Let's talk maps.

[usmcveteran]

I have a suunto MC2. Already set the declination on it. I had planned on using the lines on the compass and didn't plan on using a protractor. Should I rethink? I know they're pretty cheap.

When ever we did land navigation we used the protractors.

The declination also changes over time so you have to keep up to date on that.

Also depending on why your considering map and compass it wouldn't take too long for the GPS system to be way off if people weren't keeping the times in sync. So for local disasters GPS will still work but larger scale disasters or unrest I wouldn't count on it.

[24Pink14Stink]

When ever we did land navigation we used the protractors.

The declination also changes over time so you have to keep up to date on that.

Also depending on why your considering map and compass it wouldn't take too long for the GPS system to be way off if people weren't keeping the times in sync. So for local disasters GPS will still work but larger scale disasters or unrest I wouldn't count on it.

Honestly, the maps are less about navigation and more about area management - identifying potential ares of approach, setting up defense of an area, patrols, areas of mutual assistance, hostile areas, etc in a situation where that type of activity would be warranted - ie grid down, wrol scenario.

[Celt]

I have several hagstrom maps in my ghb. I also printed a few google maps from work to home and home to bug out location, and i laminated those.

[Guest]

Question... what's the benefit of a GPS over a mapping app like Google Earth on a phone?

Well my theory on that is, handheld gps things run off their own 12 satellites or whatever they used to..I forgot now, but Google maps are run through your cell carrier and when that goes, so will your navigation lol. Nice to have multiple systems for the SHTF saga..

[usmcveteran]

pretty sure smart phones work off the GPS network as well and using the cell network just speeds up acquisition of current location. Also cell network in combination with GPS will give you more accurate location.

[Guest]

G

pretty sure smart phones work off the GPS network as well and using the cell network just speeds up acquisition of current location. Also cell network in combination with GPS will give you more accurate location.

I thought it was WAAS for Magellens and things like that, and cellphones used a different sat system,but I really don't remember. goooooogle will always have the answer.. I'm to busy jailbreaking my iPhone 6 i just got 20mins ago lol..I'm NEVER satisfied without finding a way to hack something..

[RayKnobs]

Question... what's the benefit of a GPS over a mapping app like Google Earth on a phone?

Your smart phone GPS won't work in the middle of the woods with no cell signal and with no data you can't download the map to lay your location on.

I found the DVD, it's the whole North East on 24K maps

[usmcveteran]

Your smart phone GPS won't work in the middle of the woods with no cell signal and with no data you can't download the map to lay your location on.

I found the DVD, it's the whole North East on 24K maps

Sure it will if you download the maps beforehand https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....license&hl=en

[Cory]

I agree with USMC. A Map and protractor are the way to go. When your in the middle of the woods and the battery dies in your handheld GPS, and your fancy solar charger Peshittas the bed your going to wish you had the maps and some know how. I've taught some classes on what the Army uses the DAGR (Defense Advanced GPS Receiver). At the end of the day learning on paper was always more important than the DAGR.

I think that a map and protractor are pretty useful for navigating. But like USMC said, your really need a lensatic compass. It is way to easy to be off acouple degrees walking your route when using a keychain compass. Acouple degrees from where you shoot your azimith means a big difference. Learning about the 3 Norths (I had one trainee tell me the three norths were North, NorthEast, and NorthWest lol) Azimuths, how to read a map grid (btw with a protractor you can get that box down to 10 meters with pretty decent accuracy), orientating, and contour lines are all really important.

If you plan to use the map for an overlay of friendly vs hostile and planning routes and the like you really need an overlay. A simple plastic sleeve for paper can be used with crayons (marker runs dry and crayon for the most part wipes off). Sounds ridiculous, but if you fold the map up so you view the portion you need, and put it into the sleeve it really works. If your talking about setting up sometype of command post, a larger sheet of plastic is obviously better. But for a ruck or a truck the paper sleeve works. more than one paper sleeve means more than one layout.

In addition to detailed topo maps, it might not hurt to have a book of road maps. Walmart tire and lube has ones that are as good as any. They may help you if you have to run alot further than planned. Like to Montana or something.

[24Pink14Stink]

Thanks Cory. Very well said! Do you have maps for your area?

[Cory]

Thanks Cory. Very well said! Do you have maps for your area?

I used too, but I don't anymore. I didn't have them hidden away because I actually used them on occasion, and they managed to get lost during a move. I need to grab some more.

[Guest]

Sure it will if you download the maps beforehand https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....license&hl=en

Ain't that the idear??

[24Pink14Stink]

Just bought a custom map that covers most of Erie county. 3' x 4' for $30.