Maps 101: How to Not Get Lost
Whenever I hit the trail, I always bring along my map and compass. Even if I have my GPS with me, I still rely on a traditional printed map and my trusty Suunto MC-2 compass.
This past weekend I joined some friends on a 3 night backpacking adventure to Garnet Lake in California’s Sierra Nevadas.
As usual, I took along my printed USGS map, but this time I also took along a Tom Harrison map of the area, as well as a printout from my new National Geographic Trails Illustrated Explorer mapping software.
What’s the Best Hiking Map – USGS Maps? Tom Harrison Maps? National Geographic Maps?
USGS Maps
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USGS Maps: The United States Geological Society (USGS) has been mapping the nation for decades. This government agency sells printed topographic maps to consumers that can be purchased directly from USGS.gov, or outdoor gear shops.
- PROS: They are accurate, extremely detailed, and are the gold standard for topographic maps. If you print them directly from the USGS website, there is no cost (except your paper and ink!)
- CONS: Many are several years (and in some cases decades old), USGS does not print them on waterproof paper, so you have to store them in a ziploc bag or map case. There is no relief shading and trail distances are not clearly marked. Plus they are based on USGS quads, rather than popular hiking areas. So I have often had to tape together 2 or even 3 of the maps to cover the region where I was hiking.
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Tom Harrison Maps
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Tom Harrison Maps are produced by none other than Tom Harrison, a modern day wilderness cartographer. His maps are only for wilderness regions in California, and cost about the same as the USGS maps ($8-$10 each).
- PROS: Tom Harrison maps are also very accurate like the USGS maps, they have measured trail distances, are printed on waterproof and rip proof paper, and generally cover more popular regions (so you only need 1 map rather than 2 or 3 overlapping USGS topos.
- CONS: Tom Harrison maps have to be purchased – you can’t print them yourself. Plus, they are only available for California wilderness areas.
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National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps
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National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps are produced by the famous National Geographic Society. Similar to Tom Harrison maps, they are printed on waterproof, tearproof paper. Yet they cover many regions of the U.S., not just California. Plus, the new National Geographic Trails Illustrated Explorer software tool is available for many popular hiking areas, including my favorite, the California Sierra Nevadas.
- PROS: National Geographic maps have measured trail distances, are printed on waterproof and rip proof paper, and generally cover more popular regions (so you only need 1 map rather than 2 or 3 overlapping USGS topos. They have shaded relief so you can more easily see ridges and mountains, and are well labeled. Their software programs are very cool because you can get multiple maps in one software package and you can print exactly what you need. You can analyze elevation profiles, plot routes, synch to your GPS, and for some regions play with a new fly over feature so you have a good sense of the elevation gain and loss you’ll be facing on your route.
- CONS: Unlike USGS maps, which are available for every part of the U.S., National Geographic maps are only published for popular hiking areas. They are slightly more expensive than USGS and Tom Harrison maps.
Check out my review of the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Explorer Software program! |
You left out the best mapping systems of all, Terrain Navigator and its wannabe, National Georgraphic’s TOPO.
I won’t go into detail, but they do it all, interface with GPS devices, print custom maps, etc. etc. And they are based on the USGS 7 1/2′ and 15′ maps, so you can print your custom map along with any grids, overlays, routes, waypoints, on whatever paper you desire and at whatever scale you want. The National Geographic maps you buy at REI are pretty, but generally too small scale for anything but an overview of the area you’re interested in. Their scales are goofy, although, to their credit, they put the UTM grid on their maps, unlike the cheezy wastes of paper the USFS puts out on their wilderness maps.
Bottom line, if you have a computer, buy some decent mapping software.
I agree on getting mapping software! I haven’t tried Terrain Navigator, but I use National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Explorer software. Here’s my review of it: Hiking Lady National Geographic Trails Illustrated Explorer Review. I will have to check out Terrain Navigator. Thanks!
Hi All,
Thanks Kendall for the unsolicited plug!
You can purchase customized waterproof USGS Maps on our web site, http://www.mytopo.com. You get to pick the coverage area and scale – and the entire US is available. We also offer “hybrid” topo/photo maps which are great in areas where the USGS do not offer current maps.
Of course, at http://www.mytopo.com you can also learn more about our flagship software products, Terrain Navigator and Terrain Navigator Pro – both of which offer USGS quads on DVD.
Many of us are outdoor recreationists, and we are happy to provide the products and services that we ourselves use when enjoying the great outdoors.
-Ed Lecuyer
Product Manager, MyTopo