Help Using BLM Surface Managment maps

[Kbhunts888]

Hey all,
I ordered several surface managment maps from the BLM. Does anyone still use these? My plan was to go out today and just kind of walk some areas about an hour or so from home, since my license is not complete yet(I need my 4 hours). At least I can get a little familiar with the terrain.

I think I might need a map reading course..

Thanks all

 

[Bubblehide]

BLM puts out 2 types of maps, one that is generally just a map, like any other, with BLM, NF, and private property boundaries identified and color coded: white being private property, Green being NF, and mustard or yellow being BLM lands. The other type are generally referred to as surface management maps, and they identify major mineral deposits by color coding. My impression is that you would be interested in the property boundary maps, over the mineral deposit maps. Otherwise, the maps are the same as any other map, and navigating is done in the same manner, but with the form the map utilizes. If your using a GPS in conjunction with any map, you need to make sure the setting is the same as the map form, i.e., if it is longitude and latitude, set your GPS to that setting. Generally the maps say, or a quick google search entering the correct type of map will tell you, but several types are used. If your using a compass, just keep in mind that the top of all maps should be North, and simply orientate the map to the proper direction and navigate from there. If you have a peak or two visibel, you can first orientate the map North, and then to the peaks clearly identified to better orientate yourself to your position on the map, or where you want to travel to.

Best of luck!

 

[CivilOutdoors]

I generally scan the maps and place them overlaid on Google Earth. Line up the roads and such so it's the right size. Then drag it into my gamin Oregon 450. It will show up in there for me to see where I am. There's also a Google Earth blm land kmz file that will show you all the public land.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Bakerbob]

I will look for points on blm map stuff that usually says "spring" then I'll enter the name of the spring and forest into google earth and it will take you right to it.

 

[Kbhunts888]

Thank you gentlemen for the info! Is it possible to use solely the BLM maps? How can you get from the freeway, through town to the hunting areas? We decided to take a trip up to center peaks/bald mountain area. We were able to plot a route there from the freeway, but we have no street names, or a freeway off ramp. We type center peaks into google maps, and it gave us directions(actually one of the routes we plotted) Similar to what you mentioned Bakerbob. Looks like I'll be getting familar with google map overlays, or maybe a phone app, or even a GPS device.?.?

 

[Bubblehide]

Garmin ( the color units only) accepts the Sd cards that Cabelas and other places sell. The stsate maps, that show private and public lands, with raods , boundaries... It makes it pretty easy to know exactly where you are inrelation to property boundaries, roads... as it overlays with the GPS's topo maps (if they come preloaded or you purchase them and load them)

 

[Waterguy]

If you have access to arcgis there are free downloadable blm maps that contain shape files. Once in arcgis you can convert them to kml which is what can be used in google earth. From there you can use the garmin software to move over the google files. If you are navigating just based off of paper maps make sure you understand true north and magnetic north. Learning to set up your compass based off the magnetic north on the map can keep you from getting lost and can save you time when u are in the backcountry. Having a map with topo data is a must for me and I always have the paper maps in my pack. It is always easier to read a paper map then a little 3" screen on a garmen.

 

[Bubblehide]

... It is always easier to read a paper map then a little 3" screen on a garmen.

3", hell my Garmin is a four inch, so I guess mine has an extra inch. But then, I'm known for having extra inches.

 

[Kbhunts888]

Hee hee I'll leave your inches alone!
I just downloaded Trimble GPS hunt pro for my Galaxy4 for 4.95. Thought it may be worth a try

 

[Waterguy]

That was a nice lob for you, and you smacked it out of the park. Gave me a good laugh.

Trimble has very good software.

 

[Kbhunts888]

I try and stay aware!! Hee hee
I've been playing with it a little the last couple of days, looks pretty good, little slow loading maps. A lot of extra fees also

 

[Bubblehide]

Hee hee I'll leave your inches alone!
I just downloaded Trimble GPS hunt pro for my Galaxy4 for 4.95. Thought it may be worth a try

Your damn right you will. hate to disappoint you, but that was not an invitation.

 

[Kbhunts888]

Your damn right you will. hate to disappoint you, but that was not an invitation.

Well I'm very glad to see we are on the same page!!!!
Hee hee