S2 Underground did a video tutorial on creating maps a few years ago. I use that, Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation, various websites for things like superfund sites, air currents, old mines, etc to create maps. I bought a laser printer that prints 11x17 and a bunch of Rite In The Rain paper to print those maps on. I'm not a cartographer bit I've made some slick maps.
Ah yes, I remember that tutorial specifically. Qgis was a pain in the neck but smoothed out once I learned to import map layers and format the maps for print. Can't say I've used any in the field yet, but this video inspires.
S2 Underground deletes comments if you bring up anything negative about trump, espically if you say anything like "Trump and Yuri Shvets". I should shut up now.
I have also found that map reading is a “transferable” skill. I have played a few thousand hours of ARMA2, ARMA3, and DayZ and have learned basically everything described in this video. I recently took a diesel hydraulics class and found that reading the diagrams was incredibly easy for me while not so much for most of the students. It felt just like reading a map to me.
Another good skill to teach yourself and your kids, cardinal directions. Whenever you drive somewhere know roughly if you're going North, South, East, or West.
I guess the only thing missing from this episode is how to make a map the MIL way. You know, walking and counting with bead makers, figuring out direction without a map, stuff like that.
According to my grandparents, I was a backseat driver as a toddler, telling them where to turn and where to go in order to get back to my parents house lol wasn’t wrong, either! There’s something to spatial awareness and landmark navigation that’s simply primitive.
Man, you are really hitting the nail on the head with this topic. It's amazing the number of things we have all but stamped out as a common knowledge capability because we abdicated responsibility of it to a computing device. I've been able to watch a lot of it happen in my life time, which makes me really wonder about previous generations and all of the information and resilience we lost before I could even know it ever existed.
Revealing my age. I absolutely hate to drive anywhere without a great Rand-McNalley Road Map. I have lived most of my life West of the Missouri River. I don't don't know who Rand or McNalley were. But I still love their detailed road maps. I used to fly my own airplanes a lot and the detail on "sectional charts" for low altitude VFR flying was always great. I don't know if they are still available to purchase (paper maps)? I know that they are available for iPads. To me that is almost useless. No "Big Picture" information. I routinely drove from North Texas to SW Oregon to visit my parents and help take care of them when they needed it. Many times. I love the desert. The more desolate the better. Look up Denio, Nevada. My kind of country. Too bad that organized criminal Communists run the State of Nevada. Although I used to hunt in NorCal and went to school in SoCal ftom 1980-84. I made a vow to never, ever set foot in California again after ~2003. And I never have.
European truck drivers who drove to the middle-east in the 70s and 80s pretty much relied on handdrawn maps from other drivers after they passed the Bosporen, pretty impressive.
I’ve saved enough 2nd lts. I don’t need this video. But what I did need was to make sure someone made this comment. “Look at this topomap, every time I do gunny laughs. Make sure your moonbeam lens is red. Pretty sure the Lt is dead”
Excellent topic! Situational awareness is critical for so many tasks and activities! Map skills can be life or death important if/when things go sideways.
I've been mapping on OpenStreetMap for some time because I was envious of Arma's maps! OSM data is used in CalTopo Many non-road features are often seen as secondary, almost cosmetic. I make it a point to map local cell towers, major power lines, ponds etc and I know it has already helped local SAR teams. If you see the map is lacking near you go ahead and add to it!
I used to live in Europe in the early 90s, and as an American, it was hard to get around in those days before GPS. I would borrow maps and write down the names of the cities I wanted to travel through, because the route numbers and ways were sometimes hard to register. Several years later, we started getting things like Mapquest, but even that would goof it up. Road trips now, I always check out some maps beforehand so I don't rely on Google or Apple to get me there. They do send you the wrong way sometimes.
Great information in this video. Possibly making a series of going back to physical over digital ways would be nice. There will be a day when technology is no longer here, and we need physical skills and resources. Thanks for all the great informative videos.
there is nothing better to learn than --this classic Be Expert with Map and Compass Paperback - Dec 9 2009 by Bjorn Kjellstrom (Author), Carina Kjellstrom Elgin (Author)
I’m horrible at map reading a navigation. But one of my closest buddies likes to travel and visit national parks. He always knew where we were and which direction a city is or whatever we need. Without cell service. We in the mountains, random trails, places where law enforcement couldn’t get to us because we were stuck so far out, in caves.. this stuff is important.
This is so incredibly important because the kids today see only google maps or apple maps and think that you just go towards the Taco Bell icon. They have no idea what a map is actually for.
It's important to note that in disaster situations, such as hurricane Helene, that the landscape may be altered so much that the maps you pre-printed may no longer be of use, or at least the same use. Adapt.
Using terrain association in conjunction with a good map though can actually help give you an idea of things you can’t see in other places. For instance, you come up to a ford in a river that is now impassable due to catastrophic flooding. You can note that about 20’ of shore has eroded out. You can make assumptions on damage elsewhere and make note of other areas that may be impassable due to the damage. Beyond that, if you know that flooding or landslides will be an issue during maneuvers, finding elevation limits and draws can help you pre-plan for what you can’t see.
Excellent point. I was taught "permanent landmarks" (like mountains in the distance) and "non-permanent" landmarks (like seasonal ponds). Truly permanent landmarks are handy for general location, but it's the less permanent landmarks usually help narrow it down.
if you do not have a map Go to a local visitor/tourist center, they tend to have maps available. State and regional, they tend to not be topographic however but still could be good to get your bearings
....The very fact that this is being made in 2024 hurts my heart - just like the sad TikTok's with Zoomers honestly asking how people were able to find their way around without GPS....I recognize that a certain percentage of people will never be able to understand a map, but there are WAY too many people who cannot comprehend basic things.
I learned how to navigate and read maps many moons ago. I was born long enough ago that navigating via maps was how it was done. I keep a few US atlas' in my library, although not one in my car. Cellphones are really handy with that.
Getting a drone, compass, and maps you can print should you not be able to find in a store but on the computer...and start working on land nav...is a good way to get started...
Hey, I love your videos. I would like to see you do a video on the new upcoming Tesla phone. And with it and star link, is it even necessary to pursue traditional ham, radio style communications. Either one would be interested in your take on that topic. God bless.
Asking because idk: Isaac here is using a map at 1:25000 scale. But the Cammenga 3H compass reads in 1:50000 scale. So, would it make more sense to buy/print maps at 1:50000 scale if using the Cammenga 3h compass, or is there just some math you can do to have it work out? Again, asking because I am just starting to look into all this, and I honestly don't know. I see that the Suunto compass has different scales for 1:20000 on up, so no biggie there. But wondering where I should start with the Cammenga and what scale maps.
I can not and will never understand how some people can't read or understand maps. Except for figuring out exact distances with the scales, they've always been pretty clear and self-explanatory to me. Also, some people have really terrible senses of direction. They can't go anywhere without gps/car nav whatever, even in town they grew up in.
Trex Labs is the Trex brand as far as I'm concerned. Posturing and bravado is mid at best. Informative content interspersed with humor is always S tier.
Maybe teaching people to use their cell phones would be more appropriate. My cell phone has most of my State downloaded in the Apple Maps on mine as well as some other maps that are useful. I don’t need cell towers, traditional power or wifi to nav. I don’t need paper maps, though I can generally use them. I can’t see a scenario where a paper map beats an electronic one, if you are prepared. This is just a waste of time. Put your energy into making sure your electronic devices have what you need and that you can access them when needed. (Drive space, apps, solar chargers, etc.)
small FPS drones can be a lifesaver (the hand sized ones). Charged off a battery pack, you can fly up to quick gauge shape of the water near, get view above a canopy, etc...GREATLY AIDING your land nav
For those that don’t get the reference, here’s the full quote “I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps, and, uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq everywhere like, such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future for our children”
S2 Underground did a video tutorial on creating maps a few years ago. I use that, Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation, various websites for things like superfund sites, air currents, old mines, etc to create maps. I bought a laser printer that prints 11x17 and a bunch of Rite In The Rain paper to print those maps on. I'm not a cartographer bit I've made some slick maps.
This. I was gonna make maps and pay someone to print them on marker wipe paper
@TheRiskyDingo if it'll roll through my laser printer I'd print them for you.
What model printer did you buy?
@@PatrickKQ4HBD HP Color LaserJet CP5225
Ah yes, I remember that tutorial specifically. Qgis was a pain in the neck but smoothed out once I learned to import map layers and format the maps for print. Can't say I've used any in the field yet, but this video inspires.
You and S2 Underground should do a livesteam sometime in the future. I think it would be very informative/interesting conversation.
The Communications Channel (tc2) is another good resource with a bit more hands-on/demo content.
I don't think S2U collaborates or responds to anyone, ever.
S2 Underground deletes comments if you bring up anything negative about trump, espically if you say anything like "Trump and Yuri Shvets". I should shut up now.
@@PatrickKQ4HBD this aged poorly
@@JohnnyBeGood-88 Hahaha, yes it did! Maybe I should take credit for pushing the issue. 😂
I learned maps from playing dayz along with a mobile app to use topographic maps to navigate with in game compass
I have also found that map reading is a “transferable” skill. I have played a few thousand hours of ARMA2, ARMA3, and DayZ and have learned basically everything described in this video. I recently took a diesel hydraulics class and found that reading the diagrams was incredibly easy for me while not so much for most of the students. It felt just like reading a map to me.
I see you and James Reeves have similar taste in scenery. Glad to see you enjoying the Gulf Coast. Thank you for all that you do
Isaac really needs to up his shorts game.
Another good skill to teach yourself and your kids, cardinal directions. Whenever you drive somewhere know roughly if you're going North, South, East, or West.
I guess the only thing missing from this episode is how to make a map the MIL way. You know, walking and counting with bead makers, figuring out direction without a map, stuff like that.
My brother called our grandmother to pick us up.
He told her to write down what streets and turns to take.
She made it to us no problem.
Grandma is based
According to my grandparents, I was a backseat driver as a toddler, telling them where to turn and where to go in order to get back to my parents house lol wasn’t wrong, either! There’s something to spatial awareness and landmark navigation that’s simply primitive.
Man, you are really hitting the nail on the head with this topic. It's amazing the number of things we have all but stamped out as a common knowledge capability because we abdicated responsibility of it to a computing device. I've been able to watch a lot of it happen in my life time, which makes me really wonder about previous generations and all of the information and resilience we lost before I could even know it ever existed.
Revealing my age. I absolutely hate to drive anywhere without a great Rand-McNalley Road Map. I have lived most of my life West of the Missouri River. I don't don't know who Rand or McNalley were. But I still love their detailed road maps.
I used to fly my own airplanes a lot and the detail on "sectional charts" for low altitude VFR flying was always great. I don't know if they are still available to purchase (paper maps)?
I know that they are available for iPads. To me that is almost useless.
No "Big Picture" information.
I routinely drove from North Texas to SW Oregon to visit my parents and help take care of them when they needed it. Many times. I love the desert. The more desolate the better.
Look up Denio, Nevada. My kind of country.
Too bad that organized criminal Communists run the State of Nevada.
Although I used to hunt in NorCal and went to school in SoCal ftom 1980-84.
I made a vow to never, ever set foot in California again after ~2003.
And I never have.
Another thought (sorry), could you do a video on QGIS???
Content option. Sanitation, water, and cooking when utilities are compromised at individual, family, and group scale.
Great video
I learned a lot of these things growing up on a farm
My dad used to draw maps in the dirt to explain which field I needed to go to
European truck drivers who drove to the middle-east in the 70s and 80s pretty much relied on handdrawn maps from other drivers after they passed the Bosporen, pretty impressive.
Reminds me of WWII pilots and 1930's airliners doing the same
lil bro thinks he's nickelback in the thumbnail 😂
great video, btw!
Look at this map
I’ve saved enough 2nd lts. I don’t need this video. But what I did need was to make sure someone made this comment. “Look at this topomap, every time I do gunny laughs. Make sure your moonbeam lens is red. Pretty sure the Lt is dead”
Excellent topic! Situational awareness is critical for so many tasks and activities! Map skills can be life or death important if/when things go sideways.
Welcome to my neck of the woods! Enjoy your stay! Thank you for every thing you do..been following for a while now!
Lots of good exploring down here where you're at. I felt like I knew about where you were based off the terrain in the background at the start.
I've been mapping on OpenStreetMap for some time because I was envious of Arma's maps! OSM data is used in CalTopo
Many non-road features are often seen as secondary, almost cosmetic. I make it a point to map local cell towers, major power lines, ponds etc and I know it has already helped local SAR teams. If you see the map is lacking near you go ahead and add to it!
Make a video about creating a dope card for long range shooting please
I used to live in Europe in the early 90s, and as an American, it was hard to get around in those days before GPS. I would borrow maps and write down the names of the cities I wanted to travel through, because the route numbers and ways were sometimes hard to register. Several years later, we started getting things like Mapquest, but even that would goof it up. Road trips now, I always check out some maps beforehand so I don't rely on Google or Apple to get me there. They do send you the wrong way sometimes.
Great information in this video. Possibly making a series of going back to physical over digital ways would be nice. There will be a day when technology is no longer here, and we need physical skills and resources. Thanks for all the great informative videos.
there is nothing better to learn than --this classic
Be Expert with Map and Compass Paperback - Dec 9 2009
by Bjorn Kjellstrom (Author), Carina Kjellstrom Elgin (Author)
I’m horrible at map reading a navigation. But one of my closest buddies likes to travel and visit national parks. He always knew where we were and which direction a city is or whatever we need. Without cell service. We in the mountains, random trails, places where law enforcement couldn’t get to us because we were stuck so far out, in caves.. this stuff is important.
never heard about Caltopo, works in europe as well apparently. Nice find, thanks !
This is so incredibly important because the kids today see only google maps or apple maps and think that you just go towards the Taco Bell icon. They have no idea what a map is actually for.
It's important to note that in disaster situations, such as hurricane Helene, that the landscape may be altered so much that the maps you pre-printed may no longer be of use, or at least the same use. Adapt.
Don't need a disaster for that. Lakes, marshes, trails are seldom where they were a decades ago when the maps were drawn
Using terrain association in conjunction with a good map though can actually help give you an idea of things you can’t see in other places.
For instance, you come up to a ford in a river that is now impassable due to catastrophic flooding. You can note that about 20’ of shore has eroded out. You can make assumptions on damage elsewhere and make note of other areas that may be impassable due to the damage.
Beyond that, if you know that flooding or landslides will be an issue during maneuvers, finding elevation limits and draws can help you pre-plan for what you can’t see.
Excellent point. I was taught "permanent landmarks" (like mountains in the distance) and "non-permanent" landmarks (like seasonal ponds). Truly permanent landmarks are handy for general location, but it's the less permanent landmarks usually help narrow it down.
#robertcline ... guess what ...
NORTH is still always NORTH
@@Nyeupe-Nguvu
Which north? True north may be, but rarely so with grid or magnetic.
I love maps ! Thank you for this !
if you do not have a map Go to a local visitor/tourist center, they tend to have maps available. State and regional, they tend to not be topographic however but still could be good to get your bearings
Videos like this is why i watch youtube. Thank you
The area of Florida you are in is beautiful. North Florida is the best.
He's filming in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama.
....The very fact that this is being made in 2024 hurts my heart - just like the sad TikTok's with Zoomers honestly asking how people were able to find their way around without GPS....I recognize that a certain percentage of people will never be able to understand a map, but there are WAY too many people who cannot comprehend basic things.
One of the many skills that are rare these days. Land nav was one of my duties in the military and I remember it pretty well.
There's a lot of info on basic county road maps that people are unaware of. Address ranges along the perimeter, for example.
I learned how to navigate and read maps many moons ago. I was born long enough ago that navigating via maps was how it was done. I keep a few US atlas' in my library, although not one in my car. Cellphones are really handy with that.
I love this channel over the other T Rex channels.
Getting a drone, compass, and maps you can print should you not be able to find in a store but on the computer...and start working on land nav...is a good way to get started...
I have off line apps for maps and GPS. I also was trained on how to read and use maps, that was 12 years ago. I need a refresher
Holy shiit batman, I might just learn something.
How to use caltopo for tactical information
Hey, I love your videos. I would like to see you do a video on the new upcoming Tesla phone. And with it and star link, is it even necessary to pursue traditional ham, radio style communications. Either one would be interested in your take on that topic. God bless.
Big shout out to Gulf Shores
What are your thoughts on mini Starlink? How about Eco Flow or other similar products?
Asking because idk: Isaac here is using a map at 1:25000 scale. But the Cammenga 3H compass reads in 1:50000 scale. So, would it make more sense to buy/print maps at 1:50000 scale if using the Cammenga 3h compass, or is there just some math you can do to have it work out?
Again, asking because I am just starting to look into all this, and I honestly don't know. I see that the Suunto compass has different scales for 1:20000 on up, so no biggie there. But wondering where I should start with the Cammenga and what scale maps.
Getting printed maps, buying, is getting harder to find
Caltopo is pretty handy for that, and... We may be working on something else.
@@isaacbotkintrex I shall have to look
USGS is still an excellent source.
I remember buying road maps in gas stations. Rest stops used to have free state road maps.
On today's episode of "I'm a surveyor/engineer, I was just doing that at work"
Thanks Isaac
This is just my brain being derpy, but does a high emp pulse effect/affect a magnetic compass?
With ball point pens!!! Amen!
Are you running the Google Pixel or a rooted Samsung with a custom rom?
I can not and will never understand how some people can't read or understand maps. Except for figuring out exact distances with the scales, they've always been pretty clear and self-explanatory to me. Also, some people have really terrible senses of direction. They can't go anywhere without gps/car nav whatever, even in town they grew up in.
That intro was a setup
Fantastic
I wanna see Issac make a video on CW on HF radios
Potters run the book!!!!
🎵 LOOK AT THIS MAP 🎵
Counter surveillance videos and more hacking & radio signals
Trex Labs is the Trex brand as far as I'm concerned. Posturing and bravado is mid at best. Informative content interspersed with humor is always S tier.
Officers has left the chat
Hope you're well insured or that your house is a houseboat. Your house is out to sea.
Maybe teaching people to use their cell phones would be more appropriate.
My cell phone has most of my State downloaded in the Apple Maps on mine as well as some other maps that are useful.
I don’t need cell towers, traditional power or wifi to nav. I don’t need paper maps, though I can generally use them. I can’t see a scenario where a paper map beats an electronic one, if you are prepared. This is just a waste of time. Put your energy into making sure your electronic devices have what you need and that you can access them when needed. (Drive space, apps, solar chargers, etc.)
Be blessed with goodness. Please advise people they don't need a license to use HAM RADIO in emergencies.
small FPS drones can be a lifesaver (the hand sized ones). Charged off a battery pack, you can fly up to quick gauge shape of the water near, get view above a canopy, etc...GREATLY AIDING your land nav
Or you could just read the elevation lines…
You’re a G Isaac
Well you sure told us why we need to learn how to read maps. But not how to read them.
dax flame intro
I am an expert navigator with Google maps
Some people don’t have maps
Those people are fools
We talk about where to get maps in this very video.
For those that don’t get the reference, here’s the full quote “I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some people out there in our nation don't have maps, and, uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq everywhere like, such as, and I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future for our children”
@@SOCMMOBwe didn't appreciate her at the time, but she was at national hero.
@@SOCMMOB Wasn't that a Miss America contestant a few years ago?
Map reading is for ship captains...
I see what you did there. A whole video of excellent content just to sell a ream of paper. (-:
(Not to mention some... ummm... tax write-offs.)
First