Best Paper Map

[bdosborn]

What's the best paper map of the US to back up the GPS with? I like my GPS but there are some places where it doesn't work so well.

Bruce

[starleen2]

Rand McNally road Atlas of the US for major roads works well for us - no need for batteries!

[GuitarPhotog]

I use DeLorme Atlas & Gazetter, state by state.

They are high-resolution detailed topo maps of each state. They aren't cheap at $20 per book, with 2 books for Calif. but they show everything down to trails, and have lots of info on campgrounds, state and federal parks, etc.

Highly recommend these, I've been using them for years, before I got a GPS. Oh, they are GPS friendly in the bargain.

I prefer to see the location in context, and these 11" X 15" books are the perfect compromise for me.

<Chas>

[GeoDrop]

This is great... I've been thinking about something like this after our last trip to Oklahoma when I forgot to print my google directions before leaving.

I use DeLorme Atlas & Gazetter, state by state.

They are high-resolution detailed topo maps of each state. They aren't cheap at $20 per book, with 2 books for Calif. but they show everything down to trails, and have lots of info on campgrounds, state and federal parks, etc.

Highly recommend these, I've been using them for years, before I got a GPS. Oh, they are GPS friendly in the bargain.

I prefer to see the location in context, and these 11" X 15" books are the perfect compromise for me.

<Chas>

[Wolfgang92025]

I use DeLorme Atlas & Gazetter, state by state.

They are high-resolution detailed topo maps of each state. They aren't cheap at $20 per book, with 2 books for Calif. but they show everything down to trails, and have lots of info on campgrounds, state and federal parks, etc.

Highly recommend these, I've been using them for years, before I got a GPS. Oh, they are GPS friendly in the bargain.

<Chas>

+1 For all the reason above.

[Aaron Coffee]

I usually stop at the first rest area I see after entering a different state and pick up the maps that the state tourism department gives out, don't know if they are the best but they are usually FREE, also pick up brochures and literature on the area I am going to or any areas I will be passing through.

[asianflava]

I have a Rand Mcnally that I pick up at Wal-Mart. They also show where the stores are located and which ones have gas. Comes in Handy because (like it or not) Wally World usually has the cheapest gas in town.

[doitright]

I also use Ran Mcnally old folks book. It dose not have all the small roads like the normal one but I can read it and that is a + for one fella that can get lost in a paper bag.
doitright

[Shadow Catcher]

USGS and NARCAN (Canadian) Topo maps come in various scales. This in conjunction with what ever.
I have a set for Lake Superior Provincial Park which is detailed down to the canoe portage points. If you know how to use a compass with declination and read a topographic map it is hard to go too far wrong.
When I do ghost towns out west I will get detailed topo maps and also load topo maps into the GPS and laptop, one source http://www.gpsfiledepot.com

[Miriam C.]

I usually stop at the first rest area I see after entering a different state and pick up the maps that the state tourism department gives out, don't know if they are the best but they are usually FREE, also pick up brochures and literature on the area I am going to or any areas I will be passing through.

+1 I use a regular road map and google if I am going somewhere I need more information.

[BPFox]

For me almost any paper map is better than any GPS unit out there. This is not an anti technology thing, but it's pretty hard to beat your own brain and eyes. Most of us use our GPS units in areas we are not familiar with and don't use them at all in places we know. Just try a little test. Next time you want to go to somewhere close where you would never use you GPS to get there, try using it. More often than not it will send you on a route you would never otherwise take. In fact, differnt brands of GPS units will send you different ways. Much like maping programs like yahoo maps or mapquest. Those maping programs very rarely send you the same way even thought the start points and finish points are the same. If am going on a long trip I look at the paper map first to get the best route and only use the GPS when I am close to the destination for the final turn by turn instructions. On a recent trip from Saginaw MI to Blacksburg VA I shaved over an hour of travel time off the projected time of the GPS and Yahoo maps. Technology is great, but don't use it as a crutch. Just may take.

[bdosborn]

Now, now, this isn't a thread about the merits of a GPS. (Just so it doesn't bog down into one of those debates)

This is a thread about the best paper map.

I'm thinking I need a cross country map, one you could use to plan a nice long road trip and then throw in the truck and take with.

Bruce

[doug hodder]

Bruce...you might try taking a trip to the USGS Fed Center out in Golden. They have a retail outlet, probably not your best bet for a traveling road atlas, but they've got just about every other map. Doug

[bdosborn]

Doug,

Good idea I forgot about that place. I was out there about 20 years ago and never went back. I'll swing by there and look around.

The HEMA United States Road Atlas [Spiral-bound] Gets rave reviews at the expedition trailer forum. Its organized from west to east instead of state by state.


Bruce

[pete42]

I too try to stop at rest areas that have state maps.
most of the time it works but sometimes I pass through when they are closed and then I have to hunt to find a state map.

I also carry a rand McNally road atlas I had one of those big print ones once I found it left off a lot of what I needed.

I think it left off Wyoming which also doesn't show up on my GPS did they cancel Wyoming or add it to Idaho? just kidding Slow...