[Rover] Maps for unfamiliar territory

[Bob K0NR]

Mike,
You've already received some good suggestions on getting the Delorme software (or similar). Of course, we all know that actually using computers for contesting is really just cheating :-)  [just kidding, really]
 
I tend to view the map issue as two separate problems:
1. High level targetting of grids, requiring only course map detail
2. Highly detailed maps that provide information to get to a specific location

For #1, I tend to look to state maps that have lat/lon indicators. These can be difficult to find but I've noticed that many Rand McNally state roadmaps have lat/lon indicated. Also, I've taken standard roadmaps and drawn lines across them to indicate the grid lines. Aeronautical maps are also useful for this.
 
For #2, I tend to use topo maps or Delorme or similar. I also have an Atlas from Delorme (large printed softcover book) that has topo maps for all of Colorado. Other states are available. Also, in Colorado, US Forest Service maps are very helpful. 
 
Finally, a GPS is the last word on determining what grid I am really in. Good thing the US DOD sought fit to develop this system to support VHF contesting!
 
73,
Bob K0NR

Michael Urich <ka5cvh@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'd like to know what others are doing for maps with lat-lon on them for when you're looking at activating rare / different grids, planning route choices etc.

I was given an 1: 2,500,000 (?), aeronautical chart but it was huge. It also has lat-lon lines on it so I just used a thin marker to make the lines a little bolder. I was able to cut off everything but Texas & Louisiana and it makes for a good size for the vehicle, but each grid is
only about 3"x5". 

I've purchased a couple of 1x2 USGS (1:250,000) which are great because they are exactly one grid in size but a bit large for the vehicle. I've asked some of the map makers if they had ever considered printing 1x2 deg maps on a 1:1,000,000 scale in book form. Of course, I knew the answer before I asked but had to none the less.

Lastly software programs. The ones I've looked at leave a lot to be desired but could be do-able. And of course yes I've made a few from topozone.com but that's undesirable as well.

Any suggestions?

Mike 
http://www.ka5cvh.com/vhf/vhfindex.htm



An

=====
Mike Urich, KA5CVH
http://www.ka5cvh.com
http://www.qsl.net/ka5cvh



--- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts ---
multipart/alternative
  text/plain (text body -- kept)
  text/html
The reason this message is shown is because the post was in HTML
or had an attachment.  Attachments are not allowed.  To learn how
to post in Plain-Text go to: http://www.expita.com/nomime.html  ---