Improving maps

[longcreative]

In your well traveled opinion what mapping resources are missing or could be improved?

Or if you could have a map made...what would it be?

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Speaking specifically of Topo Maps:

I think that for the most part maps are too vauge with typically 2-3 types of roads & trails, that leaves a lot of room for error. What looks like a FR on a map may actually only be wide enough for dirt bikes. This can be problematic for route planning prior to a major trip, which could ultimately lead to hours of back tracking.

Also they are not updated enough, I would love to have the job of exploring all of these "trails" to add clarity to the current status of any given route, IE: gated, single track, two track, private road, etc..

 

[James86004]

I would like a National Forest Map that listed all the roads on it, not just the major ones. The ones with numbers in the 4000s and 9000s.

We recently had trouble finding where we were in the Gila National Forest because the roads on the ground did not match the ones on the USGS 7.5 minute topo, and the National Forest Map was not detailed enough. Actually, the map of the adjoining Apache NF had more detail on the little bit of overlap into the Gila than the Gila NF map did. The only reason we were able to quickly figure out where we were was because we happened to find a Section Corner Monument right by the road.

 

[paulj]

I think the trend is toward making detailed road data available in digitial form, such as listed on this Apache NF GIS page
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gis/aps_gis.shtml
as opposed to printed maps. The same goes for topographic maps. Agencies like counties and forest districts have taken on the task of collecting and updating the data that they need for their own work.

I read someplace that some county GIS departments can print custom maps for SAR operations.

 

[xtfritz]

I'd like to see topos, either digital or paper have greater details on minor roads/trails along with notes on what vehicle they may be best applicable to. An example of this is the Sam Houston NF that has multi-use trails but are not apt for full sized vehicles. A map compendium of dirt roads across the country would also be great. Even a filter in GoogleEarth to filter only dirt roads/trails would be really helpfull in planning offroad adventures.

 

[craig]

I would like a National Forest Map that listed all the roads on it, not just the major ones. The ones with numbers in the 4000s and 9000s.

We recently had trouble finding where we were in the Gila National Forest because the roads on the ground did not match the ones on the USGS 7.5 minute topo, and the National Forest Map was not detailed enough. Actually, the map of the adjoining Apache NF had more detail on the little bit of overlap into the Gila than the Gila NF map did. The only reason we were able to quickly figure out where we were was because we happened to find a Section Corner Monument right by the road.

The trick is to get the district maps instead of the forest maps (The Forest service is broken down into regions, forests, then districts). They are available at either a District office or a Forest Office. The District maps are what FS employees on the ground use, and they show every last road, gate, etc. The only downside is that the cartography is poor, making the maps difficult to read.

 

[craig]

I think the trend is toward making detailed road data available in digitial form, such as listed on this Apache NF GIS page
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gis/aps_gis.shtml
as opposed to printed maps. The same goes for topographic maps. Agencies like counties and forest districts have taken on the task of collecting and updating the data that they need for their own work.

I read someplace that some county GIS departments can print custom maps for SAR operations.

This is true, although most counties prefer to sell their data to help recoup some of the costs of data development. The USFS, BLM, Military data is freely available via the Federal Freedom of Information Act. Your tax dollars at work.

I see you are in Seattle. We need to do a NW Expo Meet and greet sometime.

Craig

 

[longcreative]

I think the trend is toward making detailed road data available in digitial form, such as listed on this Apache NF GIS page
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gis/aps_gis.shtml
as opposed to printed maps. The same goes for topographic maps. Agencies like counties and forest districts have taken on the task of collecting and updating the data that they need for their own work.

I read someplace that some county GIS departments can print custom maps for SAR operations.

I agree with that...but do you think it will replace a good paper map? Even if it's just used as a backup?