SearchRescueDog

I find that using a combination of TOPO and MapTech works well.

The GPS 72 does not have mapping. However I am very happy with mine (I would rather have a paper 1:24k map with me then a 1:100k electronic map).

I use my laptop in the car with MapTech for offroad navigation and inporting track logs from from the GPS for Search & Rescue applications.

Garmin GPS 72 with good old yellow as a backup

I use MapTECH for all of my mapping. You can inport your tracklogs for marking trails.

I have been caching with the dogs since my first cache... My lab/mastiff mix is trained as an area search dog so he will actually alert on a cache if some one has visited it in the last week or so. If the logs show some one has been there in the last few days I have to leave the bloodhound at home or she will trail right in on it. Around here there isn't much of a problem with area not allowing dogs (at least on lead).

I have been using the 72 for about a week now. Reception is good and I haven't had any problems however it does appear to be battery hungry. I does have some features for marine such as instant waypoint marking for man over board as well as letting you set depths. As far as accepting maps, this is not a maping unit. You get a screen of waypoints but no real maps. It will however fit your budget nice as I got mine for $160usd.

Does TOPO use USGS maps for it's base? My main use of MAPTECH is for SAR and it is the fact that I can just pull up any quad and print an area map (no not full quad, on 8.5x11). The main point is that the data is USGS. Are TOPO's base maps USGS as well?

I would love a cache like this... While I understand the legal potential, I could also be sued for a kid falling on the sidewalk in front of my home. I like the idea of caches that require SCUBA, Climbing, 4X4 and other gear. At least for me getting there is 3/4 the fun. Just a thought IMHO

Picked mine up today... So far I love it. It's a nice step up from my now dead etrex. I haven't had a lot of time to play with it but the only thing so far is that it is taking a while to acquire satellites. James

Sorry- Did not read the post correct... No you cant (as far as I know) upload maps into the gps (although you can upload waypoints, routes, etc). I was under the impression you where looking for software to work withe the gps not load into the gps...

quote: Yes, the professionals will conduct a thorough search, I'm sure. From a search & rescue standpoint I could not agree with you more. One of the things that causes lots of problems to the incident commander on ANY type of incident is "Freelancing" (people showing up and doing there own thing). I would strongly discourage anyone from going out to do this. quote: I would think that the proper thing to do would be to mark a waypoint, NOT touch the found item, and report the coordinates to the local authorities. It also would not be a bad idea to flag the item as well if you carry flagging tape in your gear. In the case of human remains I would recommend using a cell phone and remaining at the location if possible.

I use UTM ... Before heading out I convert the WGS84 datum over to NAD27. I then convert the Lat Long over to UTM and that is what I go into the field with. It makes it nice and easy to throw the grid reader over an area and be able to say at first glance "about 60meters ahead". A lot quicker than lat/long IMHO.

USGS maps are the standard. One of the best software packages out there is MAPTECH. MAPTECH is a digital form of the USGS topos and allowing full gps integration as well as 3D terrain views. I have several other progams as well as TOPO USA and nothing even gets close to MAPTECH. Shop around for prices because they can very.

A really good place to start is The Maptools Website they have a good set of FAQs regarding datums and grid systems as well as the pros & cons of each. When caching I hold my map & compass more then my GPS. I use UTM and USGS maps (printed from MAPTECH). I think it is a lot easier to hold up a UTM reader real quick than it is using a lat/long ruler (this is what makes it the staple grid system for inland search & rescue). Besides how else could you have this much fun converting WGS 84 to NAD27 and then from DM.MMM to UTM?

The same thought has crossed my mind. It would be very simple to set up using APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) and could be done for $250 or less... That said, If you want it to work for more than 8hrs or so you better look for nuclear power because batteries just aren't going to cut it. Maybe we should look at a bug that generates an electic shock when you touch it while generating the audible "Step away from the vehicle".

Just interesed in some input here. A lot of the fun of caching for me if finding TBs. I will go out of my way to visit a cache that shows it containes one if I think I can add to it's goal. I have found several caches that show a bug however when I get there the bug is missing and it is not logged out in the paper log our web. I make an entry in both logs that it was not found but should I do anything else?

I plan on sending my first TB out as soon as tags are back in stock... My first cache find was a TB that I went out of my way to make sure I sent on it's way as soon as possible. Since then finding TBs is the best part of the game for me... It is a bit sad that the caches that I have visited that state they contain a TB only to get there and find no bug and no log of it leaving I sit back and wonder what will come of my bug as it heads out into the world.

I lost my etrex in the woods in September durring Search & Rescue training... Just got a call 2 days ago from the park ranger (glad I but my unit ID# on it). Picked it up today and it powers right up... They where doing work off an old fire road and while digging out some snow came up with the etrex... Works like new and the batteries still had a charge. Sure cant beat that for $110

Has anyone had any trouble using the etrex with Maptech software? I can't get a link... The etrex is set to garmin output and maptech is set to etrex input... The only this I haven't ruled out at this point is a problem with my USB to DB9 cable... Guess I have to find my old copy of topo usa and see if I can get a link on that.

Getting to places I otherwise wouldn't and the map & compass practice.

I would have to vote for the etrex. They are cheap but above all VERY simple. Having active background in Search & Rescue, Hospital based EMS, & Volunteer Fire/Rescue I understand where you are comming from. Depending on how strict your grant funds are the rest of that $1500 could be well spent. Depending on how involved your department is in doing Search & Rescue (and level of training) I would not want to send untrained (in land nav) resources into the woods with only a GPS. If your grant allows look at spending the extra cash on some compasses, USGS topo maps of your first due, & maybe SARTECH II training for your members. James Hamilton K9 Dexter (The Search Mutt) K9 Savannah (The drooly bloodhound)