Where to buy topo maps cheap ?

[zeroed4x]

Anyone know where you can get 1:24,000 topo maps that are affordable ?

Thanks

[Ken]

http://nationalmap.gov/historical/index.html

[finallyME]

I use this.
http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=39.68...o=f,r&n=1,0.25
It is a mapping website that lets you print out the map you need. It basically puts all the maps together, so you can make a map that would otherwise be the corners of 4 USGS maps. It also does cool stuff like put a UTM grid on it. And, you can set the scale to what you want. The best part is that it is free, other than spending money on printing.

[gryffynklm]

I just started looking at using Us Geological Service maps. Link below

Like the others you can printout for free or purchase maps. The download is in a layered PDF that allows you to customize the map adding or removing map detail to better suit your needs. I don't know if the map links above this post have similar features. I will be checking those out shortly. Using only one map source does not make a preference. Finallyme points out the option of UTM grid. I'll have to see if the one I have been using has that feature.


http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/usgs/...a=%24ROOT)/.do

[Rick]

Don't forget that Google Earth has a topo option. Just Click on Earth Gallery on the left hand menu, select Terrain and Elevation then select Historical Topographic Maps. presto!! Topo maps.

[zeroed4x]

Thanks guys, I was being lazy and wanted to obtain pre-printed water proof maps from somewhere. I found a place that can print out my USGS topos and make them so they will last, UV and water proof. I've found that there is no where inexpensive any more.

[1stimestar]

If it is a local place you are wanting maps for, you might look in your local area. We have a place called Public Lands Information Center that is a wonderful resource.

[finallyME]

Inexpensive is a relative term. Go to REI if you want them to do all the work for you. Just remember that this is similar to almost everything else. The more work you have to do to get it, the cheaper it will be. The less work you have to do for it, and the more work someone else has to do to get you what you want, the more expensive.

[Rick]

Free is pretty inexpensive in my book.

Go to Google Earth and in the left hand menu click on Earth Gallery

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Next, click on Terrain and Elevation

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Next click on Historical Topographic Maps

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And presto....Topo Maps.

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[crashdive123]

I learned sumptin new about Google Earth. Thanks.

[Rick]

I generally print both an earth view and a topo when i go out that way I have a visual of the actual landmarks. Just makes it a bit easier and I don't have to thunk as much. Thunkin' is hard work.

[finallyME]

Rick, I used to use a simple map program like that for a while. I used http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/ . I would center on the area I wanted, and then it would generate a picture file that I could import to powerpoint. I switched to http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.70...o=f,r&n=1,0.25 because with that website, I can overlay the map with the correct UTM grid. It also generates a pdf that I can print directly without having to worry about resizing. The resultant printout is compatible with the scale on my compass. Did I mention that it's free? It will also do a satellite view with the UTM grid overlaid on it.