Backpacker Magazine – June 2008

New Tools, New Rules: Get Maps and Go

Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.

by: Evelyn Spence, Jason Stevenson, Kris Wagner

Plan the Perfect Trip | Get Maps and Go | Websites and Tech Tools

PRINT A CUSTOMIZED TOPO

1. Launch your mapping software. If it's ExpertGPS and you've already created a route, go to Print under the File menu. Otherwise, see "Create a Route". To print maps for free, we like Gmaps Pedometer (gmap-pedometer.com), which supports satellite and topo layers and generates elevation profiles.
2. Find the trailhead by searching for geographic points, park names, or cities. For help finding names, tap into the USGS database (geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic). Use the map resource box to confirm it's the right place.
3. Drop a waypoint with the trailhead coordinates into your mapping software.
4. Add more points for the rest of the route, such as junctions and campsites.
5. When picking topo scale, 1:100K is okay for general navigation, but the extra detail and clarity of 1:24K maps are best for tricky routefinding. Some programs allow you to build elevation profiles, including gmap-pedometer.com.
6. Print your map on National Geographic's waterproof and tear-resistant Adventure Paper ($20, sheets up to 11"x17", shop.nationalgeographic.com). If your mapping software won't let you print topos, capture a screen grab (An image that's an exact copy of what's on your computer screen. To make one: PC: "Ctrl Print Scrn"; Mac: "Command-Shift-3") and paste it into your photo-editing program. Then print it. Then get new software.

BUILD A DELUXE MAP

1. Open an account at gpxchange.com.
2. Start a new file with the site's interactive map or by importing a .gpx file (see "Create A Route").
3. Zoom in on your trip location, then plot waypoints, draw routes, pick map icons, and add notes.
4. When your personal map overlays are done, write down their GPXchange ID number. Then click "order map," which leads you to offroute.com (parent site).
5. Choose from a selection of map types. We suggest the USGS 7.5 Minute Topo with Roadways and Hillshading.
6. Type in the GPXchange ID for the map overlays you created in steps 1-3.
7. Pick your map size (up to 42" x 72") and scale (down to 1:24K). Blue borders show the printable map's edges. Click on the map to re-center it over your route.
8. Preview the print version and make changes to scale or route as needed.
9. Pick a grid overlay (we prefer UTM over lat/long for its accuracy), select waterproof paper, and name your map.
10. Copy the web address to view this custom map online at any time.
11. If your route requires more than one topo, repeat steps 5-9 to build the adjacent maps. Cost is $8 and up per map.
12. Follow the checkout process, and allow a few days for delivery.

DIAL IN LAST MINUTE DETAILS

• Check the forecast at NOAA's weather.gov, click on your state and region, then pick a spot on the "Detailed Point Forecast" map to get current conditions and a seven-day prediction for specific elevations and backcountry lat/long coordinates.


• Find your trailhead Use Google Maps to print turn-by-turn driving directions by entering your address and the trailhead's lat/long digits. Don't know the exact coordinates? Bombsite them with a waypoint on Google Earth and copy the details.

 

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