Subject: Re: Best strategy for GPS and Topo for hiking
Newsgroups: sci.geo.satellite-nav
Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 09:50:39 -0700

Bob Giddings <bobg@igg-tx.net> wrote in 
<o8beeu43j8rd9inmmh2rop1slbt0gqh2su@4ax.com>:
[snip]
>So I guess I'm going to have to get a lighter one for hiking.  The
>questions for you old hands is, what is the best way to go?  I can
>think of several alternatives:
>
>1.  Print out topo maps from one of the topo PC programs (which is
>best?) and use a GPS to position yourself on the paper maps.
>
>2.  Buy the USGS maps as I enter areas and use GPS as above.
>
>3.  Buy something like a Garmin GPSmap76 and download Metro Topo maps
>into it.
>
>Any of you experienced hikers want to jump in here and offer advice?
>There are probably better alternatives I just don't know about yet.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bob 

A)
Regardless of what GPS you are using for hiking, you're going
to need a paper map and compass, and the skills to use them.

B)
I think that even if your GPS has mapping capabilities, it's
worth looking at options where you make your own paper maps.
B-1)
Get the maps into your PC(others can answer for MAC users). Some of
the USGS maps are available for free as digital images. There are
commercial providers of USGS(and other), maps in digital form.
You can also consider buying paper maps and scanning them yourself.
B-2)
Get software that will use the digital map images.
A popular choice is OziExplorer. There are others, including
Fugawi. GPSTrackmaker, etc.
B-3)
Use the software to 'customize' your map images. For example,
add notes/comments, waypoints, routes, etc.
B-4)
Make sure you purchased a GPS with a data cable, and that it is
supported by your software and PC. Before your hiking trip, download
any data that your GPS supports, such as waypoints, routes, etc.
B-5)
Preferably using a color printer, print your annotated map.
You might just want to print the portion that covers the area
you will be hiking, but you may be glad of a larger area if you
ever get lost, or even just so you can identify distant features.

Now you have the paper map(s) you need to go along with your compass,
but they are better than a standard map, both because you have your
own annotated version, and because the waypoints, routes, etc., that
you downloaded to your GPS are also shown on your map.
This is one reason why I don't use a 'mapping' GPS for hiking.
Be aware that when printing your own maps it may be possible to
print a map that is not to scale, or with an incorrect scale
displayed on the printout.

After you have been for your hike, you can reverse the process by
uploading 'field data' such as waypoints, tracks, etc., and using
these to further annotate your map. The data can also be used to
correct the map, such as where a hiking trail is shown on the map,
but you've hiked it and recorded a track that shows the trail to
be in a different location.