Google Earth Scouting

Arbutusbucks

Arbutusbucks

WKR
Joined
Nov 24, 2013
Messages
332
Location
PA
When you guys are scouting with google earth is there anything in particular you are looking for? I have been finding these small areas on a hillside that look like small seeps... they have brighter green grass/foliage areas I cant really tell how big they are but look to be at least an acre or two. It looks like there might be water there but the image is too grainy to really sure, anyway these areas look good to me but I have never set foot in the country. Are there any indicators that you look for with google earth to find areas that look like they may hold elk?

I have also been using google earth to find potential camping/glassing spots where I can look at an opposite hillside or maybe two/three hillsides at the same time this is kind of self explanatory though.

Thanks for any input,

Jerry
 
I often look for steep, dark, secluded areas and how close these areas are to roads, trails, etc. I I check topo maps more though. I will look at Google earth after I have scoured topo maps to see what the benches, saddles, obstacles really look like from above. I have found Google earth alone to be misleading and kind of overwhelming. If I narrow it down with topo maps Google earth is nice to "look" at specific spots; not whole areas. That's what I prefer.
 
I always start my e-scouting with topo maps. Once I find a good north facing run of slopes i'll begin picking them apart on GE. Here in my part of MT we typically don't get the open meadows most people hope for so I stick to the steep and deep.
 
I use google earth mainly for glassing points and elevation profiles. I use the path function to get an idea of what the best route to hike in might be. as already mentioned google earth is misleading and topo maps will tell you more. A topo map will have most of the seeps and springs mapped.
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. I am doing it backwards. I didn't order my topo maps yet but now I will. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
 
Topo maps are great also because the good ones are water/tear resistant. I've found you can use a China Marker/Grease pencil on them to take notes from scouting and planning. I've even cross-referenced some things from Google Earth onto my topos.
 
GE is hamstrung when compared to arcgis explorer but if you're set on using it, add topo's to it.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?3700-Add-TOPO-maps-to-your-Google-Earth-installation

If you want the state/blm overlay as well, follow the same instructions but add this file and follow the same instructions:

http://www.geocommunicator.gov/ARCGI...apServer?f=kmz

One caveat, GE doesn't like the sma server very well and transparency doesn't seem to work.

There is also a vid on setting up ArcGis Explorer desktop if interested. Both overlays play well with that app since they're ESRI servers. The plus with explorer is the ability to add shape files and geo referenced forest maps.
 
Last edited:
wapitibob said:
GE is hamstrung when compared to arcgis explorer but if you're set on using it, add topo's to it.

https://vimeo.com/45149463

If you want the state/blm overlay as well, follow the same instructions but add this file and follow the same instructions:

http://www.geocommunicator.gov/ARCGI...apServer?f=kmz

One caveat, GE doesn't like the sma server very well and transparency doesn't seem to work.

There is also a vid on setting up ArcGis Explorer desktop if interested. Both overlays play well with that app since they're ESRI servers. The plus with explorer is the ability to add shape files and geo referenced forest maps.
Click to expand...

Thanks for those links wapitibob. Ill have to check out ArcGIS explorer, I have never used it before. I kind of just went right to Google earth because it was already loaded on my ipad.
 
Really depends on the critter as far as habitat goes. The #1 think I look for are ATV trails/roads. With the high quality aerial you can zoom in and see trails very clearly. I draw them out with the "line" tool and create a file. Then I look for the areas that are furthest away form the roads/trails and start the habitat search.

You can overlay USGS maps in GE as well. Pretty slick to have all the same info at your fingertips when "scouting". I generally just print out the maps I need/want for the area I'll be hunting on waterproof paper.

I also use it a lot to find the best access routes into an area.
 
Check out Alltrails. They have the topo, Google Earth , and road maps on the same screen. You can toggle between them which is very nice.

I have the pro so I can download and print maps. I have a wide format printer so I can print maps on fabric that is indestructible.

A subscription costs $30.00 a year and you can print as many maps as you want. The maps are UTM or minute, second, on and on . Check them out.

If you send me the file I will print your maps on light weight fabric that will not tear, and are waterproof.
 
If you have never tried gpshuntfish.com. do it..its $29 a year and has topo and satellite along with terrain view, it shows units and public and private. You can map trails and POI then download it all to your GPS...its made by Trimble which is the back end for most of the Topo and image map services like Hunt GPS but it won't cost $100 a state, only $29 for all of the west. Works with the backpacker app on your phone too
 
Retterath said:
has anyone ever used the delorme topo software.
Click to expand...

I've used it for several years, but I wouldn't recommend it due to its very cumbersome user interface. Why Delorme decided not to follow standard, long-established Windows interface standards is beyond me...

Regards,
Scott
 
Westrnwild I looked at GPSHUNTFISH and it looks pretty slick. Though I do not see where you can d/l to a gps? It is available to d/l only to cell phones/tablets from what I can see.
 
AZGUY said:
Westrnwild I looked at GPSHUNTFISH and it looks pretty slick. Though I do not see where you can d/l to a gps? It is available to d/l only to cell phones/tablets from what I can see.
Click to expand...
You just export .GPX to your desktop and then I use the garmin software and upload to my GPS.also they now have a upload to your Garmin button but I haven't tried it yet
 
My style of hunting is still hunting dark timber into bedding areas. So, when I look at any map i'm looking for benches near feeding areas, and preferably with a water source like creeks.
 
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