I actually use this method to find fishing spots with little to no pressure. Nothing like catching a fat sunfish thats never seen a hook. I really like the USGS site and maps. I agree that there maps are outdated especially in areas that may have seen recent urban sprawl. I learned to use a Topo in the Army and would suggest a map reading class if you can find one in your area. You will be amazed at what you can learn from a topo and a compass once you learn all those little tricks to using one.

I was planning to use this method to find places to hunt. Allot of the advice i have been hearing from friends is to go deep further than most will to find areas with little or no pressure. Studying a Topo and an aerial will help with finding paths to get in and out. Scouting is good advice because you will never know what it really looks like untill your standing in it trying to figure out how to cross a creek, swamp, Etc.

Great topic you brought up i am intrested in hearing from more folks who practice this type of hunting.