 Now available at select Sportsman’s Warehouse is the National Geographic Map Machine. Check your local store for more information and availability. This ATM style machine will print any topographic map in the entire country. The cost is $9.95 per map and takes less than two minutes to print.
These maps are not of the low quality that we grew up with. Each map prints on durable synthetic paper that is waterproof and almost indestructible. The maps are enhanced with 3D shaded relief that makes them easier to read and use. The ridges and valley’s stand out like no other topographic I’ve ever seen.
One of the other benefits of the system is that the maps can be centered on any location. A good example of this is a recent customer who was about to place an order for 13 maps from the government and after using the Map Machine, only needed to purchase six Map Machine prints, because he controlled the map boundaries.
National Geographic has added Game Management Units as an optional overlay to the maps. This will result in the most detailed hunting maps available. No more looking at the Division of Wildlife maps and having your highlighter out, trying to figure out where you hunt boundary might be. I’m absolutely ecstatic about this new feature. I can sit at home with these maps and plot the areas that are going to possible hold animals and plot a tactical route to get to them.
Also, GPS users can rejoice. GPS grids (UTM or Lat/Long) can be added to the maps. With these GPS friendly grids, outdoorsmen can easily find where they are or where they want to be. As one of my hunting buddies always reminds me, “A GPS can tell you where you are, but only a map can show where that is!” If you are a GPS user and have never used a map…stop and print out a Map Machine map with UTM grids. Your GPS will become more useful and down right easy to use. Try this little exercise:
Step 1: Print a map of your house with UTM grids (1000 meter grids)
Step 2: Make sure your GPS is set to UTM
Step 3: Go outside, turn on your GPS, acquire satellites and mark your location
Step 4: Using the coordinates from your GPS, find your location on the maps by simply using the grids overlaid on the map.
Note: If your location is slightly off, make sure that the DATUM on the map and the GPS is the same (see GPS Manual).
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