Map-reading skills - Page 2

steves · 12-28-2012, 04:32 PM

Always have a map of the area, GPS tracks me so I can download at home but before I go anywhere I make sure to have the maps.
excellent map resource is My Topo I can get 3 or 4 of the commercial USGS maps on 1 page.

MyTopo Free Online Topo Maps

Theosus · 12-28-2012, 10:49 PM

I love my GPS, I'm not giving up my GPS. I have my geocaching stuff on it, and I usually upload a trail map or track to it of the route I want to take.

That being said, I just bought a shirt last week that says: "Always bring a compass, because it is awkward having to eat your friends". I have a compass and map with me always. They are light and simple. On a recent outing the leader got us turned around. Using the map and compass we were able to figure out where we were, and what we had missed. The GPS was little help, because the trail we wanted wasn't on the track. It DID however pinpoint exactly where we were, which helped plot us on the map.

Bojib · 12-29-2012, 08:58 AM

I too really enjoy having my GPS. I think it's pretty great. I always try to record a track of my hiking adventures. I've been also using the track log to geo tag my photos when I get home. I then wind up sharing the entire adventure using Garmin Adventures. My family enjoys seeing the pictures/trails I hike.

I only use the GPS as a tool though. The coordinates are readily visible, and I can pinpoint myself quickly on map with it.

If the GPS died, I wouldn't be worried though. I have my compass in my pocket and I always print a map and take with me. A lot of times I will ignore the GPS and use the map and compass to locate my position, gotta stay in practice just in case. I have the USGS and Forest Service maps of the areas I frequent, but in general I only use those in the planning stages, then when I leave for my trip I have an 8.5 x 11, or 11 x 17 printed map to take along. It's generally not hard at all to fit a day hike on that size paper.

I have been surprised more than once on the trail though. Last year I ran into a lost hiker, he had missed a turn and probably went a couple of miles out of his way. He didn't have any map whatsoever with him. When I showed him my map, he could kinda sorta read it, but didn't really know much about it. I gave him a quick lesson on the trail and helped him figure out where his turns were. I was about a 1/2 mile from my trailhead and very familiar with where I was at, so I gave him the map.

I meet people all the time who are avid hunters, fishers, hikers, outdoors people in general, and they aren't too familiar with anything other than a basic trail map. Put a TOPO in front of them and they get lost.

I've thought about offering lessons at the local library or something on map reading, but I'm not much of a people person either. I guess I'm too introverted and weird for it.

Penelope · 12-31-2012, 05:43 AM

Despite technological advancements, I think it is essential that children still learn how to read a map. One suggestion that a friend gave me works well when introducing little ones to maps. When you take your kids to the zoo or museum, let them direct you using the map. While this is not a roadmap, it will give them an idea of how a map works.

oldsarge · 12-31-2012, 05:14 PM

I don't think anyone here is saying to get rid of them. I enjoy mine also, the point being, I know of a few newbie Geocacher's who were lost for quite some time and walked way too far out of their way because they relied on the GPS. The unit failed and they had absolutely no idea of what to do. I think they are a great piece of equipment, we just need to have the basic to fall back on.

Penelope: What a great idea of having the little ones use a site map. What better way of spiking their interest and letting them lead the way.