First off I can read a map, Military Training and the days of only having paper maps, but these days paper is for backup only, as GPS systems are so accurate and what they have to offer, such as backtracking, there is no way I would leave home without one!
In the old days the Global Positioning Systems could tell you where you have been via way-points and tracks.
Oh! One could plug in coordinates, but it still was a plot system. I use my laptop with mapping software all the time to locate new spots and then viewing it with Google Maps. If I have something good that I want to venture it is loaded to my Garmin GPS with mapping.
I have updated this POST with new Mapping Software that will enable the Hunter and Outdoors person the freedom to not have to look over your back and wonder if you are hunting public property. Recently I have put new mapping software to my Garmin Map Source on my Laptop and then download to the Micro SD Card that is in the slot on my Garmin Oregon 300.
With this software you will be able to see BLM, State Lands, City Lands, Private Lands and National Forest Lands and Timber Company Lands are also on the software. Being I am in Oregon I went with the OR-PLAT4GPS. It is almost unbelievable what you see. I fee that everyone should have a Garmin that has a color screen, high sensitivity antenna and capabilities to accept a Micro SD Card.
Now the GPS can tell you where you have been, where you want to go and how to get there. It is like looking at a TV and understanding what you have in front of you. With the TOPO maps a GPS it can greatly make you get a gripe on the reality of using the GPS in the field.
If you understand Topo maps, you can identify with the lay of the land. Be able to find the shortest way out using the GPS. These days I can look at a map, have an idea of a place I have heard about or I want to visit. Plug it in, even go to Goggle Maps these days and see an aerial view of the place I want to hunt or have hunted.
Now we have new products that have GMRS and the mapping. If one has a partner with the same like GPS they can pinpoint each other. One has to love technology and what it can do for you. I have had great results with the Garmin Products! It is very easy to get the latest software updates from Garmin for your GPS Unit. You can view some their fine trail products at the following website.
LINK: GARMIN ON THE TRAIL
The Name of the Company is HUNT by on X Maps: HUNT by on X Maps
Just think when you zoom in on this mapping for more detail, you might even find the name of the landowner of the private parcel. This is the greatest piece of mapping software that I have ever seen or had the privliage of using.
Here is a short U Tube from HUNT by on X Maps: Advantages of Mapping
Just the other day up on the Santiam River in Oregon, I wanted to check out an area that I had seen elk a couple of years ago. What I found with new software was that they were in BLM, but next to a timber company. In checking with the timber company allows hunting. I am going to share this information with the waypoints to a customer of mine.
You can always send me an email if you have any further questions: bwanabubba@gmail.com COBRA