Diy topos?

[Hardstalk]

I have access to a couple plotters and curious if anyone prints their own topos using a plotter if so what program do you find that works best in that large of a scale? Thanks

 

[Hunt'nFish]

I've used National Geographic Topo Oregon for years, but it's old and my edition is from back when GPS's were a new thing.
I'm sure there are better programs/editions today than mine.
But honestly, I use it a lot for printing regular 8.5x11 maps of specific places.
I've always prefered to look at a map vs GPS anyway. Screens are just too small.
In fact, I rarely use my GPS, except to mark camp, truck, licks/wallows, etc.
But I'm sure one day they'll make folding LCD screens that look more like paper than a computer screen.
Hunt'nFish


PS: typically I print a detailed view of the specific area on one side and a lower res view of a larger area on the back.

 

[jherald]

I've got nat geo topo alaska maps of all my hunt areas on 8.5x11 and laminated all of them. Each one only weighs slightly more than the paper they were printed on and they are totally sealed. You can carry several blown up maps of your hunt area for hardly any weight.

 

[Above Timber]

I use nat geo as well. I found a vendor online that has roles of water proof paper as well. Print the map and spray the ink with rattle can varnish and you have a completely foldable and water proof map. It works great. Other paper is about $180 for a 24"x100' roll.

 

[Curtis C]

You can download the 7.5 maps in PDF for free from USGS. I have wondered how they would print if one had access to a plotter. That might be something to play around with since you have the tools.

C

 

[Snyd]

You can download the 7.5 maps in PDF for free from USGS. I have wondered how they would print if one had access to a plotter. That might be something to play around with since you have the tools.

C

I've printed them on a plotter no prob. The print dialog box allows you to choose various sizes and scales things properly.

I also print my maps on 8.5x11 and tape em together how I want. I also use the nikwax map proof. works pretty good http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/productdetail.php?productid=64&gclid=COD6sPPQ65oCFQu_kgodKWdfCg

 

[bbrown]

I do this all the time and it works ok but the paper we use is pretty thin and no color for our plotter. But it works...

 

[Bughalli]

I use mytopo.com and have been very happy with them. You can customize the scale and area to suit your needs. The last time I hunted the Kaibab the area I hunted happen to cover three usgs maps (little of each). So this was much easier. You can get the same map in topo and satellite photo, which comes in handy for seeing ground cover.

I've also done my own printing and still do on occasion. Given the time it takes and quality, mytopo is a better use of time.

 

[jags]

I use the 7.5 maps from USGS also, found some 11x17 map paper at Sportsmen Warehouse that print nice just can't forget my reading glasses when I'm out.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Back when I still worked at Tektronix, I made my maps using one of our Phaser printers, which used colored wax instead of regular ink. Because wax is waterproof, it was a perfect mate to waterproof paper. Although it could wear/rub off over time it still made for great temporary feild maps that could handle rain w/o running and washing out. Unfortunately the inkjet I use now isn't so water friendly, so I'm curious about these sprays and such folks are using to waterproof thier maps. How do they really work? Does it really make them "rainproof"? and does it make the ink run/blot and the lines fatter or does it stay crisp & fine resolution?
Hunt'nFish