How to Get Free Topo Maps - Map and Compass Skills - Video 1

[@vassal11]

I've been thinking about this for along time. That makes this one of the most valuable videos I have seen on the Tube!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Wow, thanks! After figuring this out the hard way, I thought it might be helpful to do this video. Glad it helps.

[@chewtoy9240]

Thanks Mr. Brian. I'm trying to learn orienteering as much as possible to pass down to the scouts. Free maps will be most helpful for us so the boys can draw and azimuth away. We're in GA. too. Thanks again for the video.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad to help

[@TonyPhillips]

That is so cool! I have been hiking for several years now and have always wondered how and where people got their maps from other than the National Geographic maps of national parks you buy at hiking stores. Thank you for taking time to explain how to do this.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Tony Phillips There is another great site called MyTopo.com. You can order custom centered maps in several scales.So if the area you need spans more than 1 quadrant you can possible get everything on one map. Their prices are about the same as USGS and all their maps are printed on weatherproof paper.

[@TonyPhillips]

Survival On Purpose Many thanks!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

You're welcome Tony.

[@meatloafzombie]

I remember learning Declination and how to use compass to coincide map and north. Blew my mind as a kid. Map skill is a must. Helps avoid cliffs and triangulate location when lost.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yeah, cliffs can ruin your day ;-)

[@bdcochran01]

Oh yes, this video is necessary. I tried my own research on obtaining topo maps over a period of weeks. This video and the comments lay out the options very clearly. Thank you.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helps.

[@DenverLoveless]

AHHH , if only KZbin was around when I was doing the trial and error thing to discover how to do just what your sharing here LOL . Good Video for the beginner as usual. Keep up the good work!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

DenverLoveless I hear you It took me a while to figure this out so I thought it might save somebody else a little time ti see how it is done.

[@TyJee28]

Bryan, I have enjoyed watching several of your videos. This one provided very helpful practical information, well explained. At my home and at our family vacation home 4 hours away, the houses are near the corners of the standard maps. To get the surrounding 360˚ area I had to buy 2 or more maps for each location and switch between them when hiking the mountains. Recently I went to mytopo were I could have printed single standard sized maps that were customized and were portions of 4 adjoining standard grid maps, thereby putting the houses in the center of one custom map. I did the same thing for another area I like to fish, getting the streams of interest on one map. Using the information in this video I could have printed the corners from standard maps for free and got most of the same information. However, the mytopo maps are very nice and are printed on tyvek paper. I had copies of my custom maps printed at a local Blue Print Shop, where they also sell surveying equipment and I discovered they sell base plate compasses, Suunto, at prices lower than I see on most online webpages, and there is no shipping cost. Your local surveying equipment shop might be a good place to find compasses. At my local shop the compasses are not listed on their webpage, I only found them when I entered the shop. Thanks for the good map instructions.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for the tip. Yes, MyTopo.com is a great site. Not free but they have some nice custom map options.

[@jackg.7745]

Thanks Brian. I've been trying to figure out how to get TOPO maps and this video has been a tremendous help for me. I'll be going over to the USGS site and downloading maps ASAP. Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helped.

[@doncook5164]

Were you able to figure out? 67 yo site comes up way different for me and can’t figure out

[@JedWunderli]

Brian - very good video with great ideas. I've been to the USGS site but didn't think about the kinko's / office max option or printing it the way you described. Great stuff.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

One serious advantage, in my opinion, to buying maps from the USGS is they come printed on water resistant paper.

[@sonyawhite5829]

Finally understand how to use the USGS site for topo maps effectively, thanks!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Except it has changed a lot since I made this video. I hope it is still helpful.

[@Nestophallies]

Now this is a great video. Thank you, I greatly appreciate it!

[@riverrat1149]

Thank you sir.I am headed out to do some exploring off trail and needed exactly that.New about usgs did not know how to overlay satellite images.Thank you again.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helped. Be safe out there

[@TheSilverBinder]

Great video - never thought about Kinko's. Thanks

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Be sure and check prices, but I think my last one was like $5. Maybe at Office Max ??

[@snaponjohn100]

Great job, Brian. Very handy info. Be blessed my friend. John

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

snaponjohn100 Thanks John. You too.

[@nutmegger1957]

P.S.: The "difference" in years and prices, has to do with the technology used to create the maps; as years go by, and the basic "costs go up" in life, because of the production is concerned; as well as the fact that areas change over time (tree growth, contour changes due to erosion, road additions or changes, etc.. Obviously the terrain won't change THAT much, unless a major highway was built or something like that. For example, updates to your GPS for your car are important, as new changes are made to roads and highways.

[@stevek8829]

I wonder what the full print size is? I see one difficulty with printing my own would be that I would be unlikely to have two sides of co-ordinates. The $15 price adds up when you consider that in a corner area you could need four maps without too much walking. I think you sometimes get a jpg rather than a pdf from that site. The pdf is a bigger file. Is there an advantage to the pdf? Thanks for doing the effort to show us.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

It has all changed since I made this video. I actually use MyTOPO.com now. You can print custom centered maos and avoid that whole "corner" issue you mentioned.

[@stevek8829]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose sorry didn't thank you earlier. The mytopo site is great. Being able to choose the included area is a nice thing.

[@markcurtis3944]

Nice Job ! Great Info. Thanks for taking the time to do this video.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

+Mark Curtis thanks for watching

[@TheBrianGale]

Great info Brian, but I ran into a problem. I live in Alaska and when I went to get a free topo map of the area I want to hike, the newest USGS map was dated 1986! MN wasn't even mentioned on it. So I guess my question is: when do they update these maps or are the maps you buy newer? Thanks!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

+Brian Gale I think the ones you buy are the same as the ones you can download. You'd have to ask them about updates. I guess you could always just get the current declination from somewhere. (Which is always a good idea anyway since it changes)

[@johngo6283]

Brian, you can get your correct declination from magnetic-declination dot com.

[@bashfulbrother]

great video, Brian. man is this going to useful. i can see it's going to take watching a couple of times to get all of it into muscle memory. thanks.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

+bashfulbrother I would have to do the same thing now. It's been a while.

[@Cands528]

Good how to video. Nice new touches to the video and enhancements.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. Nice of you to notice. I'm trying to improve things one step at a time.

[@t.w.milburn8264]

'mornin, Bryan;This will B A great series 4 those not so inclined on map & compass orientation.Great tips on navigating through computer sites.Thanks 4 this info. Hoping All Is Well With U & Yours,From The Maritimes In Canada A.T.B. Terry

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks so much I have been teaching Orienteering to young Boy Scouts for years but you need a map to do that, so I thought that would be a good place to start this series.

[@boomerrangerron]

Nice job hopefully I can follow these instructions successfully l This brought back memories as we lived in Kennesaw on Lost Creek not far from the memorial park. 🎯

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

IT is a great place

[@johnsteel4766]

Extremely helpful! Thanks for the detail

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I am glad it. Helped

[@bojrai]

Thanks for the video. How about printing on a large paper (13x19), how do you maintain the scale?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

It has been a while but I think you just make sure your printer settings are right and select your paper size.

[@bojrai]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose thank you!

[@SmokyMtnHiker1]

Great video.I know six years have passed, but on my laptop the print preview screen looks nothing like yours. I have topo map up and ready to print, it only shows the ortho image to print.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yeah. It took me a while t figure it out back then and I am sure it has changed.

[@michaelboumiea7545]

This might be a redundant question, but with old topo maps, should I use the declanation that's on the map or the current one for my area? Thank you.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Current

[@lucasmanchego9716]

Great video thanks!!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for watching.

[@brentmichael1975]

Is there a all in one topo atlas I can buy of the US that will work?

[@tomjones6296]

The opening music is fantastic....

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it. I "wrote" that for the channel. It has been on every video for the last 6 years.

[@OhioOutdoorExplorers]

Hello Brian!!! My name is Kelton and I love your videos. You are awesome brother. I just had 1 question. I have watched this video particular video about 20 times. I have done everything step by step like you said and I can not get mine to come out to scale. On my scale I am not getting the 1 inch = 2000. I am getting more like 1 3/4 inches = 2000. Do you have any suggestions on how I might remedy this?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

+Ohio Outdoor Explorers Not really. It took me a while t o figure it out.I am using Adobe Acrobat (not reader) so maybe that makes a difference.

[@OhioOutdoorExplorers]

That's what I am using too. I have done everything I can think of. Back to the drawing board...lol. Thanks buddy

[@johngo6283]

Kelton, you are correct, it is a substantial hassle to get the scale correct using the USGS website. It's not your fault! Instead, try caltopo. It's super easy to print maps of the exact scale you want, and use the paper size you want, makes a perfect scaled map every time.

[@xsnitrogen240]

Extremely helpful! I'm now a subscriber. Thanks!!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I glad you found it useful. By the way, are you in an ultralight in your profile pic? Very cool. - Bryan

[@wheatleyryan2266]

Your video was RICH with information! Thank you so much, I'll watch more...

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad you liked it.

[@wheatleyryan2266]

Survival On Purpose Hey, printing a topo was as straight forward as your video! Watched the remaining 4 Compass videos and enjoyed them. Learned some stuff I hadn't picked up on with other's compass videos. With regard to Pace Count in Compass 5, I was hoping you would have gone into a brief explanation on WHY we need to know it. I get that the subject is a whole other video, but would've liked to have seen some example. Also, I don't think the link for your friend Andy Tran of InnerBark got added. I've been known to be selectively blind, so if it is posted, I apologize. Otherwise, can you 'reply' his link, please? Thanks again for your passion!

[@wheatleyryan2266]

Wheatley Ryan oh, and would you tell us which video to watch after 'Pace Count' for more on that? Thank you.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I haven't made that one yet. What would you like me to cover and I'll see what I can do.

[@wheatleyryan2266]

Ah, ok. I guess learning why we'd need to know our pace count, in what circumstances would we need/use it? Then, what would be next to learn in compass and nav skills, after what you've taught us? Examples?

[@trooper2221]

great vid! hey even if u take it to kinkos to get it printed full size, id assume its cheaper than ordering one

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

No it is not, at least in my experience. Actually, I order my maps from MyTopo.com you can get custom centers maps in a range of scales and waterproof paper for about $15 or so as of the last time I ordered one last year.

[@trooper2221]

Survival On Purpose ok.

[@ipez98]

How would one print each section of the map to tape together? Specifically, what do I need to setup on my print window for this?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I have no idea since they changed everything.

[@ipez98]

@@SurvivalOnPurpose I figured it out. You need adobe acrobat pdf reader (its free). It has a "Poster feature" that splits large images into multiple sheets of paper you can tape together.

[@CC-wl9oe]

Search CALTOPO. It's where I get my maps, FREE. You can print and do a lot more.

[@bananastickman2]

Man this is so much help. Thank you. It hard finding paper maps in my area nowadays because everything is electronic. I plan on using some paper!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

FreedomPrepper Check out MyTOPO.com . you can create custom maps printed on all weather paper for about the same price.

[@theunknown4570]

I'm new to this. And a knuckle head. So i got 2 strikes already. Question. How or where would i go to get maps mailed? thanks

[@jumpoffa5011]

Outstanding. Thank-you. I lived in Atlanta for over twenty years and didn't know that Kennesaw Mountains and Battle field was so close. Heck I even went to Sandy Springs High School and didn't even know about it. So much for knowing your own back yard. Hahaha

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yeah, there are some cool spots around Atlanta

[@GamingAmbienceLive]

why not download them onto your iphone? there are nice old garmin units that give accurate GPS data, but newer ones have larger displays, ability to use glonass as well, which you can also disable, but those units are also extremely slow, yet you can have entire US terrain in it

[@jumpoffa5011]

Igor Igor Don't have an iphone

[@GamingAmbienceLive]

Jumpoff A then get it, after that download apps like iArrow, Avanet, Gaia GPS or Track Kit Pro, then download the needed maps, then go hiking, put your phone in airplane mode, and you will be able to use GPS for days

[@ruthlesspizza6248]

Also National Geographic also has a easy way to get grids off USGS easy to print

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Cool

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

I downloaded a topo map of my area but it's different than maps I've used in the military. How I remember it was 1000 meter squares, and protractors and grid coordinates from land nav training. Shooting an azimuth looks like it'll be the same though. good series. Thanks for the tip on how to get a topo map.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Yeah, I have been trying to figure out if there is somewhere I can get some military maps of the areas I visit so I can learn more about the UTM scale. The USGS maps have UTM 1000 meter grids, but the scale doesn't really match the protractors I have seen. At least I don't think so. And, yes, an azimuth is the same.

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

Man I THINK I still have a military protractor laying around somewhere. But I don't have a map to use it with. I wonder if the base library might have a UTM map? Maybe there would be one in a base library near you, I know there's a big Air force base yonder if you know anybody.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Can you buy them from the library?

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

No, I wouldn't think so, but I reckon you could check it out just like a book and maybe get office max to copy it or something. I'll tell ya what man I'm on leave, I'll swing by the Oceana library and see if they have military maps on file tomorrow when I go over there to screw around in the woods err, sorry I mean practice survival skills. need to try out my new compass.

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

Hey check this out its an order form from the Army Corps of Engineers website. Looks like they have a lot of this stuff available for sale. www.agc.army.mil/Home/CMBRequestForm.aspx or maybe not, I could have accessed the deal at work, but not here.

[@kissmyass1800]

wish i could find a website like this for canada

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I can't help you there

[@johngo6283]

Dylan, try caltopo. Use the "NR Canada" map layer. Search KZbin for "caltopo" to find some tutorials on how to use the software. You can literally learn it in a few minutes.

[@garlandbest6322]

Thanks for this. It worked really well. Now I can make maps for our scout troop in Almonte, Ontario.

[@blackbartlaborro7882]

Hopefully the other guys' comment helped i know mine sure won't but im intrigued as to why its hard to find a topo in Canada

[@godlyprepping1306]

Thanks for going through the steps to get the right sized maps. The website is really clunky and confusing. I could never get it to come out right.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I like MyTopo.com too. Custom centered maps in several different scales printed on water and tear resistant paper for a decent price.

[@funnydogscats6633]

*Hello, how can I rotate the map on USGS while viewing the map on the computer?*

[@jsal849]

what about 1:25000 or 1:50000 scale maps ? how can I get them ?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

+J Razalas USGS has a few in different scales and you can try mytopo.com but I have not had a lot of luck finding those scales myself.

[@johngo6283]

J, if you use caltopo you can print a map of any sale that you want. Search KZbin for some good videos on how to use this great software.

[@DenverLoveless]

You mentioned the MN, GN ,TN tree. Just thought I would add that MN changes over time. If your map is an older version , it might be a good idea to update your MN. It might be VERY different than what is shown on the tree. Here's a link to check it. Be sure to add boundaries / labels by clicking options in the upper right corner. This will highlight state lines and such. maps.ngdc.noaa.gov/viewers/historical_declination/

[@johngo6283]

That website you referenced is a pretty clunky way to find your correct declination. Try this one instead - magnetic-declination dot com. One click on the Google map anywhere in the world shows your exact correct up-to-date declination.

[@DenverLoveless]

johngo6283 Thank you

[@MrWmburr7]

Thank you, sir, for the information!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helped.

[@trooper2221]

Thanks. I kept thinking that this 7.5 quadrangle map I'm looking at meant the quadrants were u know close to 7.5 miles. But knew that couldn't be right.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Glad this video helped you.

[@romeonieva4438]

Do USGS sells map of our country Philippines too?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I don't think so.

[@Nostrajohnus]

Great video!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks!

[@zechariahhall2620]

How would you use either the Suunto A-10 or Brunton Tru Arc 3

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Just check out the other videos in the series. That is too long to answer as a comment.

[@joehurly4687]

Great video. I wish I could give two thumbs up.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@bigfootsasquatch-sl2mn]

What's the name of that guitar diddy at the beginning?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I call it the "Survival On Purpose Theme" . Catchy title, huh? Just a little tune I made up on the old guitar.

[@johnlaplante7580]

Seal map using clear contact paper . Buy in rolls as cupboard shelve liners

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Actually, I just buy mine from MyTopo.com You can order custom centered maps in a range of scales. They come on waterproof paper for under $20

[@bennyvoncannon5134]

Most helpful thanks.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for watching.

[@curtbrooks7495]

Thanks love your channel

[@nathanfrancis8236]

good video man this helps my a lot

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helped.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

Umm sorry no more base library at NAS Oceana.... Actually hasn't been one for years, I been deployed so much, I didn't know. so no maps.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

No problem. I appreciate the effort Jake.

[@Athreehourtour]

this is a great video, thanks so much for the Topo tips on USGS.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I'm glad it helped.

[@tommyzDad]

Thanks for the tutorial.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

***** Thanks for watching.

[@doncook5164]

67 YO and I’m lost after watching numerous different videos. The USGS looks totally different from anything I’ve seen. Can’t figure out how to get to my public hunting grounds. Anyone help/suggest?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Don, I have started using MyTopo.com for all my maps. They let you print custom centered maps in a range of scales. And their maps are printed on water resistant paper.

[@LtSurvival]

Great info Bryan, i think we have The same on canadian side . I Will have to Check it out.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Lt Survival It is a great resource.

[@leecox8293]

There's a site called caltopo.com that let's you create your own topo map. I find this very useful for my area as the available USGS maps don't cover all of a section that I generally hike. You can import your own gpx tracks and create custom maps with data that may not be available on commercial maps. The site is free and I just found out about it yesterday. I just noticed caltopo is mentioned in some of the previous comments and it is a very good online tool.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks!

[@sipapito]

Does the USGS offers maps for Europe?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

I would not think so, since it is the "US" GS. You can always check and see.

[@sipapito]

Thanks, I did check and they do have some but not with the grid lines.

[@gilbertcastro5834]

Can you download the whole United States on a CD

[@poacher-ec9zo]

Thanks

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Welcome, But, be aware, the USGS website has changed a lot since I made this video.

[@ckingclosur]

I am in !

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. Welcome to the family.

[@ReeperzOutdoors]

Ah cool. Thanks.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

***** Thanks for watching.

[@Observer82AB]

I've had topo maps of my area and surrounding area for 30 years, because I always thought, perhaps some day!!!!!

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

You need to check the magnetic deviation. It has changed a lot in 30 years. Enough to matter when using a compass.

[@farmtrout66]

👍👍

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@sharkizord3756]

What do I tell the Kinko's guy? Do I have him follow the printer settings you outlined or do I simply tell him I'm trying to print some maps to scale?

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

+Sharkizord I would say tell him to print to scale but It has been so long since I tried it I can't remember. ;-)

[@B2Hives]

Excellent, much appreciated. Thank you.

[@johngo-jl3uz]

Hey Brian, nicely done video. Using maps directly provided by the US geological survey maps are pretty much becoming outdated, as web-based mapping software improves regularly. Another option is the excellent website www.caltopo.com, that allows you to print free, high-quality topographic maps through your web browser with a very intuitive and easy to use interface.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

John Godino Thanks for the link. It looks like a great resource. I actually bought some maps from another site for a recent AT section hike. I used MyTopo.com . They maps start at about $15 but they allow you to create custom centered maps in several scales.

[@johngo-jl3uz]

Survival On Purpose Brian, Caltopo.com Allows you to create map centered on any location, add any scale you like, even has options to print on specific paper sizes. Output is a PDF file, so you can save it onto a thumb drive and go print it done at the office supply store on large paper with a good quality laser printer if needed. I highly recommend you give it a try. There are a few good instructional videos on KZbin covering the basics, but overall it's fairly intuitive.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Sounds cool.

[@josephirwin1168]

Thank you,

[@ADVRaven]

Nice video. The link to the maps isnt working any longer, but I was able to get to the PDF downloads from: store.usgs.gov/map-locator

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@doncook5164]

Font is too small to read frustrating like to have line by line instructions. Videos talk too fast

[@gmanpublications]

The link you provided for the map locator didn't work so here is the link to the map locator. store.usgs.gov/map-locator

[@talisikid1618]

Never use evil google

[@wizlawz]

this link is dead, for me anyway : Direct Link to map locator page: tinyurl.com/USGS-topo

[@nutmegger1957]

www.topoquest.com is another great site for Topographical Maps.

[@SurvivalOnPurpose]

Thanks for the tip. I took a quick look and that seems like a great site too.

[@MenAtWorkMedia22]

Great video! Thank you!