Good Info mentioned, also talk with the landowner if private land it is amazing how much they know about the game in the area, it can narrow down the possibilities. Topo maps are good if they are recent or reflect the land mass as it is today, however you may find them out of date. A recent aerial photo is the cats meow and again a landowner may have had this done so talking with him might lead you to at least a looksy at a aerial photo and the company which produced it for him. If your hunting state land you can obtain both aerials and topo's from the information dept of the government for an area. The best has been said get out and do some walking, look for food/water sources, cover for travel and beds, natural points that funnel deer to one particular spot (tree row, saddles, ridges, etc) & deer trails. Other signs are rubs, scrapes and possibily sheds to indicate buck activity. Also while out look for possible spots for a blind or treestand in corelation to the activity.