Suggestions for maps

**duece71** · 12-30-11, 08:33

All,
If GPS for land navigation becomes Tango Uniform and one were to have to rely on a compass and paper maps, which brand/scale would you use? If GPS is TU then obviously mapquest is probably not available as well (amoung many other things). I know this thread could devolve into a lengthy discussion. I am going to stick with the state that I live in and the states that border it for starters.
Thank you for the replies.

**High Tower** · 12-30-11, 09:14

Without the knowledge of how to do land nav without a GPS, maps are almost useless. Get the skill set on how to use a map with compass and protractor.

Otherwise just get a one of those big red topo map books that are usually state specific. I would get maps in 1:25,000 or 1:50,000.

**VooDoo6Actual** · 12-30-11, 09:28

I also suggest learning/knowing Night NAV using constellations & GPS coords etc.

**Dave L.** · 12-30-11, 11:57

I also agree with the above. Learn how to use a map/compass/protractor before you spend too much money on a bunch of maps.

Here is a couple books you could get to learn:

-U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook

-UTM Manual and Protractor (Scroll to the bottom)

**Paraclete comes** · 12-30-11, 12:58

I myself prefer the 15 minute maps the older USGS style for most uses. I suggest getting a pvc pipe and an end cap along with a screw on end cap for storage of them while your out on the move. Another great map if you can get them or print them are military MGRS maps. Most of them run off of WGS84 but are still great. I find them very easy to navigate on and a good lenstatic tritium compass cant do you wrong either. But to be honest my own collection of maps is a blend of road maps, military maps and USGS maps, maybe even a few satellite images of common routes. make sure you buy plenty of extra protractors and EXTRA fine map pens. Know your various pace counts also, slick, with ruck, without, weapons and kit, up hills, etc, etc.

**USMC_Anglico** · 12-30-11, 16:59

Head here http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/ to download all of the USGS topo maps you want, all for free. You can then print them off to your hearts content. You can't go wrong with a standard 1:24/25 topo map, especially if you are off road. Also having some road atlas' of your intended area will be a help too.

**ST911** · 12-30-11, 18:11

Originally Posted by USMC_Anglico

Head here http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/ to download all of the USGS topo maps you want, all for free. You can then print them off to your hearts content. You can't go wrong with a standard 1:24/25 topo map, especially if you are off road. Also having some road atlas' of your intended area will be a help too.

This. I believe you can download any quadrangle in the US. USGS also offers the ability do custom maps and overlays with various data points or geo features.

**SMETNA** · 12-30-11, 19:30

Ok, don't laugh:

What about "screen capture" when browsing Google Satellite images of your AO? (Bing Sat maps are better)

I have a 3 ring binder full of screen captured sat images of my entire county, with varying levels of zoom. My BOL is well mapped too. My concern at this point is the paper getting shitty. Does anyone make "Write in the rain" printer paper?

I know many of these Sat images are several years old, but towns / streets / buildings / terrain doesn't change that quickly.

Thoughts comments or insults? :-)

**DemonRat** · 12-30-11, 20:19

Originally Posted by SMETNA

Ok, don't laugh:

What about "screen capture" when browsing Google Satellite images of your AO? (Bing Sat maps are better)

I have a 3 ring binder full of screen captured sat images of my entire county, with varying levels of zoom. My BOL is well mapped too. My concern at this point is the paper getting shitty. Does anyone make "Write in the rain" printer paper?

I know many of these Sat images are several years old, but towns / streets / buildings / terrain doesn't change that quickly.

Thoughts comments or insults? :-)

You can check out this website they make it plus you can google it too.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/All-...11-Inch/T21478

Here's the Rite in the Rain website and what they make.
http://www.riteintherain.com/categor...-3B98AB1428E2}