Hunters Journey Magazine

Pouring over Google Earth images and topo maps in anticipation of a hunt makes my blood boil.  As has been said, the anticipation of the hunt is almost as exciting as the hunt itself.  When planning a successful DIY hunt, there is no better way to up your odds of success than by having a solid grasp of your hunting area before arriving.

My first article will highlight one of these tools available.  As we go forward with this series, I will get in depth about each states availability of data and where to find it as it pertains to planning a DIY hunt.  A little background so you don’t think I’m full of hot air.  I have BS in geography, and I have worked as a land surveyor or GIS (geographic information systems) professional for the past 8 years.  Without mincing words, I am a “certified” map nerd!  As part of my everyday work, I have to keep current with the trends affecting the geography world.  Hopefully some tips and information I share will help our readers to plan a dream hunt!

While many of us are familiar with Google Earth, there is a different map tool that takes your planning experience to the next level.  This program is called Global Mapper (it costs about $299).  It is not free, like Google Earth, but the capabilities are endless.  It has the ability to convert between many mapping formats that are available from many agencies.  The most important capability is its ability to deal with what are called “shapefiles”.  A shapefile is a polygon created in a proprietary GIS format that any government agency uses.  Whenever you download GMU boundaries, habitat boundaries, national forest boundaries, etc. from a government agency, it comes as a shapefile.

Another great feature of Global Mapper is that every 1:24k and 1:100k USGS topo map is included for free with the program.  Also included is medium resolution satellite imagery (from the Landsat satellite), high resolution black and white photography for all of the US, and 3D representation of the terrain.  This creates the ability to have unbelievably accurate overlays to really dig into a unit or hunt area.

Possibly the most important feature of Global Mapper is the ability to switch between datum and projection data.  Take for example a USGS 1:24k topographic map.  On the bottom left hand corner, there is information that might state “Transverse Mercator/NAD 27”.  This means that the information on the map is projected as UTM coordinates in the North American survey of 1927.  This is VERY important information.  All data you are dealing with must be projected this way for it to appear on your computer screen in the area of reality (where it is supposed to be).  More on this later, but something to keep in mind that is very important.

Some of these explanations and terms may seem foreign.  But as the series moves forward, I will use them in real world situations that will bring them to light.  Stay tuned for the next installment.