[at-l] Re: USGS maps (was AT maps)

[kdpo@xxxxxxxxxxx (Ken Powers)]

The reason USGS maps don't change frequently is partially demand. If there
is not much demand for a map, it doesn't get updated unless some major
feature changes in the area. We found a "current map" in eastern MT this
year that was last updated in 1929. It didn't have many topo lines on it and
very few other features.

We tried using USGS maps in other areas of the CDT. One frustrating part was
the maps were in meters and the guide kept mentioning elevations in feet.
And Sly is right, many older maps may not show current trails - or any
trails.

I am watching this thread to determine how many maps I should carry on the
AT this year. Probably will carry a minimal number of maps and rely on the
blazes.
Ken
http://home.pacbell.net/kdpo/

----- Original Message -----
From: <Slyatpct@aol.com>
To: <ellen@clinic.net>
Cc: <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 10:02 AM
Subject: Re: Re[2]: [at-l] AT maps


> --
> [ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
> In a message dated 1/28/2003 12:11:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> ellen@clinic.net writes:
>
> > Most Topo maps are upgraded only rarely. They often don't show the
current
> > trail
> > location or current road crossings and I don't recall ever seeing any
that
> > show
> > shelter locations.
> >
>
> Could that be because the *topography* never changes?  Ideally a new trail
> map can use any old USGS topo map, but should reflect new trail, old
trail,
> new relos, shelter locations and road changes.
>
> Since the AT is so well marked and traveled I don't see any use for maps
> unless you want to strike out on your own and do some bushwacking or blue
> blazes.  Most all the info one would need, such as mileage, road
crossings,
> shelter locations, etc. is in either the Handbook, Companion and/or Data
> books.  If someone gets lost  on the AT, they obviously weren't paying
> attention and I don't believe a map would help them out anyway.  If you
stay
> calm and retrace your steps you should be able to find your way back to
the
> trail.
>
> Of course, the elevation profiles on the AT maps can come in handy, but
tend
> to more frustrating than not, if you don't look for every little bump.
> Regardless of  the profile, the mountain isn't going to change.
>
> YMMV,
>
> Sly
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