scouting and maps
 

Does anyone know how I can get topo maps from the USGS? I am going to be hunting a lot of private ground again this year, and the maps supplied by the conservation department are not very accurate. I am hoping to get hold of a detailed topo map to several places. I have looked on their website, and I can order them from their, but I think you can call and get them no charge I believe.

RE: scouting and maps
 

You can buy a year's subscription at www.mapcard.com I think it is 14.99 for a year, and you can print as many topo and aerial maps as you want. I really like this website and would highly recommend it.

Bill

RE: scouting and maps
 

Try this free site first - they have aerial photos and topo
www.terraserver-usa.com/

I use this site a lot!

RE: scouting and maps
 

The USGS has a website with detailed ordering info.

If you're looking to maps for boundary information, like finding private land/public land borders, the conservation department maps are probably actually going to be more accurate than USGS maps would be. Of course, for accurate terrain details, USGS maps are unbeatable.

I'll second Hazcon's advice about the terraserver site. I use it a lot for getting aerial photos of deer hunting areas, and for sort of first level "pre-scouting" for elk.

RE: scouting and maps
 

Realtree's website has a feature that allows you to custom make your own Topo Map. I'd check it out. Mine is Great and the center of my map is my campsite area. I only had to buy one map and it generously covers my hunting area and enough extra on all four sides that it was not necessary to purchase others.

ANd they are true USGS Topo's

RE: scouting and maps
 

I use My Ultimate Map. Uses USGS topo and aerial photos and has zoom levels to 1 in = 100 yards. Also has handy waypoint tools, place name searches and GPS stuff. I think it's $19.95 for unlimited use and not yearly, etc. Print ALL you want. www.myultimatemap.com

RE: scouting and maps
 

BowElkFreak..... I could not find OS requirements anywhere. What operating system are you running this on. Check you box and see if it supports XP Professional.

RE: scouting and maps
 

Thanks for all the web sites for topo maps. Graet stuff will give me something to do building my maps with all the GPS info I have.

RE: scouting and maps
 

Aerial photos are a must to go along with most USGS Topo maps. When you are looking at a topo map check to see when it was last updated. Many areas were orginally surveyed by the CCC in the 1930's. They do areial update once in a while. I was just looking at one last updated in 1975. The area has change dramatically since. Mostly thru some logging and fire access roads. The photos help alot.

RE: scouting and maps
 

It uses the web mostly, so OS isn't a problem. It runs on my old Win98 machine the kids use and my laptop with Win XP Pro. It's mostly requires like IE 5+.