The 5 Best Mapping Tools

Thanks to smartphones and Google maps, we're all navigation experts now. But what are the best tools to use offline? Paper maps, dedicated GPS devices, tablets, or something else?
USGS Topo Map Source
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Garmin ForeTrex 401
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Garmin eTrex 32x
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Android tablet with E-Ink display:
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[@hk4lyfe59]

My 5 best mapping tools: 1) Pokemon Go 2) Two crayons and a piece of paper 3) the Maps song memorized from Dora the explorer 4) Asking for directions and not paying attention to them 5) Flipping a coin when I'm not sure if I should go left or right

[@doubleutubefan5]

My trusty go to is if you pick a direction and go straight you'll eventually come back to where you were standing originally

[@ghostlight69420]

BASED

[@seanconway9692]

Please tell me you have a Hawaiian shirt and a plate carrier

[@randojones2030]

Just follow your heart, that's what I do. - Napoleon Dynamite

[@cryo2156]

What about spinning around in a circle until you're dizzy then walking in whatever random direction you land in?

[@chap23305]

People don't wanna hear it, but the land nav, the cyber security, and comms videos are more likely to save/improve your life vs how you set up your plate carrier or whether you run a red dot or an lpvo. Not to say plate carriers and rifles aren't important, but you have to have balance.

[@travisbennett9751]

Your right, it's what gives an edge to our U.S. military.

[@shumishyn]

Since plate carriers and red dots were mentioned: If you have gotten yourself into or in the middle of an armed conflict, where at least one of the other sides is a sophisticated military - any electronics are almost guaranteed to be more of a liability than an asset. (unless, of course, you have unobtanium type encrypted military grade equipment)

[@northernsurvivalbackcountr4986]

Agree chap most people tht go into bush don't know how yo navigate it's a great skill to learn thx

[@FT4Freedom]

Nav has saved my life on several occasions. Personal hygiene as well.

[@borrago]

Plus all those topics are talked about by Isaac, who is leagues beyond luc-ass in terms of presenting information.

[@bryceanderson553]

Tbh, these are my favorite videos. Everyone is putting out "shoot stuff fast" videos but very few are putting out the other "98% of what it actually takes to really be prepared" videos. Thanks a ton Isaac.

[@A7Xguitarplayer0272]

Isaac back at it again with the super helpful knowledge bombs 🙌

[@UmbraKamui]

Exactly what i was thinking

[@charlesotto7584]

Building out the well rounded civilian, one video at a time. Keep it up!

[@TREXARMS]

That's the plan.

[@Axepax]

I can feel the smoothness of my brain slowly forming into something useful

[@MB-rh1qd]

I can feel the roughness of my brain finally becoming something smooth

[@user-td1zo3tv9p]

And here I am, old AF, and stuck with a mushy walnut. I HATE all you brainiacs!! You should let me eat your brains (with a side of Fava Beans, Natch. Think Hannibal Lecter, eh?) to expand MY knowledge. Please?

[@MB-rh1qd]

@@user-td1zo3tv9p you can’t be too much older. I had to look up AF

[@borrago]

Doubtful

[@Axepax]

@@borrago(correct)

[@chaoticcaninejb]

Issac, do more videos!!! You have a way of articulating and presenting information that would normally bore the hell outta me from others, but I'm locked in when your presenting. Always solid stuff!

[@charlesotto7584]

Same. His way of presenting the info is excellent.

[@garyandtricia1]

I concur

[@dragnsi]

Bump ^

[@50shadesofcerakote]

Same. ADHD brain listens to Isaac for some reason.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

AGREED

[@PolenarTactical]

Another great video!

[@PolenarTactical]

hwite light :D

[@PolenarTactical]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX7SoXWmhMuplac

[@mcgoogoo]

Polenar tactical best tactical

[@PolenarTactical]

@@mcgoogoo

[@Rajinbin]

I really like how this channel has evolved into more than just fast shooting. It has really filled an niche that, most channels don't cover as it cover multiple topics that most shooting channel don't cover. keep it up.

[@captaindietrich8602]

“So this video is not going to have a cool intro…” So that was a lie 🧐

[@libertylivesin1776]

Learning psy-ops are just as important as guerilla warfare.

[@molonlabe8126]

Isaac was already looking too much like flannel daddy 😏

[@jacksteele13]

Lies! What is this, CNN?!?!

[@JakeReillyEDM]

Whenever I see Isaac, I feel my brain expanding. Awesome video!

[@TheBigLeeg]

Isaac is obviously the eldest brother. Smart enough to know shot bot was onto something, humble enough to get involved, and wise enough to lead from behind.

[@thesickening0169]

Its videos like these and the podcasts as well that prove this is one of the best companies out there. T-Rex Arms consistently go far beyond trying to sell you their products, and instead constantly try to inform the masses, get them to think rather than just tell them what to think. Isaac, please continue to release these kinds of videos. They help more than you could imagine.

[@rebel1988us]

Rescuers down under references are appreciated:)

[@doubleutubefan5]

That was a unexpected but welcome bonus

[@ChickenShackIRL]

I just introduced my wife to the first rescuers movie last night. She had never heard of them. Down Under is next on the list

[@freedomfalcon]

Truly a man of culture.

[@Extremekhan24]

Ive been spending the last 3 days taking a deep dive into understanding ATAK, different mesh systems, different plug-ins, etc. Timing on this vid is nice.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Damnit, Isaac talked about ATAK…. No, ATAK doesn’t work well (actually not all) with a Baofeng. We’re working on things, but I feel like we’re WAY off.

[@JamesMelton]

ATAK feels like a sort of holy grail, whether it is or not. I have the people, the resources, but I don't have the knowledge to let us work together. For example, my group can operate like a squad might. We could even expand or work with another group using some cheap ham radios, but we can't necessarily keep track of each other, or leverage cool stuff like drone feeds. It's also crappy trying to colocate one another with any expediency. So, ATAK seems like it could solve some of those issues, but we don't know how to leverage it. Gah! ALSO, we know other people are trying to make use of it. And while we might currently be separated, it would be awesome to combine groups through a tool like that.

[@Tier1Citizen]

I deeply appreciate how detailed you guys are in your videos. Well done gents.

[@jamesh6966]

Was a career 19D. I used the garmin foretrex, but mostly for spot check. I spent so much time committed to maps and protractor it seemed faster.

[@el9107]

Pffffff just dead reckon everywhere scout!

[@alaskajohn907]

Bonus points for The Rescuers reference!!!

[@davidt5085]

So actuallyyyy...that was Rescuers Down Under, lol. But yeah that was good.

[@el9107]

That garmen foretrex is no joke, got me through the gauntlet portion of maneuver training…..it came to be known as the most prized of possessions….the woobie

[@Ferromancer86]

My man out here giving us useful information AND bringing Rescuers Down Under back into the public eye. True King.

[@BaioWithMayo]

everyone may love the gun stuff on this channel and that gets the views, but this is the stuff that you will be using more often. Keep this stuff coming guys, cant shoot yourself outta being lost!

[@powereddragon2093]

Can't look cool if you get lost going to the party.

[@cpt_constitution5719]

Isaac is putting out the absolute best content. I feel like he's a mad scientist with a large budget and is told, "Ok... Figure out how we can do THIS." And he runs off and tests a ton of stuff. You're doing the Lord's work, bro.

[@ragan714]

This new device he is “NOT” developing… should be called… The Carmen SanDiego

[@FingerstoFight]

I second that! haha

[@WickdPerfekT]

Happy to see the S2 plug!!!

[@heyythatsprettygood8763]

"Fine. Which way do we go?" ... **Both point** "That way!"

[@TREXARMS]

Oh yeah, that would have been a good clip.

[@thedude5241]

One thing the Army taught me that stuck forever, land navigation. Give me a compass and a 1:50 scale map and I can navigate anywhere I choose to roam.

[@el9107]

Don’t forget your GM angle warrior!

[@godzilla1234]

Here in Texas with the deep freeze I couldn't recognize a lot even though I knew the roads. Doing this video on scene with flood damage, torn down sign and all, made an impact on the usefulness of always having a good civilian option for maps. I'll be checking out some of your recommendations and updating my paper maps as they're all old now. Thank you for the informative video. Keep up the good work!

[@saccaed]

OSMAND is the reason I grabbed a phone with a bunch of internal storage. The elevation data is amazing for RV road trips and planning routes to avoid grades. The Boox Nova is almost perfect, GPS and Compass missing though is a deal breaker.

[@clutch663]

Until the Grid goes down and you relied solely on electronics

[@saccaed]

@@clutch663 Get a thomas guide(or several)? Been mapping for 26 years, well longer than any of the convenient electronic means. I yawn at some gotcha comment.

[@leotopic9729]

USB or Bluetooth external GPS module that can be run with certain developer settings enabled. Boom, android e reader with gps. handglider pilots have solved this problem already. Some have even added a mini switch to the VCC power line to have a physical on off for the gps if you hard wire it.

[@aionic_3342]

Can you post some resources on the GPS module, developer settings, and what the glider guys are using?

[@swolebro]

Mad props to whoever picked the interleaved video clips for this one. The selection was top-notch.

[@seribas]

I love the way Isaac says BUT. I don’t know why but I just love they way he says that word

[@wquon2007]

ive had this train of thought for years. glad to see someone is putting it out there and using their network to improve it!

[@acfangaming]

I love this educational but down to earth video. The movie references as well as information makes this lighthearted but educational. Keep your attention well.

[@Blackcloud_Garage]

Cant' tell you enough how awesome this is. I've looking for more information just like this. Please continue this more in the future. Thanks👍👍

[@TheNakedTruthTube]

Second video in...I love this channel...didn't know a think about mapping until now. So useful! More map videos!

[@akihide.uchida]

Great video to cover this topic. A bit more food for thought is the ease at which GPS or any other GNSS signals can be jammed or manipulated to give you bad position data. It's illegal in the US but not hard to do with a it of know-how and hardware and not illegal for the government to do. That, paired with cell towers being shut down or saturated during disasters make a great case for having a backup of paper or offline maps and solid fundamentals in analog land navigation skills using your Mk01 eyeballs and M1 brain.

[@zachdunn7714]

Y'all have been really putting our great content!

[@StrukeTheDuke1294]

Definitely the best footage of how to read a map at night. Movie references on point as well

[@wolf.the.forester]

Avenza maps is another great app, you can download load the USGS 1: 24,000 topo maps, and import your own maps as long as they are georeferenced pdf's. I use it all the time for my work and I find it very easy to use.

[@billalumni7760]

Maps are cool enough and need no fancy introduction. However, if you did it should be something with 17th century sailors with sextants. (also look up how to do a 'Map fold' origami and keep your maps from falling apart a lot longer).

[@dumamilk]

the amount of people watching the other videos and not these from Issac is a travesty. thanks for the info, at least some of us are listening.

[@KarlHungus.]

28:49 "signs cant always be trusted." Perfect opportunity for Jurassic Park clip insert...

[@danielweber2586]

I love how y'all use movie clips in such pro videos! I loved the Homecoming clip.

[@ChristianRodriguez-dk3xc]

Re watching the videos always helps make the understanding better! Issac MVP. THANK YOU

[@billangell6478]

The most important content you guys put out

[@fluffywarhampster]

the e reader concept for mapping is a great idea. you could ad physical switches for the brightness/ir backlight toggle along with physical toggles for the wifi and gps radios. it would also be interesting to see what could be done through the bluetooth protocol with a cell phone app that could pair with the e reader or maybe use it to link multiple devices that use e ink displays. possibly have an arm mounted unit and than a tablet sized unit that could be carried in a bag. i love the video. definitely some interesting concepts here that need to be explored further and the applications are certainly not limited to land navigation and search and rescue.

[@will8649]

29:00 And that is the most important part. I think multiple devices need to be used. One is none and two is one.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

Straight up great info kinda weird I've been looking into this kinda stuff past couple days then boom this video drops just found meshtastic gonna grab one up n maybe a raspberry pi gotta say I do love your brothers shooting videos but this and your communications videos are probably some of my favorite

[@realplatinum]

This definitely was worth watching. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

[@kakegarcia8056]

I paused and downloaded OSMAND! Bests regards from a Venezuelan follower!

[@JamesSmullins]

Any device that let's you track where you are can be used by others to track where you are. Plastic coated paper maps and a good compass should be mandatory skills and gear. Now if out hiking, camping, training then electronics are fine.

[@mathyus5979]

Not the video I thought we'd be getting a Garand Thumb cameo in finally, but I'm not complaining.

[@urkince26]

I know this isn't the super cool burning the range down videos that Lucas does, but I genuinely love these super informative talks that Isaac does. I also love the editing lmao. Question related to the topic: What are your thoughts on the Yaesu FT5DR, and other such radios with built in GPS?

[@vendoredu]

I'm getting started in land navigation. This video is perfect for getting up to speed quickly on a number of different technologies and use cases. Thanks👊🏼🇺🇸

[@supercoolstar2356]

It would be a decent amount of effort and less durable than the things in the video, but it'd probably be able to do all of the features with a raspberry pi. There's e-ink displays for them, GPS modules, lower battery consumption than a lot of phones, and the ability to write your own software for it (plus with it running Linux you could encrypt the storage)

[@TREXARMS]

If someone built a cool mainboard to support the Compute Modules, and a nice sturdy case, that could be a pretty small and powerful device. Then linux apps and sweet sweet open source goodness.

[@SaltySpitoon1]

Love the "Rescuers down under" cut away.

[@jacobenoch3499]

Get the app and got the maps. These videos are great! Keep them coming!

[@roflchopter11]

23:00 the warm/cool backlight is all done in software. IR backlight would be cool, though, not sure how it'd work with the LCD tech. Night owl is an app that will let you dim the tablet down.

[@CyclicMac]

17:29 what does he mean by thas? 🧐

[@timfoley3189]

When I just listen to you it's like Norm MacDonald teaching me stuff!

[@TREXARMS]

High praise.

[@WickdPerfekT]

💀

[@isaacbotkintrex]

😢

[@_astralxinfluenced_2799]

Damn... That "Rescuers: Down Under" cameo hit different. Bernard's a pimp. Great vid Isaac, keep kickin down this priceless knowledge.

[@DenBozhok]

Besides infrared traces, radio-frequency traces should be considered. Active bluetooth or wifi might cause a shelling in your direction, be aware of that it's not only light are in emission spectrum. Cheers

[@kaiwaara]

They have apps that let you lower screen brightness on Android. Had one on my Samsung that allowed it to be used under NODs but too dark to see with the naked eye

[@dudestuff4345]

We're so fortunate to have T.Rex Arms continue to provide us with quality information like this.

[@egillis214]

Out of date pilot maps of Sectionals or Terminal areas are good sized, have landmarks/references and can be had free once expired… us pilots must use updated current charts only.

[@johnmarston2616]

These types of videos are the best

[@BakaDeru]

These are the videos I enjoy most.

[@scottcrisp6361]

Great info and a tad cheeky! Appreciated the cut scenes

[@hugoimnd]

These videos are such quality one .. i'm in europe and litterally noting everything :D thanks guys

[@L330ne]

I love Osmand ever since you mentioned it on the first communication video awhile back. Also maps are awesome, been fascinated with them since I was a kid.

[@94Greenbean]

You guys knock it out of the park... Always enjoy getting great tidbits on GPS and mapping data. Call me an OLD BOY-SCOUT but I am addicted to satellite view, I want landmarks and my ADHD needs to know whats around, hahaha. Can I ask what Samsung your rocking? I need a prepaid Android phone to test Verizon reception vs our local US Cellular CDMA network. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@TREXARMS]

It's an S20, but in all honesty I liked my S9 better.

[@lordaresthefirst]

Your such a good teacher! Well done, again!👍

[@fettiwillfredo2724]

These videos get me excited for land-nav

[@romeo6696]

1. Map 2. Compass 3. Protractor 4. Physical fitness 5. Training Bonus: Go out and practice

[@aagamer01]

For a minute I thought the video said 5 best Napping tools and I never felt so disappointed 😔

[@RMA_432_]

I run DeLorme Topo on my laptop with an Earthmate LT-40 GPS. I need to get a handheld unit though.

[@MrSteve0991]

Awesome vids, love the knowledge stuff, communications, navigation, ECT.. look forward to seeing more.

[@zachhayes8160]

Will not be able unhear Isaac saying “hhh-white” 😂

[@Dwendele]

I'm going to have to look into the e-ink option. Other than my everyday phone, I currently have two rooted phones with offline maps and a shit ton of knowledge stuff downloaded. Stuff like plant ID, medical knowledge, military FM's etc. Plus a bunch of ebooks for morale upkeep.

[@maybe2714]

Can you list some more examples and where can I get them.

[@zacharycastor7967]

Real-time sand table... I need to learn computers... Excellent info Thanks again!

[@thisguy1271]

Production value to the moon

[@Henryivika]

Fortrex 601/701 has blue tooth connectivity, to phone, tablet, etc..

[@cdragen]

NavNerds unite! Also, the Rescuers Down Under clips were on point.

[@mynameisjeff4511]

Loved the Harrison Ford clips!

[@OutlawTomcat]

Ataks with LoRa and meshtastic?

[@bestkoolaid1835]

Isaac, where do I get those “paper” maps? Love the informational videos!

[@bestkoolaid1835]

Never mind, I looked at the links like an adult and saw you already provided the information. Thank you again for the awesome information!

[@udp1073]

Amazing video.. video of this quality (and amount of information) should become lecture in school! (also for the way they are presented.. as somebody non native to english, the clarity and the quality of the lexicon used is not only refreshing but also instructive!). I hope to be constructive adding that it may be a good idea to take a look at Drive Mode Dashboard, which is an app for android platform that offer roadbook navigation, offline maps and it is catered towards offroading.. yes, it is thought for motorbike riders but I think it is worth a look.. thanks again and keep up the good work

[@xxxlonewolf49]

T-Rex nav-tablet coming out when?

[@benthephilosopher]

Excellent, excellent video!

[@josholdham1033]

Great video and a lot of food for thought. Not sure if I can forgive you for making me remember Crystal Skull though....

[@kc_woodsman7504]

Great info as always. Thanks Isaac!

[@granitegroupconcepts]

Greeting from Russia! Thanks for another helpful video!

[@BallisticsCanada]

"Not going to have cool intro.." proceeds to put on awesome intro and video! Excellent information!

[@spartanbravo5024]

23:20 What kind of Meshtastic Lora radio is that?

[@TREXARMS]

It's a t-beam in one of the generic 3D printed enclosures that supports 18650 batteries.

[@wisenber]

I'm not sure, but I think I used less than that when I sailed across the Atlantic solo. However I did use a sextant too.

[@kaffeewerks9609]

I’m actually working on a similar idea to the ‘bug out’ tablet. My plan was to incorporate a digital radio, E-Ink, large battery, Open-Source, 3D printed out of engineering resin/filament, serviceable. I did get some fantastic ideas from this video. An Infrared backlight is now on the table. Subscribe and I’ll try to push out a intro video soon.

[@MIKELS10]

Buen video👍👍dverias de hacer la revisión del garmin instinct, no se si ya la hiciste puedes cargar gpx files. Y el garmin instinct táctical tiene un modo de night vision.

[@Apache216]

Thank you for putting in the work on this isaac

[@Mr.Wick88]

Awesome content