Where do you guys get your topo maps?

[justinhw]

If this is in the wrong section, I apologize. I have been searching the forum for the last hour or so, but haven't found an answer.

I want to buy paper topo maps, preferably something like ARB's Road Atlas, but for US areas (Southern California specifically). Is there anything like a collection or book of maps for popular areas? Or do you guys usually print custom maps of each of the areas you travel to?

[shawkins]

You can buy them directly from USGS:

http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/%28xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd%29/.do

[97tjguzzy]

You can buy them directly from USGS:

http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/%28xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd%29/.do

thanks, i see you can also print them for free from here

[Momrocks]

The USGS.gov site has a store locator for your area. I get mine at a Kayak outfitter here. Their on hand stock is good and I like to take a look at coverage area before I buy rather than best guessing.

[esh]

Oddly enough, this old school stationary store in town carries them. They also carry stuff like drafting supplies and Terrain Navigator, so they kind of are into maps.

The other source in the PNW used to be GI Joes, but they bit the bullet with the economy, RIP.

I go to topodepot.com for free electronic data sets for the Android phone, and the tablet pc gets them from natl geographic .com.

[cnynrat]

I get my standard topos directly from USGS.

I have also ordered from www.mytopo.com. Mytopo lets you make custom maps, which can be useful, and they also have an option to get plastic coated maps which are nice if you expect you may be out and about in inclement weather.

[justinhw]

WOW. USGS (while a little hard to see some of the tracks) is AMAZING. I love how easy the search feature is! Thanks!

[evldave]

The other source in the PNW used to be GI Joes, but they bit the bullet with the economy, RIP.



Making a comeback :)

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/gi_joes_veterans_gear_up_for_c.html

[Oni]

I get my standard topos directly from USGS.

I have also ordered from www.mytopo.com. Mytopo lets you make custom maps, which can be useful, and they also have an option to get plastic coated maps which are nice if you expect you may be out and about in inclement weather.

+1

We have maps from Mytopo and they are great!

[SunTzuNephew]

If this is in the wrong section, I apologize. I have been searching the forum for the last hour or so, but haven't found an answer.

I want to buy paper topo maps, preferably something like ARB's Road Atlas, but for US areas (Southern California specifically). Is there anything like a collection or book of maps for popular areas? Or do you guys usually print custom maps of each of the areas you travel to?

The Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer for So. Cal which is available from most bookstores, Amazon, and REI. Where in LA are you? Sports Chalet stores have sheets for the more popular areas, as do Adventure-16 stores and REI stores, afaik (it's been a few years since I was in LA).

Or the online sources, or print your own from TopoUSA.

[JakeMate]

http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/

I get my free GPS topo maps here.

[Rallyroo]

For the majority of the time, I use the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer also.
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?beginIndex=0&item=28185&section=10096

You can pick one up at your local Borders, Barnes & Noble, or REI for around $20-25.

For backpacking in the backcountry, then I pick up dedicated individual sheet topo maps.

[justinhw]

The Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer for So. Cal which is available from most bookstores, Amazon, and REI. Where in LA are you? Sports Chalet stores have sheets for the more popular areas, as do Adventure-16 stores and REI stores, afaik (it's been a few years since I was in LA).

I'm about half an hour north of downtown. Totally forgot about Sports Chalet and REI stores, I'll definitely check them out!

[justinhw]

For the majority of the time, I use the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer also.
http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?beginIndex=0&item=28185&section=10096

Thanks, this is perfect for me! I am considering this one and the version by Benchmark (http://www.benchmarkmaps.com/titles.html) maps. Anyone have experience with both?

[deserteagle56]

Thanks, this is perfect for me! I am considering this one and the version by Benchmark (http://www.benchmarkmaps.com/titles.html) maps. Anyone have experience with both?

I use both since each has slightly different information for any given area. Overall, though, I prefer the Benchmark maps. I find them a bit easier to read terrain on.

[esh]

Both, plus there is a Peterson gazette-style book of all the old county maps for Oregon. Using all three with paper maps can zero things pretty well.

Of the three, I find myself using the Benchmark gazette the most. Just easier to use.

[Driver-Navigator]

I usually print out custom topo maps for my needs using National Geographic's TOPO! software. I just used one last weekend while backpacking in Yosemite. I like being able to add my custom waypoints and tracks/routes, setting the print area and coordinate system, printing 2-sided maps, etc. Depending on the weather or other variables, I will print on regular paper or NG's waterproof "Adventure Paper".

I have several full-size USGS quad topos that I've picked up over the years from REI, the USGS in Menlo Park (they have a full map room/store), and other map sellers, but generally they're a pain in the rear to use compared to my custom maps, software-based topos (on laptop, GPS, etc.), and topo map books like DeLorme's.

[DaveM]

http://topomaps.usgs.gov/ordering_maps.html (Google is your friend :D )

I'm lucky enough to live about 5 minutes from the Menlo Park campus and usually get my my USGS & BLM maps there. As already mentioned you can print your own with some of the software out there but beware,print quality for most of that is poor to terrible compared to the high quality quads. Not sure how long that will last since I believe USGS is moving to a print on demand model which could mean no more offset printing for the maps.

On the plus side all of the topos are available for download as high quality GeoTiFs: http://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/usgs/maplocator/(xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd&layout=6_1_61_48&uiarea=2&ctype=areaDetails&carea=%24ROOT)/.do