Any one who knows me knows I am a topo map junkie. I started with the DeLorme Atlases and then the Forest Service maps, and finally I got the DeLorme Topo version 4.0 (7.0 is just out) so I could print customized maps, remote scout, and plan runs, hunts, and hikes at high and low detail. I really use the DeLorme Topo program anytime I want to know more about an area. It has become my go-to program for pre-scouting an area.
Now I have found a free topographic map source that interacts with Google Earth.
MapFinder™ for Google Earth™ is a searchable index utilizing base map information derived from Google Earth™. Want to know more about a specific location? Dive right in — Google Earth™ combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google™ Search to put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips. NOTE: Currently MapFinder™ for Google Earth™ shows only the 1:24,000 scale USGS topographic maps. For USGS 1:100,000 scale please use MapFinder™ for Adobe Reader™.
System Requirements: Google Earth™ version 4 or higher
It is available for a free download at http://www.usgsquads.com/mapfinder.html
Once you download the .KML file, you are taken to an instruction screen that tells you how to activate the overlay of the topo map quads. Once you open the overlay file for your state, then you can click on an icon that allows you to download the appropriate map quad as a .tiff file, and view it in Microsoft Image
Viewer. I have printed these maps off on an 8 1/2 x11 piece of paper and still have enough detail that i can scribble notes on it. Users with access to a large format printer may be able to print the 7.5 minute quads at their full size.
I’ll still use my topo maps from DeLorme that allow me to choose my level of detail and combine topo quads on one map. But for the ”real deal” USGS 7.5 minute quadrangles, viewable on your computer screen, you can’t beat the cost and quality.
