Topo Map Sources

I spend a lot of time looking at maps. Not only do I use them for hiking or driving, I also just think they are cool and enjoy cruising around looking down at the terrain from above. When I am in need of a particular map to have in hand, I have mentioned before the favorable experiences I have had ordering from MyTopo. Lots of options, great quality, quick service.

Recently though, I was made aware of a mapping site called Gmap4. The developer is a member over at Blades and Bushcraft, and I've linked to their demo mapping site here. This map link will take you to a high level view of my stomping grounds, just for demonstration's sake. The usual features are apparent and appear to piggyback off of the Google Maps system, which has a terrain selection as well. But if you take a look at the drop-down selection box at the top right, and it displays a variety of map overlay style options.

If you play around with the overlays at different zoom levels, you can get quite a bit more detail at greater zoom levels than you do on the standard Google Maps site. Here is the max zoom over the Pine Log Area. Stamp Creek is a good sized little creek, but Davis Branch is a small one. Looking at maps of the same area using the MyTopo preview, the detail level is better on the Gmap4 site. Considering it's free, this has been a great resource for cruising around and for basic trip planning.

There are also quite a few customization options. Although it's hard to beat a physical map in hand or spread out on the table, hopefully this site can be another tool in your toolbox to aid in navigation. If you're into maps too or you have specific questions, there is also a pretty extensive FAQ/HowTo guide located here.