Bushwalk Australia

Hi, when I was in Tassie I used to use laminated maps that I'd pick up from the map shop...a great resource. I had a friend recent mention that he used to print maps on to waterproof paper. I had a quick look on line and saw that this sort of thing does exist (not that I don't trust his word and wondered if anyone had used it and could tell me how it was and where they had the maps printed?

Waterproof paper does indeed exist. Just don't try printing on it with an inkjet!

I have done it using thin plastic sheets and a laser printer/copier.
It was hard getting scales, Lat/Long and everything to work.
This was a long time ago when I was in High School, using a photocopier. I gave up as it was too hard to get decent quality results.

I've considered doing it again. This time I'd scan the entire sheets into Photoshop, cut them to the right size and put the edges/scales on myself.
It's just so much more effort than laminated maps...
If tasmaps released digital data it would be much easier.

This is what I would print on: http://www.penninedrawing.co.uk/draftin ... od_95.html

I've not used a waterproof map. This might be a silly question but.. How do you go about a resection with such a map? With paper maps I usually use a pencil with an eraser on the end so any lines drawn can be removed if need be. You could mark up the map before laminating with any additional data but could you mark it up in the field?

McWade wrote:I've not used a waterproof map. This might be a silly question but.. How do you go about a resection with such a map? With paper maps I usually use a pencil with an eraser on the end so any lines drawn can be removed if need be. You could mark up the map before laminating with any additional data but could you mark it up in the field?

Fine tip marker? Water soluble, or any marker if you are carrying metho for fuel anyway. Or perhaps those old grease pencils? (Although maybe too coarse for accurate resectioning?)

But seriously, with GPS on phones, who still does resections anyway? I thought I was old school in still using paper maps as they are way better for route planning than a small screen, but resections? That's older than Methusela

McWade wrote:I've not used a waterproof map. This might be a silly question but.. How do you go about a resection with such a map? With paper maps I usually use a pencil with an eraser on the end so any lines drawn can be removed if need be. You could mark up the map before laminating with any additional data but could you mark it up in the field?

It all depends on the substrate of map. The drafters paper and the paper posted by stride can usually be marked on by any pen or pencil.
For laminated maps I usually have q permanent marker with me anyway. Hand sanitizer or methylated spirits can be used to erase markings in the field.

Laminated maps usually have a matte finish, allowing pencil to be used.

Thanks Icefest - good tip with the metho.

madmacca: I use gps mapping in the car, but never when walking, for several reasons. A phone or gps unit uses batteries. Because of the small screen size I think I might miss interesting features that would otherwise be obvious using a conventional map (this has happened several times when walking with a partner using only a GPS receiver). Susceptible to damage. Expensive etc. Besides, why carry a map and compass AND a gps? I use a Spot messenger for breadcrumbs and emergency signals.

Strider: Thnaks for the info, that makes it real easy.

Cheers

"... why carry a map and compass AND a GPS?"

In areas where you can't get a view of the surrounding topography due to vegetation, cloud etc a gps will show you where you are. I have found this really useful on many occasions when trying to find the top of a side spur etc. Yes - much prefer a map to see where I am going and route plan but always take a gps to pinpoint my location (on the map). I don't leave the gps on all day and found that a set of batteries in my Foretrex 401 (location only) lasts about a week and my new eTrex 30 lasted 2 weeks on one set using it as required (3 -6 times a day).

Mapping GPS is fantastic at finding that hidden track (when marked on the map). No wasted search time there. Yes, it takes some of the fun out but sure can save time.

Yes, I see there are cases where both map and compass and a GPS receiver can be useful. For me this has usually been cases where there is no discernible topography (largely flat areas of WA), in which case I choose a bearing, stick to it, and track my progress as best I can until I reach the next natural feature that confirms with certainty my location. Where there is a lot of topography and low visibility, like in the mountains with lots of fog or heavy snow, I see that a gps receiver might be invaluable. Here in WA I simply don't encounter such conditions. So I'll stick to map, compass and SPOT Messenger and if I go to the mountains I'll consider taking a GPS receiver aswell.

I usually get some contact for covering school kids books and then cut out the section of the map I need for the walk and then cover it on both sides.
This makes the map more or less indestructible, I can fold it and keep it in a pocket without having to worry about it getting torn or wet.
With tasmaps you have to mark grid references and draw the lat and longs on the map before you cut it up to ensure you still have all the info. You can also combine two maps into one when you have that annoying situation where you need 2 maps for one walk but you really only need the bit on one the side of both maps

I bought some waterproof paper from http://toughprint.com for a rafting trip early last year. I had the relevant maps scanned, then using the desktop, clipped and stitched the relevant portions to fit the A4 paper size, then printed them out onto several A4 sheets.

The paper is not only waterproof, but almost indestructible. With a lot of effort it will begin to stretch, and it will only tear after either extreme force, or starting it out with scissors or a knife.

It's quite expensive compared to real paper, but for just a few sheets, it's well worth it. You can even get inkjet versions. Not sure how that works. I used a laser print version.

Before relying on it, I tested the paper screwing it up as much as I could under a running tap after printing. It suffered no damage whatsoever.

So during the rafting trip, I could actually have it strapped onto the outside of my pack where I could see it while paddling (although only did this once or twice, but was not concerned at all about it getting wet).

The 'paper' has a similar texture to normal paper, so I reckon you could write on it with pen/pencil easily if desired (I didn't actually try this).

I'll not weigh in too much on the main debate but you sure can use a pencil on waterproof map paper, We do it at Rogaines all the time.
Ball point pens work but felt pens don't unless permanent marker type.

I write all my daily track notes on small waterproof notepad sheet when walking with a mini "keno" style pencil I take.

The Larapinta Trail maps are printed on the waterproof stuff. Very nearly indestructible. Well worth the slight extra cost (especially if you're as hard on your gear as I am).