Why aren't you using GIS mapping?

[eidsvolling]

When my grandfather hunted deer, he stepped off the front porch of the farmhouse and walked into woods he knew as well as the animals that lived there. I don't have that same opportunity for my upcoming moose hunt, as my permit area is about 175 miles from where I live.

So I'm doing what I can to become familiar with the terrain. This involves both boots-on-the-ground scouting and what the scientific crowd likes to call "remote sensing" and hunters call "Internet scouting." I know that many of you do the latter, with aerial and satellite imagery and the like.

Did you know that with access to the right data layers, you can produce useful maps using free GIS software? Here's an example of what I've done in a short time with   Quantum GIS (QGIS) :

   

Yes, the learning curve for GIS is steep and long. No, I'm not available for instruction. I'm too busy getting ready for this moose hunt.    

[JohnV]

"Yes, the learning curve for GIS is steep and long."

I think you just answered your own question!

[AZ_Longbow]

looks pretty good.

[Hot Hap]

Thanks Charles-Hap

[SCATTERSHOT]

Don't see an application for Ipad. Is it compatible?

[Pine]

:confused:

[3arrows]

Does it work for Canada?

[elkhunter752]

I use ArcGIS regularly for work and sneak in a little off work time to look at some maps I make for my hunting. However, a lot of the layers that I'd like to use I don't know where to find for areas where I'm hunting. Are you using online databases or where are you getting your layer/shapefiles? Also, do you put them on the GPS unit for field use?

[eidsvolling]

There are firms out there that provide similar maps for handheld devices like GPS receivers, iPads, etc. Try searching for "hunting maps" + GIS (or + GPS) and the like on the Web. I don't know of any GIS apps that run on such devices, as such apps require substantial computing power. But "Never say never," right?

QGIS (like many other GIS applications) is used all over the world, even in the Great White North.      You just need to find GIS data layers for your needs and learn how to use them within whatever coordinate system is used in that situation. Note: in this instance, "just" = you'll be spending a substantial amount of time learning about datums and coordinate systems if you don't know about these already.

Data layers, including shapefiles, raster files and the like are often available from natural resource agencies in each of the states (and from the feds). Sometimes they're out there free for the picking if you know how to crawl the Web for them. Other times (as with the land cover layer used above), you'll need to get them directly from the agency that maintains them. Don't be shy to ask – most of these folks are extremely accommodating on this.

I routinely transfer data layers, waypoints and tracks, etc. back and forth between QGIS and my Garmin GPS receiver, using Garmin's BaseCamp app. There are other intermediary apps out there as well. One that I'm particularly proud to point out is    DNRGPS . (My cousin is Lord of the IT Realm at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.)

[eidsvolling]

See, here's why it's a good idea never to say "never":

  Search results for iPad + GIS + app

[Bart S]

How similar is Quantum to ArcGIS?

[eidsvolling]

Originally posted by Bart S:
How similar is Quantum to ArcGIS?

Knock yerself out.    :D

  27 Differences Between ArcGIS and QGIS

  QGIS v ArcGIS  

  QGIS Features I long for while using ArcGIS