How To Use Google Earth To Plan A Long Range Hunt

[Len Backus]

Alas, you need an internet connection.

[gamehauler]

Len,
You must be using a satilite connection
I have not heard alot of good about them.
Can you expand on that.
Thanks,
Mike

[Len Backus]

I only connect from my house or from a motel, not while I am in the field. That would be nice, though.

[Augustus]

I have the 1 meter resolution arieal photos on my Trimble Nomad that is GPS enabled. I have my whole state available on SD chips, one 2 GIG chip will hold 6-8 counties. Since the Nomad is GPS enabled I can see where I am in relation to any visible feature on the landscape and it will also show a breadcrumb trail of where I have been. The resolution is so good individual trees, rock outcroppings, fences, buildings, water holes, creeks, cow trails, feed roads etc. can be seen. I have software installed that allows you to measure from one point to another with amazing accuracy. I use it alot if my LRF wont reach. Outstanding piece of equipment.

[Augustus]

The Nomad runs on Windows Mobile, weighs about one pound, has an eighteen hr battery, can be submerged 10 ft for thirty min. and is built to withstand a lot of using. They are not cheap. I use it in my profession hunting things that shoot back. Most of the operations are in unfamiliar territory and more often than not at night. This device allows me to look at the terrain and features around me as if I were in a helicopter in daylight.

I too use Google Earth and bought the subscription for it.

I also use GIS PILOT Free GIS Links. This works for most states and is listed by states and then by counties. You can find plots as in who lives on this land, who owns this land and where it is surveyed to. It shows length of property and boundaries.

This way I can call the adjacent landowners for permission to hunt that property too or find out who owns it. It doesnt show any other information other than plot size and ownership.

We use google earth to plot out distances, mark hunting stands of ours and others because our club rules state 350 yards between stands. This can come in handy when a club member guesses how far he is and hes really right on your doorstep.

I also like the ability of GE to be able to place a marker not knowing the exact address where the marker should be but then ask it for directions to that marker from your home or other starting place. Thats a great aid.

I also use Customized Topo Maps and Aerial Photos - myTopo.com too. At second to the last stage of purchase or third maybe follow it through until you get to where you can examine your map. You can then cut and paste it. After that you can print it, take it to a sign place and have them blow it up or actually purchase it from My Topo. The Hybrid Aerial/Topo is an aerial with topo lines so you dont have to make multiple copies and overlays you get it in one form

I however like the standard topo. You have three choices in format for the maps Waterproof "Outdoor" Map, Glossy "Poster" Map, and Laminated Map. The outdoor map is the best to me and costs 30 bucks.

You can customize the map with Lat/Long tics, grids or none, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) tics and or grids and or Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) tics or grids for use with your GPS unit. You can also select enhanced topo where relief is shaded in case you cant figure out which side of the mountain is steepest.


Using the GIS you should probably be careful you'd be surprised at what information you can obtain from it on an individuals property.

Its neat having the Google ME on this site but a little research and I found out all about what type of house one member lives in, when it was sold, how much it was sold for, who owned it prior, sq footage, whether or not it had a basement, sq footage of the lot wifes name or initials, type of siding, latest assessment with monatary amount of property. Those who have posted pins on the map may think twice with todays identity theft all one would have to do is become a member and find out a whole lot.

Just a thought but with this technology also comes security risks.