Following up on my original question about topo maps:
Singletracks has a nice review of Delorme Topo.
GPS Tracklog has some thoughts about maps, particularly USFS maps.
The map server that looks most promising is the Geospatial Data Clearinghouse. I can’t figure out what the Vector Data Gateway is or how to use it. (I’m assuming that you can get vector data for use with your own map software.) But the Raster Data Gateway gives you access to some pretty high quality ready to use Tif image maps. The limitation here is the ability of your printer.
Below is a small sample of the Ballinger Canyon topographical map available here. If you squint really hard you can see the off-road vehicle road that begins just above and to the right of the red teepee. Click on the image for a zoom view.
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First posted: March 15, 2007 @ 03:21
I’m interested in hearing what others are using for local hiking maps. I’m considering plunking out some change and getting National Geographic’s Topo map software
So far I’ve been happy using Google maps to find Jeep trails and National Forest Service roads. In fact, using Google’s map-satellite hybrid view alongside Google Earth you can do some pretty dandy reconnaissance for off-road driving.
But finding good hiking maps online is a little trickier. I’ve got a DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer but…maybe I just need to get a good magnifying glass.
Please feel free to post any comments about good trail maps below.
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You’re on the right track with the Geospatial Data Clearinghouse. ExpertGPS can actually use the ESRI format (shapefiles) vector files directly and then convert them to GPX format. Be careful though, the USFS clearinghouse has a lot of old trails that may lead you a stray (because they no longer exist). With the tif images (raster data), ExpertGPS (and some other software packages) can use them once they are calibrated using at least 2 known locations.