Custom Topo Maps for Rucking

[gwill034]

Because it seems good to always practice Land Nav whenever possible, particularly when rucking, thought I'd share this. This is also useful to just anyone in need of a good map.

http://www.mytopo.com/search.cfm

This is MyTopo.com from Trimble Company. I saw it mentioned just briefly in some much older posts. Gives you the ability to create custom topographical maps on waterproof paper. Prices aren't bad, you can create a map of generally any CONUS location and have it shipped to you for ~$15-25.

In my outdoor exploits I have often found available maps difficult to get, expensive, or inadequate. Especially for smaller parks, etc. Military grid is available, along with several scale choices, datums, etc.

Does anyone else have experience using this product? Any advice on how to custom build these maps per military style?

-Greg

[gwbarnes]

I have used them several times, with excellent results. Service is excellent, prices are reasonable and the quality is high. Before you hit the order button, explore all their options, with respect to scale, folded, rolled or flat, etc. These are highly customizable.

[steel_eel]

I have several maps from this company. Quality goods.
If you want to use it for Military land nav, select MGRS as the grid reference, and either 1:25k, 1:50k scale. I believe only one of these is available for scale.

[steel_eel]

I also believe the GM-angle is noted on these maps, however I would have to look at one of mine to confirm/deny.

[Streck-Fu]

How do their products compare in cost and quality to what can be bought from the USGS?

[gwill034]

How do their products compare in cost and quality to what can be bought from the USGS?

I had one USGS map of the Susquehanna Valley in PA. From what I can recall the paper material and style was comparable but slightly different. USGS is great, this source is just nice for the ability to custom design your product.

Meant to respond sooner. Having some power issues from recent snow storm here.

[gwbarnes]

With USGS maps, you are limited to the sheets they have printed. If the central focus of interest on your map is in the lower left corner of one sheet, you may need to buy 4, and cut and paste. The custom map area can be centered on your main point of interest. For example, I have a couple of maps with my property in the center, so I only need one to cover the entire area I am interested in. In addition, you can get the custom maps waterproofed and pre-folded pocket size.

[Streck-Fu]

Great to know. That is a great service then. I'll have to play with they can do then...

[abc_123]

I had one made of the area that I used to hunt in a while back. Great product.

[gwill034]

Be sure to use the Preview option before ordering. I've double checked and found things weren't quite right a few times.

If you're after something particular you can use the preview option and then cycle through the process again to zero in on what you're after. Google Maps with Terrain Feature makes for a good cross-reference. There are ways to plot points and routes, but it isn't the most reliable.

[badshot]

Guess it's cheaper than Delorme XMap/Aerial Data Packets and a zip-lock bag

[PSM]

Here's a quick, printable, DIY online site I like: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

To start, click on the Gmap4 button at the top. On the map, using the upper right dropdowns you can switch between several map types.

I use it for "boondocking" in the RV, hiking, and Jeeping. I used to print the maps on waterproof paper, but my old printer can't handle it anymore so I just use plain paper and plastic sleeve. I've never used the distance scale as navigation here is mostly terrain association, so I can't say how accurate it is. It's, at least, a good planning aid.

Pat

[chuckn0rr1s]

I had one made of the area that I used to hunt in a while back. Great product.


You can also have a map made with the central point being your home. That way you can plan possible escape routes and rally points for emergencies.

:munchin

[Streck-Fu]

Here's a quick, printable, DIY online site I like: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Pat

That is perfect for some online recon. I was trying to figure out how to get terrain to print on Google maps and that made it simple. Perfect for a little hiking and scouting for hunting.

The detail isn't the best but I can scout areas and then purchase detailed maps of the area I want to concentrate on.

Thank you!

[Spectre6]

http://www.caltopo.com (http://www.caltopo.org) is free and has a pretty extensive database of topo maps. You can put slope grade overlays or shading on the maps as well as waypoints etc. Choose your scale and options and either print them directly or save as a PDF. As long as you have decent printer (or access to one..) the maps print perfectly to scale. I use them all the time when rucking.

[Jelf]

Here's a quick, printable, DIY online site I like: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

To start, click on the Gmap4 button at the top. On the map, using the upper right dropdowns you can switch between several map types.

I use it for "boondocking" in the RV, hiking, and Jeeping. I used to print the maps on waterproof paper, but my old printer can't handle it anymore so I just use plain paper and plastic sleeve. I've never used the distance scale as navigation here is mostly terrain association, so I can't say how accurate it is. It's, at least, a good planning aid.

Pat

Thanks for the kind words about Gmap4. I am the developer of that browser app.

I know that the army uses MGRS coordinates. Here is a link that (1) starts Gmap4, (2) shows the Google aerial for most of the USA and (3) shows the MGRS grid on top of the aerial. Zoom in and the grid becomes more detailed.
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?tilt=off&ll=38.379933,-100.682617&z=5&t=h,MGRS&rest=http://maps1.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/rest/services/NGA_US_National_Grid/MapServer?name=MGRS&layers=0-110&transparent=true

If you change the basemap, the grid remains.
To turn the grid off, open the basemap menu, go down to the Overlay section and click MGRS. Click it again to turn it back on.

The grid comes from a GIS server operated by the ESRI company. The grid is delivered to your screen as a bunch of "tiles" (think checkerboard). Sometimes a few tiles might not appear or be slow to arrive.

I am currently working on an upgrade that will let you (1) search on MGRS coordinates and (2) display MGRS coordinates in the lower right corner of the screen (map center and cursor).

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy

[JYD73]

Search and download for free USGS Topo maps, current and historic. Some are available in 1:25,000. If you're poor and don't have a lot of resources, you can make custom maps by downloading the pdf and take over into Photoshop Elements and customize your map for 8.5x11 printer. You can also take this to a local printer that has a large plotter and can print the whole map out for you. Note that any map in UTM is also MGRS as MGRS is abbreviated UTM.

http://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=262:1:608365488

[rojoAZ]

be wary of some USGS maps as their scale is 1:45,000 which can throw off the scale of the Army issue compass squares off by a bit. Be careful what you buy and if need be use some geo referencing to find your point.