OAUSA Net - June 2, 2022 - Overlanding Navigation GPS Tools

[DaveK]

Overlanding Navigation GPS Tools

Our net this week will be a review of the various techniques our members use for wilderness navigation. Join Phil, W6PET, as he "navigates" through the different ways we use to explore the outback, and get back home safely.

Here is Phil's outline for the net:

1. What Hardware are you using? ie: laptop, tablet, dedicated GPS device like Garmin Overlander or Montana, etc.

2. How is your hardware mounted? ie: Pictures

3: If laptop or tablet, what software package are you using? ie: onX, Gaia, USGS Topo, etc.

4. If dedicated GPS device (like Overlander), give a brief explanation of operation.

5. What do you like about it?

6. What don’t you like about it?

7. How do you create a route? ie: programs online website, on device it’s self. From other websites.

8. What do you use as a backup or redundant device in case it fails? ie: hard copy maps, another device, cell phone, etc.

9: Additional thoughts?

[NotAMog]

Beeline Moto

https://global.beeline.co/pages/beeline-moto

Unfortunately, due to an ongoing scheduling conflict I can't participate with the net in person but I wanted to put up a post on a unique navigation device called the Beeline Moto. It's aimed primarily for motorcycles but there may be used cases when it would address navigation in 4 wheeled vehicles as well.

It originally started out as a kickstarter effort in the U.K. as a navigation device for bicycles called the Beeline Velo. The device got enough backing to make it into production. They found that many of the devices were being purchased for use on motorcycles so they came up with an more robust version called the Beeline Moto.

It's actually more of a secondary display device since it does not contain it's own GPS receiver or map storage but instead utilizes those functions from a bluetooth connected smartphone. The idea is to provide the minimum amount of information needed for navigation so the rider doesn't have to take their eyes off the road for too long and to avoid information overload. The movement of the items on the display is exceptionally smooth making it feel like an analog instrument.

Your destination is set through the companion application on your smartphone. One feature I liked about this device is that it has the capability to import GPX files. Therefore you can use any navigation program that can output GPX to set an arbitrarily complex route and import it into the Beeline app or use GPX files found on the Internet.

There are two navigation modes. The first is a normal turn by turn map based route to your destination. The other mode shows you the direction and straight line distance to your destination allowing you to pick out your own route along the way. This idea behind this is to make it more interesting by exploring roads you may not otherwise traverse.

The device can be set for metric or imperial measurement units.

So far I've been using the Beeline Moto for rides where I already know the route to get used to its functionality. I've been very happy with it's operation and am sure it will come in handy the first time I use it on a long trip through a new area.

GPS Devices - 1.jpg (351.43 KiB) Viewed 681 times

The Beeline Moto is the round device to the right of the screen and key. The large V shaped arrow indicates the direction you should be traveling while the white dot indicates the direction of the next turn. The number display is the distance until the next turn. The dashed lines around the edge show your relative trip distance. One feature I like on it compared to other navigation devices is that the V shaped arrow begins to turn in the direction of your next turn as you approach it. I find this more natural than a turn indicator that only gives you distance and direction of the next turn. Maybe it's just that I'm a poor judge of distance and find the relative position of the arrow to be more natural.

The device has a transflective display so it's very readable in direct sun. The picture above was take in direct sunlight and you can see that the Beeline display is very legible while the TFT display on the motorcycle is somewhat washed out.

GPS Devices - 6.jpg (210.86 KiB) Viewed 681 times

The display also includes an automatic backlight so that it' still legible at night.

GPS Devices - 2.jpg (261.64 KiB) Viewed 681 times

The device has multiple display modes which may be scrolled through by pushing the buttons on either side of the display.

In addition to the navigation display it also has a speed display which is very useful on some motorcycles with notoriously inaccurate speedometers. I have two bikes, the Energica and the ST1100, which both read about 10% fast. It's nice to be able to see your exact speed.

GPS Devices - 3.jpg (287 KiB) Viewed 681 times

The next display is the distance to your destination and trip distance covered.

GPS Devices - 4.jpg (242.18 KiB) Viewed 681 times

The following display is time of day and trip time.

GPS Devices - 5.jpg (272.35 KiB) Viewed 681 times

The final display shows the battery state of charge for your smartphone and for the Beeline Moto.

[Voodoo Blue 57]

Some of the new devices on the market.

Garmin Tread XL Overland Edition

garmin-garmin-tread-xl-overland-edition-offroad-31272402124973_2000x.jpg (17.36 KiB) Viewed 673 times

The Tread is designed for "Side by Sides" but it can be used for overloading and off-road navigation.

The Tread comes in 3 sizes.

5.5 inch for $599.99. An 8 inch for $1299.99, and a 10 inch for $1499.99.

Highlights:

1. Navigate unpaved roads and trails by using turn-by-turn trail navigation with OpenStreetMap (OSM) and USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps.
2.Custom routing for the size and weight of your rig2 and preloaded iOverlander™ points of interest (POIs) help you find where to set up camp.
3.This rugged navigator is IP67 weather-resistant and has an 10” ultrabright touchscreen display.
4. See vivid aerial views of terrain with downloadable, subscription-free BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
5. Use the Tread® app on your compatible smartphone to sync data across your various devices and plan routes.
6. Peace of mind comes built-in. With an active subscription, you can use inReach® technology for global satellite communication.
7. Tread includes preloaded topographic maps with 3D terrain for North and South America. It also includes detailed street maps of North America with custom routing for the size and weight of your rig.

Garmin Overlander

Garmin Overland.jpeg (1.34 MiB) Viewed 673 times

Overland as the name states is designed for overloading and comes in one size and it's priced at $699.99.

Highlights:

1. Get the lay of the land with topographic maps for North and South America.
2. Get spoken directions to the nearest coffee shop with street maps for North and South America.
3. Share the plans for adventure through Garmin Explore. From your laptop to your phone to your friends.
4. Comes with a powered magnetic mount and an adapter with AMPS plate compatible with RAM mounts. It’s not going anywhere.
5. Search for the nearest inspiration point while you’re in the middle of nowhere.
6. Need to bring your own satellite imagery? How does 64 GB of built-in storage sound?
7. Overlander is preloaded with iOverlander POIs and Ultimate Public Campgrounds, so you don’t need a cell signal to route to the best-established, wild and dispersed campsites.
8. Overlander features topographic maps, including public land boundaries, 4x4 roads, forest service roads, waterways, trails and other land use data.


Magellan TRX7 Trail and Street GPS Navigator

Magellan TRX7.jpg (61.76 KiB) Viewed 671 times

Magellan TRX7 is priced at $629.99.

Highlights:

1. Turn-by-Turn Trail and Street Navigation
2. Built-in 8MP Camera with LED Flash
3. Optional Gauge Overlay or Time-Lapse Modes for Adventure Video
4. Pre-loaded with over 160,000 4WD, ATV, Motorcycle, and Snowmobile Trails in the USA
6. Hi-res (10M) 2D Topo and 3D Basemap of the USA and Canada with Free Updates
7. Track Recording and Community Publishing, Crowdsourced Track Database, and One-Touch Social Sharing
8. Waterproof, Dustproof, Drop- and Shock-Resistant
9. Free Map and Software Updates

Garmin has upgraded some of their handhelds to include inReach satellite communications.

Garmin GPSMap 66i

Garmin GPSMap 66i.jpeg (26.48 KiB) Viewed 671 times

The Garmin GPSMap 66 is on sale for $449.99

Highlights:

1. Know the terrain before you’re in it, with preloaded TopoActive maps of the U.S. and Canada.
2. Get maps as pretty as a picture and just as detailed —without a subscription.
3. Stay out there longer with up to 35 hours of battery life in tracking mode and up to 200 hours in Expedition mode.
4. Need assistance? Send interactive SOS alerts anytime, globally.
5. No matter where you are, two-way messaging lets you connect to the ones who matter.
6. Let loved ones know precisely where you’re roaming with location tracking and sharing.

Garmin Montana 700i

Garmin Montana 700.jpg (64.78 KiB) Viewed 671 times

Highlights:

1. Big news. A full QWERTY keyboard lets you easily type messages.
2. Wander wider and still stay in touch — with inReach for messaging and 24/7 SOS.
3. Routable topographic maps? Check. Now you’re free to take it off-road or on.
4. Built like a tank. Meets MIL-STD 810 for thermal, shock, water and vibration.
5. Get the clear perspective of BirdsEye Satellite Imagery right to your device.
6. Power your adventures with 18+ hours of lithium-ion battery life in GPS mode.
7. Exchange text messages with loved ones, post to social media, or communicate via inReach device to inReach device in the field (active satellite subscription required).
8. To navigate your adventures, use preloaded topographical maps for the U.S. and Canada. View terrain contours, elevations, coastlines, rivers, landmarks and more.

[Voodoo Blue 57]

I know we have discussed GPS navigation devices and wilderness navigation before, but this time I want to focus on the different tools we all use, our hardware, software, our likes and dislikes, etc.

I'm also hoping that some of our listens will jump in and review their custom solutions using the following format below as close as possible.

I'm also hoping that there are some of our listeners that are using some of the newer products like: Garmin Thread or Garmin Overland, Magellan TX7, or any another device/s I failed to list.

It’s ok to have duplicates. Everyone has an opinion of their solution.

So if I can ask for your help by posting your solutions on the Net Preview I’d appreciate it.

Questions

1. What Hardware are you using? ie: laptop, tablet, dedicated GPS device like Garmin Overlander or Montana, etc.

2. How is your hardware mounted? ie: Pictures

3: If laptop or tablet, what software package are you using? ie: onX, Gaia, USGS Topo, etc.

4. If dedicated GPS device (like Overlander), give a brief explanation of operation.

5. What do you like about it?

6. What don’t you like about it?

7. How do you create a route? ie: programs online website, on device it’s self. From other websites.

8. What do you use as a backup or redundant device in case it fails? ie: hard copy maps, another device, cell phone, etc.

9: Additional thoughts?

[Voodoo Blue 57]

My Navigation Solution.

1. What Hardware are you using? ie: laptop, tablet, dedicated GPS device like Garmin Overlander or Montana, etc.

I use an Apple iPad as my main navigation device. Since my iPad did not come with a built in GPS, I elected to use an external Dual GPS receiver that connects to the iPad via bluetooth.

2. How is your hardware mounted? ie: Pictures

My iPad is mounted to a Ram mount that is attached to the dash.

My Duel GPS receiver is attached to the dash using Hook-and-Loop and located in the center of the dash. I chose Duel because it is recommend for pilots and I figured if it could track planes then surely it could track my truck.

Here is the setup inside my FJ.

View from Driver seat. Garmin Oregon is above the mic holder.

Dash View 1.jpg (1.9 MiB) Viewed 626 times

Here is a view from above of my setup. You can see my Duel GPS receiver behind the gages below the window.

Dash View Above.jpg (2.12 MiB) Viewed 626 times

View behind the iPad showing how it's mounted. My inReach is attached to the A column with hook-and-loop and is visible pasted the steering wheel.

Dash View Back.jpg (2.2 MiB) Viewed 626 times

3: If laptop or tablet, what software package are you using? ie: onX, Gaia, USGS Topo, etc.


Currently I'm running the GAIA application on the iPad. But I just purchased onX which I will be transition to.

4. If dedicated GPS device (like Overlander), give a brief explanation of operation.

N/A

5. What do you like about it?

GAIA includes some of the most robust list of maps that you can overlay on the apps screen like Gaia Topo, Open Street, Gaia Winter, National Park Visitor, USFS Visitor, Satellite Topo, Satellite with Lables, and hunting overlays for Deer, Elk, etc for most states.

6. What don’t you like about it?

Gaia like all the other app based applications requires you to download your maps for offline use (out of cell/network range). Sometimes it takes several attempts to get a map to download completely. I have one map that I've given up on downloading because it keeps erring out. Several years ago I ended up missing some maps because they failed to download correctly and I didn't catch the error.

Another nice feature is Trails Offroad can download off-road tracks directly to Gaia.

7. How do you create a route? ie: programs online website, on device it’s self. From other websites.

Currently I use the Gaia online portal to research my trips and build my routes. I also use other online sites, like Trails Offroad to research and input routs and way points into Gaia.

8. What do you use as a backup or redundant device in case it fails? ie: hard copy maps, another device, cell phone, etc.

I have a Garmin Oregon that i use as a backup for my iPad and Gaia. After I finalize a route or track I export the information and then input it into the Oregon using Garmin's Basecamp desktop application.

I also use the Oregon for hiking.

9: Additional thoughts?

I have an inReach Explorer that can be used as an emergancy communication device. And, I can send and receive texts on the inReach even when we are out of cell coverage. You can also use the inReach as another backup device but I don't have it setup for that.

[KK6DYO]

Questions:

1. What Hardware are you using? ie: laptop, tablet, dedicated GPS device like Garmin Overlander or Montana, etc.

I use an Apple iPad Pro 11-inch and iPhone 12 Pro Max, with a Garmin Oregon stashed as a backup.


2. How is your hardware mounted? ie: Pictures

Dashboard setup.  Radio, old Android phone for APRS mapping, old Garmin GPS to provide location data to radio, iPhone (navigating on-road and easy off-road plus musical entertainment via Bluetooth to FM radio transmitter), iPad (if needed, navigating for more difficult off-road).  In a pinch, both the Android phone and Garmin GPS could be used for navigation.  

BTW, under the dash is a Mobilinkd Bluetooth TNC for interfacing the radio to the Android phone via Bluetooth, which is a second APRS system that I use only if I want APRS mapping on the Android phone.

8E663D86-8477-463A-BF63-38430B01D341.jpeg (127.67 KiB) Viewed 654 times

Mounting system using RAM products but using stainless pipe for more rigidity. (RAM used a PVC tube.) Mounted to base of seat mechanism on DIY welded bracket. Still wobbles a bit off-road due to the RAM rubber-coated ball joints. 

BA1C122E-A4DB-42DA-A879-6C79CDE5AB36.jpeg (90.93 KiB) Viewed 654 times

3: If laptop or tablet, what software package are you using? ie: onX, Gaia, USGS Topo, etc.

I use onX Offroad, Gaia, Topo Maps+, onX Hunt, Avenza Maps, and Google Maps roughly in that order, though Google Maps for on-road when there’s cell service. Different apps provide different maps with different details. When going to a new area, I’ll check a number of apps’ maps for points of interest, marking these as waypoints, then exporting to a GPX file. I’ll collect these via importing into one larger GPX file.


4. If dedicated GPS device (like Overlander), give a brief explanation of operation.

I do have a Garmin Oregon stashed if all other devices fail. The resolution isn’t very good compared to the iDevices.


5. What do you like about it?

I prefer satellite topographic maps, so the onX map products are a natural for me, but onX Offroad is not very good for planning, requiring me to jump to a PC and use the onX website, and even then is kind of clunky.  Also onX’s requirement to download detailed maps in 5x5 mile section by section by section is a time-consuming pain. The only map types provided are a satellite map, their proprietary topo map, and a hybrid of the two. Still, they are adequate for my navigation use. onX Hunt shows property ownership.

Gaia GPS is way better for planning, in large part because it already “knows about” virtually all off-road trails.  I like Gaia for its routable Gaia Topo maps and National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps which point out interesting locations within more popular areas.  Downloads are easy, though in the past don’t reliably complete, sometimes leaving you without offline maps.  Don’t know if this is truly fixed as I rely on onX while off-road. Gaia also provides USGS Topo, US Forest Service, and many other formats. Can also show property ownership.

I like Topo Maps+ for its very clear and detailed “Natural Atlas” and detailed “MapBox Satellite” maps. USGS Topo maps are also available. Can also show property ownership.

I mainly use Avenza Maps if there is an available Tom Harrison map of an area. The US Forest Service recommends Avenza for electronic versions of their fairly high quality maps. Many maps must be purchased through the app, but can never be exported. Some maps are poor scans of paper maps, and it may be difficult to tell by looking at the map preview.

So, I generally collect waypoints from various apps, plan the route using Gaia GPS, then export the GPX file to onX Offroad for offline, off-road navigation use.  


6. What don’t you like about it?

Covered above. 


7. How do you create a route? ie: programs online website, on device it’s self. From other websites.

This is quite easy in Gaia GPS within the app using an Apple Pencil to point out incremental destinations with its automatic routing to create routes.  I also mark points of interest found on various Gaia map types as waypoints to be included with routes in an exported GPX file.

Often I’ll get a preliminary route from other people in a GPX file, import into Gaia, and clean this up.  I will sometimes use TopoFusion to simplify exported GPX files as this PC application can remove superfluous points or too much track / route detail resulting in a much smaller file with little loss of necessary detail.


8. What do you use as a backup or redundant device in case it fails? ie: hard copy maps, another device, cell phone, etc.

Have the two iDevices, both loaded with offline maps, plus the Garmin Oregon (loaded with continental U.S. maps) if the iDevices fail, plus the old Android phone for APRS (southwest topographic maps by state) and an old Garmin that could be used in a pinch (also continental U.S. maps).  I’d be screwed if subject to EMP, but then the vehicle probably wouldn’t be working either. I rarely bring a paper map, just a compass.  


9: Additional thoughts?

I think I’ve expressed everything above, though feel free to ask questions. 

[DaveK]

Wilderness Navigation

I've posted numerous times about the equipment that I use for navigation in various remote locations. Without going into these details, I will only offer a link to the two most current Wilderness Navigation nets:

• viewtopic.php?f=70&t=4339&hilit=wildern ... ion#p35547

• viewtopic.php?f=70&t=3952&hilit=wildern ... ion#p31368

For this net, I want to only mention an upgrade to my navigation set-up, and the reason why I rely exclusively on USGS Topo maps for computer navigation.

UPGRADE

The navigation set-up on which I rely, both now and for at least the past 18 years, was the product of a great deal of research and effort, including seeking the opinions of other outback explorers, multiple magazine articles, and a whole bunch of trial and error. Once I worked out all the bugs, streamlined the equipment, and tested it out on multiple trips, I have stuck to the final product and have changed nothing. That is until now.

There are two electronic devices that are at the heart of my set-up - the computer and the GPS. The computer is as perfect as I could want -a ruggedized laptop by Getac. Drop it, drown it, cover it in dust, shake it endlessly, but it keeps on ticking. The GPS, a Garmin 276C, is entirely capable of still performing flawlessly, even though it is probably coming up on its 18th birthday. It just won't quit. Fortunately, batteries are still available, and even though Garmin has discontinued support for it, I was lucky enough to find a place that will still repair and refurbish this GPS.

While reliability and performance have been the reasons why it has be a part of the team for so long, I will admit that when Garmin discontinued this model many years ago, I have not seen anything that could replace it, at least for me. Until now!!! To Garmin's great credit, they listened to the avalanche of requests to return the model to production. The new GPS is clearly an upgrade of the original 276C, right down to the name - the 276CX (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/539722#overview). It bears a solid resemblance to the original, but a little bigger, with a host of upgrades, maps, storage, and features. I couldn't say no.

Here is what they say;

Wherever your travels may take you, the 276Cx by Garmin is a great solution. Compatible with multiple mapping tools, such as Garmin TOPO and 24K topo maps for driving or navigating off-road; Garmin Bluechart G3 mapping for coastal water use, and City Navigator mapping for use as a daily navigational device. This GPSMAP unit can handle it all! Also available for the GPSMAP 276 Cx are different mounting options to take on the boat, vehicle, or handlebar use on a bicycle or motorcycle. Power your device with a rechargeable power pack or AA batteries, the choice is yours.

Aside from being the successor to one of my favorite GPS devices, the specs clinched the deal. They are too numerous to list on this net preview, but they can be found here: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/539722#specs

There is one other feature of the 276CX that is consistent with my philosophy of redundancy. This GPS, while it is part of my vehicle wilderness navigation set-up, it also can pull double duty as a hand held navigation tool for hiking and other "on foot" excursions. It is one of three GPS units I carry in the vehicle

Original Garmin 276C

GPS Screen.JPG (84.7 KiB) Viewed 636 times

Garmin 276CX

276CX.jpg (33.37 KiB) Viewed 636 times

USGS TOPO MAPS FOR COMPUTER NAVIGATION

The continually evolving field of electronic navigation is nothing short of amazing. While navigating in the wilderness has changed significantly, there is one thing that has not changed - the need for paper maps. Although paper maps are not as prevalent as in the past, they are an indispensable back-up to your electronic tools, and they can serve as a valuable supplement to the new digital age methods of navigation. In the wilderness, there are some absolutes that the wise and prepared traveler needs to acknowledge. Among these absolutes, especially when it comes to the new-fangled electronic tools we use for navigation, is the recognition that ALL mechanical and electronic devices will break, sooner or later. The other absolute is that you will never know when. This is why paper maps should always accompany you in the outback, especially when you are new to the area. You can file this under the heading of redundancy or back-up.

To the extent that you are shopping for a computer mapping program, you should consider having one that uses the original USGS Topo maps.
So, it's probably best to get the following out now: For almost all purposes, there is no equal to the original USGS Topo maps. And, before anyone bristles at this statement, consider the following:

• The United States Geologic Survey was undertaken at the expense of the United States Government. No corporation on earth has, or had, the resources of the government. The need to map the country was not a whim or a project that was limited in time. The intent was to do what was necessary to provide us with the most accurate maps possible. The project lasted for nearly 5 decades.

• These maps not only included an accurate representation of the land, but were, perhaps just as importantly, a report of the many artifacts found on the land. To some extent, you might say that the maps reflect a slice of history of the land as it existed at the time of the survey. These artifacts include mines, springs, airstrips, corrals, wells, water tanks, windmills, certain structures, and many more. The only way to identify these artifacts was to do what the USGS now calls, "field verification, the translation of which means that people had to actually visit the land to "verify" the existence of the artifact. These days, NO ONE, not the government, not Google, not National Geographic, and not your favorite mapping company, will under take the task to field verify their maps like the USGS originally did. No one!!!!!

• All USGS Topo maps are available, free of charge.

• Probably the most significant acknowledgement of the current value and continuing accuracy of USGS Topo maps, is the fact that just about every map maker today relies on the work of the USGS, and they incorporate this work into their maps. Nuff said!

There are some caveats of which wilderness travelers should be aware. It seems that some map companies have taken it upon themselves to "cleanse" their maps (and computer mapping programs), perhaps for political reasons, by removing what they deem to be unnecessary trails or artifacts. And, this does not even take into account other map makers, that for different reasons, just don't put every known road or artifact on their maps that are contained on USGS Topo maps. So then, a word to the wise. Don't be afraid to use more than one computer mapping program.

TRAVELER TIP: Take your favorite map and highlight your planned trip, and give this to family or friends.

[toms]

As Dave said it is becoming hard to purchase paper USGS maps at your local sporting goods store.
However, you can purchase 71/2- minute maps from the USGS. The process is easy.

https://store.usgs.gov/map-locator
Zoom in and double click the map you want
You can order a printed map for $15 and wait for it to be mailed or
Down load to a pdf for free and have Office Depot (or equivalent) print it out.
The cost will be about double but you can get it all done in the same day.



1. What Hardware are you using? ie: laptop, tablet, dedicated GPS device like Garmin Overlander or Montana, etc.
Garman Montana interfaced at home with a laptop.

2. How is your hardware mounted? ie: Pictures
Suction cup supplied by Garmin with built in speaker. Power supplied via Anderson power poles to 12V socket so I can move it to another vehicle if necessary.

3: If laptop or tablet, what software package are you using? ie: onX, Gaia, USGS Topo, etc.
Use the old Mapsource on the lap top to save, download, store, design tracks.

4. If dedicated GPS device (like Overlander), give a brief explanation of operation.
N/A

5. What do you like about it?
Simple – old school
Can upload and down load all tracks, routes and waypoints at the same time.
Can store all prior tracks and waypoints in files and build new tracks by cutting and joining old ones to produce a new trip plan.

6. What don’t you like about it?
Garmin sell 4 states per download/ SD card. You can only have one map on the SD card that it recognizes. Using Base Camp, you could build a map set that covers your trip when it crosses the State organization from Garmin. It is easier to have two SD card and swap them but limits use of long distant automatic routing.

7. How do you create a route? ie: programs online website, on device it’s self. From other websites.
Generally, I trace the route using Track Draw Tool with the scale set at 300 feet. Once I travel the route, I replace it with the actual. I have googled a trail and found a route.
Sometimes, I scout using a paper map counting cross roads, matching the shape of the current tract on the GPS to the shape of the road on the map, etc. It can be a lot of fun but expect hitting a lot of dead ends. When I get home, I cleanup the tracks, delete bad section, join piece meal tracks, connect gaps with the draw tool, etc.

8. What do you use as a backup or redundant device in case it fails? ie: hard copy maps, another device, cell phone, etc.
I load two Garmin Montana GPS’s with the current planned tracks. One is back up. I have a Garmin Oregon as deep back up. Then I take BLM Surface level maps (1:100,000) for the entire area, CTCU (California Trail Users Coalition),
The related National Forest Map (1:126,720), and MUVM (Motor Vehicle Users Map).


9: Additional thoughts?

[KK6DYO]

Note: The USGS Topo maps, while providing great detail, are sometimes dated. (No doubt true for any map which represent a particular point in time.) For example, some areas have been reclassified as wilderness, so some roads shown on USGS Topo maps are either gated, blocked, or illegal to use.


For example, this is a USGS Topo view of the area to the east of Monache Mountain. It appears to be interlaced with various 4WD trails.

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This shows the same map portion with a US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) overlay. You can see that some of the roads stop abruptly.

AF50ECBF-60F0-46E9-BDA3-D8F9B74BC15B.jpeg (1.37 MiB) Viewed 602 times

This updated USGS Topo version shows the Wilderness Boundary that stops legal travel on existing roads. The roads may still appear in use and in fact may be regularly used by Forest Service vehicles, but cannot be legally used by you.

BFF9684B-6972-44B5-BFE8-DB19BAE4CC09.jpeg (1.48 MiB) Viewed 602 times

Such a sign may be your only hint that you’re about to do something illegal.

282BA6BF-3AC1-4045-9022-938603579C19.jpeg (153.42 KiB) Viewed 600 times

It’s probably a good idea to check a number of maps of an unfamiliar area before venturing there.

[H380]

Please check me in: WY6R Bob