UPDATE: April 8 - A few weeks ago I took an out-of-state trip alone to turkey hunt. I cyber scouted roughly 7.5k acres not knowing where pressure would be. I found it valuable to overlay the Forrest Visitor Map (OnX Layer) during my cyber scouting process. While tedious, I traced out all the trails, forest roads etc and highlighted them larger/brighter than as they appear on the map (once done tracing take the layer off ...although it can be beneficial if you haven't activated it). Once in MS, I found this extremely useful as I'd sometimes end up miles from the truck and could look, at a wide swath, and find all the connecting trails/roads and easiest way back. I'd hate to do it every time I hunted, but for an application like this, it was valuable.
a. Land I'd never hunted nor had knowledge of
b. Huge track since I wasn't sure where I'd hunt
c. Easier to view via phone in tent at night for next days plan
Good luck!
Below this text is the original mapping process thread I posted last year.
What's your method? Here is mine
Where I Begin
Hilly Terrain
July 26 Update
The benefit here, is that when you see a saddle/bench etc, but the topography doesn't align, time to move on. This function allows you to see both views w/out toggling between screens/maps.
Flat Terrain
July 26, 2019 Update for CalTopo and DEM Shading
Based on a few questions, below are the instructions to utilize DEM shading in Caltopo to determine elevation changes of 3' intervals.
While Hunting
a. Land I'd never hunted nor had knowledge of
b. Huge track since I wasn't sure where I'd hunt
c. Easier to view via phone in tent at night for next days plan
Good luck!
Below this text is the original mapping process thread I posted last year.
What's your method? Here is mine
Where I Begin
- My favorite, and where I ALWAYS start, is with google earth pro - specifically, I use the historical imaging feature and vacillate images between multiple time periods. This allows me to see high/low water, spring/summer, fall/winter etc. Some areas have more updated images than others but for river bottoms in particular, I've found a specific time-period that tells me a lot about bedding/travel.
Hilly Terrain
- I like Hillmap to compare/contrast as 7.5min topo to sat view. This provides side-by-side comparison (better to determine combined elevation/terrain of certain patterns that I like). However, it's best (IMO) in areas w/elevation changes that warrant the addition of the 7.5min topo ...and not as valuable in the flatlands.
July 26 Update
The benefit here, is that when you see a saddle/bench etc, but the topography doesn't align, time to move on. This function allows you to see both views w/out toggling between screens/maps.
Flat Terrain
- In some of the river bottoms I hunt, they can go 5-10 feet under water fairly quickly. I tried, forever, to work w/the Arkansas GIS department to build a topo map w/3' contour intervals vs the standard 20' on a 7.5min topo. Finally, I found DEM [Digital Elevation Model] shading on Caltopo.By using this function, I can essentially create my own elevation map on 1meter (~3') intervals. The elevation changes are color coded.This is especially useful in knowing; do I need a boat, can I get through with knee boots, hip boots, chest waders, will this elevation support oak tree growth etc.
July 26, 2019 Update for CalTopo and DEM Shading
Based on a few questions, below are the instructions to utilize DEM shading in Caltopo to determine elevation changes of 3' intervals.
- Reminders:
- The data in Caltopo is stored as integer meters, so the most detailed you can get is approximately 3' elevation changes and not all areas will have this level of accuracy ...and not all areas will have much change.
- I use this in areas of less than 20' of elevation change, but is flood prone (i.e. River bottoms) where 3' of elevation change determines if I need hip boots, chest waders, boat etc. It can also tell me ground that is more likely to support gum tree growth or oak tree growth, as an example.
- Instructions:
- Go to Caltopo.com
- Select Add New Layer
- Select DEM Shading
- Elevation
- This will take some trial and error on your part, as no two properties are exactly the same elevation
- Update: Jan 13, 2020 - As a starting point, look to the upper right corner (gEarth Pro) and you will see a Lat/Lon box that also has elevation. As you move your cursor on the map, the Lat/Lon changes, as well as the elevation
- Once you determine the area you need to measure, you will add that into the Elevation boxes and select a different color for each rang.
- Example: Starting at 150 going to 165+ [I normally move the cursor around on G Earth Pro to find variances in elevations I'm working with as starting point for low/high elevations, then make the ranges from there].
- 150-152 (Red)
- 153-155 (Orange)
- 156-158 (Yellow)
- 159-161 (Dark Blue)
- 162164 (light blue)
- 165+ (Green)
- Again, range will depend on your area, but where a normal 7.5 minute topo map would only reveal one line in this example, you will now have up to 6, assuming that elevation change is happening w/in the area of interest.
- Example: Starting at 150 going to 165+ [I normally move the cursor around on G Earth Pro to find variances in elevations I'm working with as starting point for low/high elevations, then make the ranges from there].
While Hunting
- I use ONX while I'm hunting (lots of private inholdings on some of the public I hunt). Also, based on where I live in NE AR, I have access to several states w/in 1-3 hours (AL, AR, IL, KY, MO, MS, TN). Just upgraded onX ELITE for $59.99 (All 50 state sale via camofire this past week - May 16)
- NOTE: If you are not hunting in an area where understanding property boundaries is critical, there are likely better options than onX IMO. This is my go to as I hunt mainly public w/private inholdings so knowing where I am at all times is critical.
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