224 posts found

From: Get Started Here. :: GeoTiffs

JnL,

Currently TOPO! Explorer does not allow for the conversion of a SQ to a GeoTIFF.

TOPO! SS with Export Pro does have the ability to convert a topo quad to a GeoTIFF.

From: Get Started Here. :: GeoTiffs

Does National Geographic have any software that can convert a SuperQuad to a GeoTIFF?

From: Mountain West :: Montana :: Fishtail Bound

Hi Knight Templar;

Orienteering is great fun!!! Search on line for a club close to you and they will be more than happy to advise you on your navi needs.

IMHO a GPS is diametrically opposed to the philosophy governing orienteering. In brief; most orienteering is done w/o even using compass bearings (precise azimuths). A fast lock compass giving rough direction, a very large scale map (typically 1:10K or so) is all one uses. The rest involves orienting the map and matching land features.

But if I were to recommend one it would NOT be ANY mapping GPS. Unless one has a very specific need (unlikely for orienteering), I strongly recommend either a Garmin Foretrex 101 or a Garmin Etrex w/a high sensitivity receiver. The latter only if one will be navigating mostly in canyons and/or heavily forested backcountry areas. Even so …. an HS receiver is unnecessary. Please keep in mind that until a few years ago GPS systems were basically unavailable and folks did manage to hike everywhere w/o getting lost.

A mapping GPS in the hands of a novice is similar to giving a novice driver an off road vehicle …. when they do get stuck and they will .... they’ll get stuck very, very deep!!!

Side Issue: If we keep purchasing lousy products MFGs will continue to offer us lousy choices. There is not one worthwhile mapping GPS device available today precisely because folks continue to buy the junk they offer us.

FYI: Filling out your profile will be a great help to us when you ask for advice.

Peace,

RIchard.

From: Mountain West :: Montana :: Fishtail Bound

Dear Jim,

A group of us males are getting back into orienteering (I also geocashe).  I'm reading about the Triton unit; is this something we should investigate?  Thanks for the posting.  It sounds like you and your family are having a lot of fun.

Respectfully,

Knight Templar

From: Mountain West :: Montana :: Fishtail Bound

Jim C,

The best way to select a map for export to a Triton unit is as follows ::

1. Adjust the selection box to the size that you think that you want it using levels 2,3 or 4.

2. Then zoom down into one of the more detailed levels, at these levels you can move the box around (it will not resize) to make sure you are getting the area of coverage that you want.

3. If you are not getting enough area go back to the upper levels and increase the selection area. Currently the selection area can only be changed in set increments both east/west & north/south.

4. If you resized the selection are then go back to one of the detailed levels to make sure that you have the area of coverage that you require.

5. Export to your Triton once you are satisfied with the area that you have selected.

I hope this helps.

From: Get Started Here. :: How to read a topographic map.

I haven’t seen any posts related to this topic yet. I know that there are many outdoor enthsiasts that look at a topo map and have no clue how to read it.

Until there is a more in-depth and professional illustration here at topo about this, I have included a link to a simple How-To article.

www.ctxguide.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=260

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Anyone going to Philmont this summer?

Not to Philmont, but ten or so scouts and ASMs from our Troop are going to Northern Tier next week. At some point after you get back from Philmont, reply with some trip highlights.
[NT]http://www.ntier.org/

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Hoh Rain Forest

Ana,

Thanks for the information on Upper & Lower Lena Lakes we will definately check them out. It looks like it is going to be a great weekend to be out on the Olympic Pennisula.

Regarding your question about GPS units. I would stay away from the Delorme Earthmate and would go with either a Garmin or Magellan Triton. When looking at a GPS unit I would go with a color screen and Sirf Star III chipset. A Garmin Legend Cx or HCx unit or the Magellan Triton 400 or higher.

One of the advantages of the Triton units is you would be able to load a true USGS 24k topographic map as well as the Aerial and Hybrid maps from TOPO! State series or TOPO! Explorer.

Let me know if you any other questions.

Cheers,
Jeff C

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Hoh Rain Forest

Jeff -

Just to let you know. My family and I may just run into you on the HOH trail this weekend, if not we will be out there on Monday the 7th to enjoy the Emerald Forest. The Olympic National Park will not allow you to bring dogs into the park but the Olympic National Forest will, there are some great hikes with dogs in the ONF. A must is Lower Lena Lake… you just can not go to Upper Lena Lake with your furry friend because you cross the ONP line. :)

To pick your brain: My husband and I have been pricing and comparing GPS systems recently and we are stuck between the Earthmate GPS and the Garmin eTrex Legend. I read your profile and thought who else to advise us on the best buy. We will be using the system mostly for long hikes and typical city navigation. :) If you get this before your hike… Enjoy and we may just run into each other.

Ana Bates and Family

From: Mountain West :: Montana :: Fishtail Bound

I was just in Montana, but not in the Absrokee, but in the Tobacco Roots. It is a great time of year to be hiking. We did several hikes and some hot springs soaking.

My Triton 500 still did not have the super quads, they were not available the day I left. Now I have them loaded and wish I was there again!

I was having trouble understanding how to adjust the boundaries of the maps. I could move them around but not change the size. So I missed some of the Quad. but loaded it anyway. I have read the toutorial and in level 2,3,4 it is just too small to size up the selection, it seems. I’ll try again.

From: Geocaching, Letterboxing, and Orienteering :: Nat Geo Maps NavPro Exam

Congratulations to our first 2 National Geographic NavPro’s – Busby & Grasscatcher.

From: Get Started Here. :: Nat Geo Maps NavPro Exam

Congratulations to our first 2 National Geographic NavPro’s, Busby & Grasscatcher.

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Channel Island Hikes

The best place to start looking is at Island Packers http://www.islandpackers.com/
They are the official concessionaire gateway to the Channel Islands. They provide boat shuttle service between Ventura Harbor and the islands. Landing/camping permits and fees to go ashore are included with your shuttle ticket. They can also give you infomation about kayak rentals on Santa Cruz island during the summer months. Or you can also arrange for them to transport your own kayak. They also can give you info about maps and points of interest.

The most awesome thing that I have experienced in my visits to the Channel Island is the sensation of total isolation from civilization.

From: Pacific Coast :: Tioga Pass (Mt. Conness) Trip in August

I just posted my first trip to the site and can report that TEX performed admirably. I only wish creating trips were a bit more intuitive. I am sure the kinks will be worked in time.

This will be my first time in the Yosemite backcountry so if you have feedback on my route please send it my way.

From: Geocaching, Letterboxing, and Orienteering :: Nat Geo Maps NavPro Exam

Oly Hiker,

If you are willing to live with out a quality map on your GPS unit, and always take a paper map & compass with you, I would recommend the Garmin 60CSx unit. I own one and love the fact that it has a Sirf Star III high sensitivity low power consumption chipset. I would also recommend any of the etrex HC units.

If you are willing to wait alittle while, Magellan is going to make the Tritons MAC compatable, then I would consider a Triton unit where you would be able to transfer a NG Maps 24k customized map image.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
Jeff C

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Hoh Rain Forest

Oly Hiker,

Thanks for the information. I am headed up to the Forks area for the 4th and will do some poking around the Hoh. I have been thinking about that as a destination with a couple of side hikes.

Thanks again,
Jeff C

From: Mountain Biking :: Paha Sapa Trail

The Paha Sapa Trail runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota just south of the Needles Highway near Custer.

It is currently being logged out and there are no contemporary maps that indicate the trail.

I am attempting to recreate the trail by memory using Topo Explorer and I already have it posted. The only problem is that since it is from memory, I know that it is not that accurate.

If anybody has an old map of the trail or knows better where the trail runs, please either contact me or check out the trip posting on the explorer map.

Thanks!

From: Geocaching, Letterboxing, and Orienteering :: Nat Geo Maps NavPro Exam

Hey Jeff

As a National Geographic Maps pro and GPS pro and you recommend a good GPS unit for use with both the TOPO state series and a Mac. My Mac is a couple of years old now and I can’t run Windows on it so I think the Magellans are out.

Thanks

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Hoh Rain Forest

Jeff

I spent part of one summer as a backcountry ranger in the Hoh. I would suggest heading up to Olympic Guard Station (OGS). Its a 9 mile hike in, but follows the Hoh River and only gains about 500 ft of elevation. If you have a couple of nights you can head up to Hoh lake from OGS its a strenous 10 mile round trip up to high divide. You can continue heading up to Glacier Meadows up at Mt. Olympus. From there you can get an up close and personal look at the Blue Glacier.

And no, you can’t take Dogs with you. This area is located in the Olympic National Park, and as with all other national parks, dogs are not allowed in the back country.

From: Northeast :: Connecticut :: Adventures

It looks as though I will be able to start uploading the hundreds of miles worth of adventure trips shortly after TEX version 1.0.4 (once the route description glitches get fixed).

From: Geocaching, Letterboxing, and Orienteering :: Nat Geo Maps NavPro Exam

Are you a mapping expert? GPS guru? Put your skills to the test by completing our National Geographic NavPro exam. As a NatGeo NavPro, you will be an ambassador of our products and brand, as well as an evangelist for the importance of navigation to others who participate in any outdoor travel. There are perks for you, too.

If you get 100% correct you will get a free TOPO! State product activated in your TOPO! Explorer account.

Download our NavPro Exam

From: Get Started Here. :: Nat Geo Maps NavPro Exam

Are you a mapping expert? GPS guru? Put your skills to the test by completing our National Geographic NavPro exam. As a NatGeo NavPro, you will be an ambassador of our products and brand, as well as an evangelist for the importance of navigation to others who participate in any outdoor travel. There are perks for you, too.

If you get 100% correct you will get a free TOPO! State product activated in your TOPO! Explorer account.

Download our NavPro Exam

From: Get Started Here. :: - TOPO! Explorer :: Photo Contest! -

Reminder, be sure and enter the first TOPO! Explorer :: Photo Contest! For more info visit: http://www.topo.com/forums/29/topics/843

From: Mountain Biking :: Utah Mountain Biking

I am new to Utah and looking for trails to ride…..does anyone have GPS marks of the trails? I am starting my own colection of trails that i marked out and am willing to share with anyone

From: Hiking and Backpacking :: Channel Island Hikes

I am looking for some Points for different Hiking trails in the park. Also some Kayaking points of interest that someone can point out. Thanks