Topo Maps

9outof10mms

9outof10mms

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Thought I'd share for those who aren't familiar...

The USGS has all of their topo data available for download in full-res PDF's. I've downloaded all the 7.5-minute maps for my locale (my centered map and all 8 surrounding areas) and saved to Google Drive. You can get them printed full-size at a UPS store or if you know someone with a wide-format plotter. Stick 'em in a waterproof bag and you've got some good map info.

https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/basic/

Search your address in the search box and it should show all available products including historical topo if you ever need that.

To download the surrounding maps of your site, first download your map. Then open the PDF and look at the very bottom. It'll show a legend of the 9 total maps with yours centered in it. The other surrounding maps are named. Click the "advanced search" link on the site and enter that map name, followed by ", NC" to ensure you get the correct one. It should pop right up and allow you to download the PDF.

If you need help, let me know. I've spent hours using this data for work and personal use.
 
Is there good detail with the relief lines so they don't get blurred? I suppose it's related more to the quality of the printer?
 
Here's a screen capture of one of my maps. Straight from the PDF. They are 10' contours. Not sure if they get down to 5' or 2' contours out in flat areas (coastal).
topo-screen.JPG

The PDF's are scaled for 22" x 34" printing without distortion.
 
Topo's are awesome... we have a 4'x6' in our cabin for our Hunting AO. Comes in handy when we have new hunters.... Good education too as my daughter has learned how to read these and I have tested her on how to get from A to B and which route would be the "easiest"... given that Elevation is 1200 ft up and down anyway you go...
 
For those interested in this type of thing, check out Gaia GPS. We use this religiously for off grid back country navigation. It’s extremely intuitive and works very well.
 
hlpressley said:
For those interested in this type of thing, check out Gaia GPS. We use this religiously for off grid back country navigation. It’s extremely intuitive and works very well.
Click to expand...


Gaia rocks. Though I've switched to OnX for hunting because of some of their layer features.

But, back on topic....nothing beats a good old fashioned paper topo. Super cheap and incredibly valuable tool to have in the arsenal.
 
Just a funny memory....
Albuquerque NM, late 1990's.
Wearing civvies and beards.

Working LRS with DEA, hiding in holes.
Night time Air Assault (Fast rope for you jarheads) into the OP.
High speed LT was reading topo map out in the desert with a red lense.
Normally, no commissioned officers were with us, but due to the large amount of contraband, they sent a butter bar.

I remember thinking it was gonna be a long tour....
 
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Be sure to check the map updates, you could be trying to navigate on near hundred year old data. They do make
great historical references.
 
Back in the Stone Age, I made the mistake of revealing that I could read topos and had a strong sense of direction. Instant assignment to 'scout'. (I've always had an STFU problem.)
 
Dale Flinchum said:
Be sure to check the map updates, you could be trying to navigate on near hundred year old data. They do make
great historical references.
Click to expand...
The latest USGS 7.5-minute maps are from 2016 data.
 
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Tim said:
Gaia rocks. Though I've switched to OnX for hunting because of some of their layer features.

But, back on topic....nothing beats a good old fashioned paper topo. Super cheap and incredibly valuable tool to have in the arsenal.
Click to expand...

Yes. You cannot use a scale/protractor or write on GPS or phone.
 
Slacker said:
Just a funny memory....
Albuquerque NM, late 1990's.
Wearing civvies and beards.

Working LRS with DEA, hiding in holes.
Night time Air Assault (Fast rope for you jarheads) into the OP.
High speed LT was reading topo map out in the desert with a red lense.
Normally, no commissioned officers were with us, but due to the large amount of contraband, they sent a butter bar.

I remember thinking it was gonna be a long tour....
Click to expand...


Que the LT land nav jokes.....

Nothing scarrier than an LT with a compass.

Can't spell lost without LT.

We need the box of grid squares Sir.

 
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