Who still uses hard copy maps

[swat8888]

Just curious with all the GPS technology out there who still actually takes hard copy maps into the woods when they hunt? If so, what type of maps do you take? Simple USGS topo maps, satellite imagery, or something else?

 

[dreamingbig]

I carry a hard copy for my unit. Batteries die and gps devices can get lost.

 

[Yellowknife]

I do quite a bit of back country navigation for work. On foot, snowmachine, or 120 knots in a helicopter. We have quite a few cool toys in inventory, ranging from the pedestrian Garmin GPS to some very expensive survey grade Leica GPS and from a basic iPad with mapping apps, to a high dollar field tablet with GIS capability.

We always carry a hard copy topo map. Much more practical big picture planning than the tiny GPS screen and a lot lighter and more reliable than a tablet.

I haven't carried an actual USGS issued map in years though. Not even sure I own one anymore. Usually print USGS digital topo on waterproof paper from one of the various software programs, or even just Google Earth using the USGS topo overlay. I will usually overlay every cabin, camp, trail, and airstrip I'm aware off on the map before printing, as well as proposed travel routes when I'm going into new country. I might print off some air or sat imagery too, but the usefulness of that varies quite a bit based on resolution, terrain, and scale.

Yk

 

[JP100]

allways carry a topo map.
better than a gps as you can see bigger sections of the map clearly
a gps with dead batteries or no coverage is just no use

 

[Vance in AK]

Im a hard copy guy, usgs topo. My gps is very basic. No mapping. I thinm even if i go to a mapping gps there will still be a hard copy stuck in the pack with the compass.

 

[luke moffat]

I do them as its easier to plan with a buddy where we might go when you both are looking at the same 8X10 sheet instead of the 1.25X2.1" screen

Just printed one up and laminated it for an up coming hunting trip on Friday in fact.

 

[60x]

For the most part I never enter the field without topos or similar and a compass. My Barney pack has a nice little map pocket so I usually just put them in there


As a matter of fact in Alaska back country topos are part of survival. What folks don't realize is things happen. You could be on your own for a while. There's always a chance that the pilot who may be the only one who knows where you are could have an emergency then no one knows where you are. A less likely se air in this day and age but I do NOT rely on electronics.

 

[JoshTX]

I won't go out without a hard copy. Probably not needed, but as stated above, it's easier for two dudes to look at a paper map than a tiny GPS screen.
It also gives me some piece of mind to know that if the devices go out for some reason, I've got a backup that doesn't take batteries. I still take a compass with me too..

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I almost always bring a hard copy of the area. Easier to read if I decide to do something different and nice to see the big picture.

 

[jquarnberg]

I want to start using them. Seems superior to small screen for planning and marking trails and locations.

 

[HJ Handy]

Every hunt I go on I use Topo program to print hard copies with current magnetic declination and also carry along a small compass for plotting. I'll laminate each map for extended hunts and have a bomb-proof navigation set-up.

 

[bowtech3dhunter]

Always carry a USGS Topo

 

[Manosteel]

Always carry a topo map and while I do have a GPS, I end up using the map and my pho e, for making spots

 

[5MilesBack]

I've always been a map guy, and I prefer them unfolded sitting in front of me as to on a screen (computer or GPS). I mostly use USGS topo's with UTM gridlines.

 

[CentennialELK]

I always have a USGS topo and compass, the only battery powered unit in my pack is my headlamp. I like to plot on my map and be able to look at everything at once. If I have a partner with me we can plan on a large map and see where we are going. Plus I have two teenage daughters that hunt and I will give them the map and compass and have them find the truck from 7 miles back. They a extremely reliable on electronics and I want them to know that they are fallible.

 

[Hoot]

MGRS topo map, protractor, compass. I don't own a gps. Old Army scout ways die hard...

 

[littlebuf]

I find a map easier to read than a computer screen. And lime mentioned no batteries. I have a GPS but find myself seldom using it. Comes I. Handy to though in conjunction with the map

 

[husky390]

USGS Topo goes with. I don't own a GPS with topo capabilities but after using a friends, I prefer the paper map.

 

[LostInSpace278]

I do quite a bit of back country navigation for work. On foot, snowmachine, or 120 knots in a helicopter. We have quite a few cool toys in inventory, ranging from the pedestrian Garmin GPS to some very expensive survey grade Leica GPS and from a basic iPad with mapping apps, to a high dollar field tablet with GIS capability.

We always carry a hard copy topo map. Much more practical big picture planning than the tiny GPS screen and a lot lighter and more reliable than a tablet.

I haven't carried an actual USGS issued map in years though. Not even sure I own one anymore. Usually print USGS digital topo on waterproof paper from one of the various software programs, or even just Google Earth using the USGS topo overlay. I will usually overlay every cabin, camp, trail, and airstrip I'm aware off on the map before printing, as well as proposed travel routes when I'm going into new country. I might print off some air or sat imagery too, but the usefulness of that varies quite a bit based on resolution, terrain, and scale.

Yk

Anyone know of a good tutorial on how to make overlays for Google Earth?

 

[jags]

Always have map with and rarely get the GPS out except for maybe checking distances or as a double check.