Map Resources

[Zach Matthews]

Here’s a little post to file away in the reference cabinet.  The following are excellent ways to get maps of the area you wish to fish:

MyTopo.com
(http://www.mytopo.com)

My Topo is a topographical map utility that allows you to select and purchase maps from their online database.  The maps come in three or four scale permutations, which you can choose.  Here’s why I like them:

1) the maps are usually about $15 for a 3×4 waterproof model;
2) you can run their map software over *any number of quadrangles,* thus avoiding the need to splice together multiple GPS quads
3) Their online software allows maps to be saved for reference – and these are full resolution maps!  Thus you can have an electronic and paper copy of the same map.

Google Maps
(maps.google.com)

This is more in the vein of road mapping software.  Unlike MapQuest, Google does not offer route planning (to my knowledge, as yet).  However, Google’s maps are generally much more detailed and easier to use and there is a satellite overlay feature that can be *very handy* if you want to know whether a particular stretch of water still has a shoal on it.

MapQuest
(http://www.mapquest.com)

This is my preferred route-mapping software.  Keep in mind that most of its transit times are estimated at or around the speed limit.  My general rule of thumb has been that if you drive like an ordinary human (i.e. 5mph to 9mph over), and make restroom stops, on most trips the software will still be about right.  

One caveat: MapQuest plans routes through the biggest roads first.  In many cases, local highways will provide quicker access to the places you want to go.

Google Earth
(earth.google.com)

Google Earth is a new engine built around the KeyHole mapping program which Google purchased last year.  It is free for downloading a basic copy, which is quite impressive provided your computer was purchased in the last two years.  You can do flyovers and in most cases the satellite images are more up to date than the Google Maps versions.

National Park Service Maps

First, locate a National Park here:
http://www.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/geosearch.cfm

Next, choose “Plan your Visit” from the menu on the right hand side.
Example:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/pphtml/planyourvisit.html

Finally, look in the left hand column and choose “Maps”
Example: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/pphtml/maps.html

Here are some common maps (in .pdf):

Great Smoky Mountains:
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/grsm/ppMaps/GRSM%5FTrail%20Map%202005%2Epdf

Yellowstone:
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/yell/ppMaps/ACF337B%2Epdf

Yosemite:
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/yose/ppMaps/YOSEpark2003%2Epdf

Grand Teton:
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/grte/ppMaps/ACF18EE%2Epdf

Glacier:
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/glac/ppMaps/glacmap%2Epdf

Grand Canyon:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/onlinemaps/index.htm

Buffalo National River:
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/buff/ppMaps/ACF5567%2Epdf

Tennessee Valley Authority Maps
(http://www.tva.com/sites/sites_ie2.htm)

This site provides a handy utility for locating all the TVA-administered dam sites, which include much of the Southeast.  Additionally, clicking a dam site will give you a readout of power generation, including a reasonably accurate *forecast* of generation.  I have known TVA to be unpredictable, but this is still something you can count on until proven otherwise.

National Geographic/Trails Unlimited Maps
(http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/trails/)

National Geographic (a quasi-government service, remember) has partnered up with a number of National Parks and other recreational areas to issue definitive trail maps.  In most places I have been, these are the “official” maps, including in the National Parks.  Thus, these are a great resource to have.  The opening page of The Itinerant Angler features me looking at a NG/TU map of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Local Electrical Agencies

Remember, in the case of most tailwaters, the trout water wouldn’t exist without a hydroelectric dam.

[brian dunigan]

I love Google Earth – it’s an awesome little toy.

[paulm]

Don’t forget Terraserver.

http://www.terraserver.microsoft.com/

or Microsoft’s new beta mapping product-

http://local.live.com/

[Author]

Posts