Computers, An Outdoorsman’s Friend! |
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by gunner |
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If you are an outdoorsman, if you own a computer, and you do not use your computer to help you organize your time outside, then you are missing out on a great tool that can make your trip outdoors so much easier and enjoyable. |
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Now, I don’t mean take it with you in the field or on the water (even though I HAVE seen laptops out there). What I am saying, is there is so much information and so many software programs that should be the outdoorsman’s best friend! A few example that I use to plan trips are: |
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Magellan Map Send Streets |
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Magellan Map Send Topo |
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Microsoft Streets
& Trips - 2004 |
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There are many, many programs and websites that offer maps and such, but these are the three I use 95% of the time. |
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The Magellan programs are used with my Sportrac Map GPS unit. I can create and download regions into the unit that I will be traveling in, so when I get to where I am going I have much more detail than I would have just from a regular paper map; things such as the topography of the area, mileage to and from my destination, bodies of water, trip route, etc. I STILL say that anyone who goes outdoors, whether you are fishing, hiking, or camping, needs to invest in a GPS unit. There are many types to choose from, with price ranges to fit in most people’s budget. What I like most about the GPS unit I own, is that I can hook it up to the laptop, hand it to my fishing partner, and we have a 14-inch color map in real time tracking us as we drive. Got to love that! |
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I like to use the Microsoft Streets & Trips program to print out maps of lakes I am going to fish. All you do is click the red car icon, type in your starting point, then click the “Add Route” button, and repeat the process with the area you are traveling to. Then again click the “Add Route” button. You will see a button in that same window that will read, “Get directions”. Click that, and it will show you the route from your starting point to the destination. I really like that, with this program, you can update the newest highway construction online. THAT can be a big time-saver (not to mention stress-reducer) if you know about it in advance! It will automatically put that info in the map and driving directions you print out. |
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Speaking of printing, there are a few options you can use, but the one I use most times is go to the top toolbar and click file, then print. Then, you can see how your map will look once printed. I set it to landscape, and then click the “strip maps” option. It will then print the map showing the route and print out the driving directions right next to the map. |
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All I can say is, if you have a computer, get these programs (or similar ones) and use them as tools for your outdoor trips. They are worth their weight in gold to anyone who has ever gotten lost on the way to that “new” lake! The construction information and detail of the maps, coupled with the GPS unit for land AND water to mark that secret honey spot…is well worth the money spent for these units and programs. |
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Hope to see you out there! |
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gunner |
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