif case stacked and packed with maps. Every time we go to a new place and print out maps off the web we save those too. My girl really wants to get a GPS, more for when sees out running around town than back roads but that why I want one!
When we were headed home from Portland last night, I noticed they were starting some construction on I-5. Looked like they were gonna widen the road,add another lane.
It would be great if I could pop on here and pull up a map for say an Alt.
route between Seattle/ Portland. Or any other million places that other people have gone and know.