Maps and orienteering

[Guest Astra900]

Google earth is a good place to see some really up close views of your area. Print them out and there you go!

Anyone know any good books or sites to brush up on some map reading skills? I got the basics, I remember from the BSA.

Without spending a fortune on some overpriced tritium BS, anyone have any suggestions of a good brand of map compass. Sorry, but the one in the pommel of our survival knives won't cut it:D

If you don't {like me} have a GOOD map of your area and compass AND the ability to read it correctly, this might be something you want to look into. I know I am. Just because you grew up in an area, and know it well, doesn't mean you couldn't benefit from a good topo-map. Especially if you are going to bug IN instead of bug out. Just my , which at the current rate of exchange, is worth about 1.5 pesos.

[Guest dwrd]

From what I remember from Scouts, Silva was a good brand to go with. You might check out some of these.

http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/default.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&C2=CAMPING&C3=COMPASS&C4=&LV=3

I still have my compass from Boy Scouts. I leave it in my jeep, just in case. I do need to go and brush up, as it has been quite a while since I used those skills.

[BrasilNuts]

These are great maps, http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1558695 they are pretty detailed and show everything down to foot paths. They are available for every state and you can pick them up in Walmart. The only problem is that they are kind of long and wide. They are thin and light though and slip into a back pack easily.

[Mike]

Google earth is a good place to see some really up close views of your area. Print them out and there you go!

Got to looking at some google earth maps...

[Guest coldblackwind]

I've got one like brasilnuts is linking too, its a pretty good map. You could probably get one with a closer view off googlemaps though, its pretty zoomed out, especially if you plan to be on foot.

[Guest pjblurton]

I am still active in scouting as an adult leader. Map orientation is something that I'm really big on. Kids really need to know this stuff. Not just map orientation but topography, declination, map symbols, colors and thier meanings.

I keep a map book of Tennessee (Same as BrazilNuts) but its fairly high level but it is topographic at least. I would love to have one of the surrounding three counties that was VERY detailed.

I still use the old school Silva compass' too!

[BrasilNuts]

Try this link http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod/ they have everything you could ever want. We used to get aerial photos and topo maps from them of the areas that we wanted to hunt.

[Guest flyfishtn]

There are a ton of good map sites on the internet and a lot good orienteering info as well.

My choice of compass is: http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=71

[TNFlyer]

I like using this guy he is very knowledgeable and usually has what I need.

Map Sales & Service

1100 Lebanon Pike Ste 103

Nashville, TN 37210-3007

Phone: (615) 242-3388

[Guest Astra900]

These are great maps, http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1558695 they are pretty detailed and show everything down to foot paths. They are available for every state and you can pick them up in Walmart. The only problem is that they are kind of long and wide. They are thin and light though and slip into a back pack easily.

I ordered that online YESTERDAY, because it's an online only thing. I just got it TODAY! That's impressive, even for the power of China Mart.

I've only given it a cursory glance, but it looks very good. It was worth the money for sure.

[Guest flyfishtn]

I ordered that online YESTERDAY, because it's an online only thing. I just got it TODAY! That's impressive, even for the power of China Mart.

I've only given it a cursory glance, but it looks very good. It was worth the money for sure.

I have and use a Gazateer for most of the states that I fish in. Indispensable.

[Guest REDDOG79]

Silva is not the compass you want to buy. The old Silvas were made by Brunton and when Brunton wanted to market their own compasses the company that owned the rights to the Silva name in the US would not give it back to Brunton.

So buy a Brunton it is the same as the old Silvas

The new Silvas are not the same quality as the old ones

[res308]

Good to know that cause I was looking around for another Silva. Now where to find a good Brunton at a good price cuz that one in the link above, while being something I would love to have, it was too spensive!

Edited February 20, 2009 by res308

[Moped]

I think the best compasses are military issue. I've never had a problem with the old lensatic compass. it always got me where I needed to go. The one problem with them is they are a tad bit expensive.

[Guest SUNTZU]

Silva is not the compass you want to buy. The old Silvas were made by Brunton and when Brunton wanted to market their own compasses the company that owned the rights to the Silva name in the US would not give it back to Brunton.

So buy a Brunton it is the same as the old Silvas

The new Silvas are not the same quality as the old ones

You are correct, sir!

[Titansfan]

Tennessee Delorme map is very useful. Being a geocacher, I have topo maps loaded onto my Garmin 60csx. GPS is the way to go for me.