Offroad Navigation Discussion Thread

That would be a great link to find! I'm compiling everything I can into one database, so if you happen to track that link down let me know. I'm sure there will be quite a bit of overlap between multiple files, especially for popular/high volume trails that have been mapped time and time again.

Edit: Does this look similar to the file you described?
http://www.mediafire.com/file/mvjjwvhqcjh/Trail+Damage+GPX.zip

 

Hmmm...that was uploaded over 6 years ago. I think there's a more recent link with their updated tracks.

 

This thread is full of a lot of useful information. Sub'd so i can use it later to plan my first off roading trip.

 

Just ran across this while on my phone. Could be a nice resource for printed Topo maps. I want to check it out on a computer.

http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads

 

If you also want to look at the options direct from the USGS, you can go to https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/maps/TopoView/ Which gives you access to the historic versions as well. In fact, it's mostly the historic ones, because they don't put out 'quad sheets' like they used to. They have a new map product called 'US topo' maps that they've replaced the quad maps with. They look a little different, but same basic info. You can get both those and the historic ones at https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/basic/?basemap=b1&category=histtopo,ustopo&title=Map View#startUp or if you want a parent page link that has both on it, https://nationalmap.gov/historical/

One thing the NatGeo looks like it has going for it is the pre-formatting and breaking up to 8.5x11 page sizes, which the USGS products aren't/don't do. But the USGS ones are available in a variety of formats (georeferenced pdf/tif/kml, non-referenced jpg), and I didn't dig deep enough to see what NatGeo offers in terms of format/georeferencing.

 

You bring up some good points. I have access to both formats of USGS Topo maps (historical and new) on my HEMA tablet app. The appeal to the Nat Geo project to me was the ease of finding a specific quad using their interactive map, and the ability to print on 8.5 x 11 instead of a large format printer.

 

The advantage of the Nat Geo maps is the current trail overlay that they add. Nearly half the trails on the Western Slope are newer than what shows up on original USGS maps which are mostly from surveys in the '50s.

 

That letter size thing is pretty sweet. Both the USGS links I gave might be a newer interface than you're used to though, because they're just as easy (to me) as the NatGeo site - zoom in on map, pick point, click link.

You mean the Trails Illustrated maps? Because those are definitely nice, but they aren't free. The thing we were looking at/talking about is just quad sheets, as far as I'm aware. I looked at a couple and I don't see any trail overlays but I might just be looking at the wrong ones or missing something.

 

Yes, the old Trails Ill. Maps(now Nat Geo) aren't free, but have many hiking and biking trails that aren't on usgs maps. Also, the usgs maps won't show some jeep road closures or updates. Free sources of updated mapping unclude Gaia, Mountain Project, Mountain Bike Pronect, Mountain Hub, etc

 

Interesting to see that people are actually using these apps! I actually made this one for the USGS about 2.5 years ago, but I don't think it ever saw the light of day lol.
https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/apps/basic_viewer

The USGS basemaps are atrocious

 

Is anyone using this?

https://youtu.be/7y9os1G4GDw

 

I'm pretty sure @Gramps uses the Hema app on a phone and/or tablet. I tried it for awhile and was less than satisfied. I got my money back and switched to Gaia. Really enjoying it so far.

 

This is the Australian App and tablet. The North American verison is a bit different. They did update it recently and it has a lot more function then it did before.

@mountainmonkey did you have the version prior to the update? It was not optimal.

 

Not sure which version I had (pre or post update) I gave it a try for about a month in February and it just kept glitching for me. Lots of people seem to like it though. Maybe my hardware just sucks

 

I use Eathmate on an ipad mini.

Earthmate has multiple maps, USGS, Color Aerial, Hybrid roads, NOAA, etc. I dont remember the cost but you will want a device with lots of memory. I think I have about 60gb of maps just for CO. You can login to a PC plan a course then sync it to your device and also pair it with an inReach if you have one.

HEMA maps sucked in my honest opinion compared to Earthmate.

 

I've recently begun supplementing my personally-built GPX routes with live MVUMs through Avenza Maps. I first search TrailsOffroad for pre-recorded .GPX files of any given Jeep trails. I plug all the ones I found in the area(s) I'll be in into CalTopo's browser utility. From there, I connect the trails by way of fire/forest road as much as possible. Ifinish up by preloading the base layer in MyTrails for the area for offline functionality. This is all discussed in the videos I posted here previously.

But now I will also go into Avenza, zoom to the area(s) I'll be in, then change the search parameters to "free maps", and type MVUM into the search bar. From there, I download all of the forest district MVUMs in the immediate and nearby vicinity. So if I venture out somewhere that I haven't preloaded and don't have signal, I can open up Avenza with a geofunction MVUM that allows me to navigate in just as much, if not more detail.

 

So since running trails with Old Brett a couple weeks ago I am now in the market for off road GPS/trails/etc

I've been overloaded with information.

Was first looking at Garmin devices (similar to what Old Brett has, it was really nice). But then was thinking to begin with, why not just an iPad with an appropriate app on it.

Keep coming back to Gaia GPS.

Idiot questions:

1. I assume this works without cell reception.
2. Are the maps preloaded? Or do you have to keep downloading gpx files and loading them on the iPad?
3. Can you save points on the maps?
4. Can you save trail runs?

Even though I've read a lot about off road navigation I'm still kind of in the dark.

 

I can't answer all your questions with firsthand experience because I use a Samsung tablet instead of an iPad but here goes...

1.) You can definitely use the app without cell or wifi coverage. It works by downloading map sections while you have an internet connection so they can display when you don't have a connection.
2.) maps and gpx files are two different things. The app has many different map layers you can choose from. Then you can download gpx files (tracks) from trailsoffroad, trail damage, other internet sites, etc and they overlay onto the map layers.
3.) yes you can save waypoints on the maps. You can also manually create tracks.
4.) yes you can record trail runs as tracks

Hope that answers your questions. One thing I'd be wary of is I believe wifi only iPads don't have an integral gps so you have to connect an external dohicky. I'd recommend verifying whatever tablet you plan to use has an integral gps if you don't want to deal with that.

 

Yeah I just read that about wifi only iPads...

Again sorry for the noob questions

1. If I'm using a GPS enabled (or integral GPS) device, will the app show my moving location on the map? Even in airplane mode or without cellular connection?

2. Do you just have the $9.99/yr membership?

 

1.) my location shows on the map as you describe. I cannot confirm that would be the case in all instances but it SHOULD work that way.

2.) I haven't paid a dime other than the initial fee for downloading the app which was $20. I believe the annual subscription is for optional features that I don't personally need so I didn't get it.