Topo and Aerial maps

In my consulting work I have been creating and supplying maps for clients.  Both Topo maps and Aerial photos are so very helpful to hunters and landowners.  With these maps one can determine the boundary locations, area measurements,access ways, streams, ponds and other water, stand locations, and so many other points of interest.

There are a variety of programs and web sites available at a low cost for use in creating maps and photographs.  I personally use MyTopo Terrain Navigator Pro.  I can import GPS way-points, routes, tracks, and a few other positioning details.  MyTopo also provides fairly current aerial photographs.  What makes this so neat is the ability to over-lay GPS datum onto the topo map or the aerial photo or both.  I can print these maps from my home printer or have a large scale map printed by MyTopo for a very low cost.

Terrain Navigator comes in a base addition and the Pro addition.  Pro will cost close to $300 for the original purchase which will include one state and an additional $200 for each state after that.  Pro may be to great a cost for the average hunter.  I use it continuously in my hunting property management work.  Terrain Navigator is a much simpler version at a reduced cost.  For the user who would like to create and save multiple maps for multiple properties, this could be a worthy purchase.  For most hunters though, visiting MyTopo and creating a map on the website for purchase will be the most economical and beneficial investment.  In the range of $50 one can have a 24" x 36" aerial photograph printed and mailed to their home.  These maps can also be printed on water proof paper or laminated.

For the outdoors-man or landowner who wishes to have use of a valuable tool such as a custom aerial photo, the price is well worth it.  I have been happy with MyTopo, but know also that the other web sites offering topo and aerial maps offer quality as well.  Check them out.  You may discover a fun and useful tool to further improve your management abilities.