Topo CD-Rom (question)

[huntfishlive]

Does anyone know of these or have used one, Im thinking of getting it but would like some input.
http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/NationalGeographic/20118.jpg?wid=200&hei=200&qlt=80,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bilin&op_usm=1,0.6,0.4 (http://javascript<b></b>:launchWin('AnotherView','/shopping/product/anotherview.jsp?itemno=20118&viewcount=1',520,555))
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/images/us/global/globalgraphics/spacer01.gif
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/images/us/local/localbuttons/viewlarger_btn.gif (http://javascript<b></b>:launchWin('AnotherView','/shopping/product/anotherview.jsp?itemno=20118&viewcount=1',520,555))



National Geographic Back Roads Explorer CD-ROM
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/images/us/global/globalgraphics/spacer01.gif



Take the road less traveled with our CD-ROM set, and span the terrain stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Functioning as a digital road atlas of the U.S. that allows you to zoom in on regions of interest, it is created from nationwide seamless, USGS topographic maps with an up-to-date overlay of streets and roads. Search for more than a million points of interest, and customize and print photo-quality maps. Plus, now you can view any map in 3-D or do a 3-D fly-through.

GPS-compatible with Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, and Eagle
1:100,000 scale (1:250,000 in Hawaii and Alaska)
18 CD-ROMs
PC and Mac compatible
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/images/us/global/globalgraphics/spacer01.gifhttp://shop.nationalgeographic.com/jump.jsp?itemID=659&itemType=CATEGORY&KickerID=2510&KICKER


http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/images/us/global/globalgraphics/spacer01.gif
Thanks

[mmac1318]

I personally have not used it but one thing that stands out to me is it is in 1:100,000 scale which is pretty basic. if you are looking for a good scouting map you would want something like 1:24,000 scale. If you are just looking for a general idea/layout of the land with roads & 2 tracks you might like it especailly for 30 bucks. Hope this helps.

[huntfishlive]

Could you (or someone) explain the difference between 1:100,000 scale and a 1:24,000 scale, is it that a 1:24,000 scale is more detailed in terrain?
I am looking for a good scouting map (or progam) for a up comming (next fall for mulies) trip. I was hoping to find a program or map that had backroad and two track on it, I'd like to (if possible) only have to keep track on one map instead of multiples.

[mmac1318]

Yes that is correct the larger the scale the less detail in the map. It probably would still show most 2 tracks and some trails even names of canyons and creeks. You just wont be able to find those hidden benches or saddles that you would want to look for while mule deer hunting. It would be fine to start with and then go and buy a topo in 1:24,000 scale of the exact area.
Usually what I do when hunting a new area is buy the state gazeteer(usually in 1:250,000 scale) which will show the BLM lands,state lands federal forest etc. and once I locate a area I am interested in I will look at my mapping software for my Garmin GPS(in 1:100,000 scale) and narrow it down more then I will go to Mytopo.com take those coordinates and order a topo map in 1:24,000 scale. By the time you are done with this you will have a good idea of what the area looks like and you will also have a topo to keep with you in your pack.

[SgtSabre]

1:100,000 scale means things are 100:000 times smaller than in real life. 1:24,000 means the same. It will apear that a 1:24,000 map is a more "blown up" picture than a 1:100,000 scale. Put another way, a smaller scale (lower second number) will make it look like you are closer to the ground. Get it?

Speaking from Marine Corps experience, I can tell you that most NIMA (National Imagery and Mapping Agency) maps that are used for land navigation are 1:50,000 scale. 1:100,000 is kinda big for land nav, but doable. Anything bigger than that is getting too big for good ground detail NIMA JOG-AIR (Joint Operations Graphic-Air) maps for air navigation are 1:250,000 scale.

How big is the area you are hunting? If it's a National Forest, 1:50,000 or 1:100,000 might be alright. If you are hunting a 300 acre farm, you'll be very disappointed with the resolution of even a 1:25,000 map.

Below is a 1:50,000 scale map of the south of Baghdad. Keep in mind that displaying the image on a computer may change the scale some. I can speak from experience, though, and say that this is pretty close to life-size for a 1:50,000 map.

Keep in mind that the orange blob at the top has a population larger than New York City, and Baghdad International Airport (just down from the top, follow line #28 down to find it) has a runway almost a mile long. How big will your hunting area look on this map?
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/baghdad_south_1991.jpg

[huntfishlive]

I just found this for sale does anyone think this a deal?


For sale is my Garmin GPS V and all accessories and mapping software I have for it. The GPS V is a WAAS capable personal navigator that has a 20mb internal memory for storing maps. It's unique feature is that it can either be used in a landscape or portrait mode when you are carrying it. The GPS V is waterproof to 3 meters so it can easily be used in the car, the boat, or on the trail with the right maps loaded into it. Accessories that I have include: computer serial cable for loading maps, automotive dashboard mount, automotive cigarette lighter power cord, and soft neoprene carrying case. Mapping software I am including is the setup CD for MapSource (Garmin's mapping program), City Select v6 full unlock for North America, and the upgrade DVD to v7. I have all original manuals for the GPS and mapping software.

While this is a slightly older unit, it has been used mostly in my car and is almost like it's out of the box in condition. All features, buttons, and backlights work great. Only small use related issue is that the markings for the power/backlight button have slightly rubbed off but is still easily identifiable. This is a great little GPS that has long life from it's 2 AA batteries or can be plugged into the car. Like I said earlier, I am selling everything I have for it. This is a good deal to get a GPS and everything you need for it on the cheap. Pics will come tomorrow, please e-mail me for more information or with any questions you have.

[Diver2]

I have used the National Geographic Topo Michigan program for about seven years now. It is very useful, and will go down in scale to 1:24000. Cost me $100 at Gander Mountain back then, but well worth it. I would not use the product you referred to for scouting purposes. It seems like more of a road map type of product.