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Companies such as Maptech. Magellan and Delorme have developed software that teams up with GPS technology. The result? Digitized maps stored on CD ROMs. While ordinary maps don·t know where you are. digitized maps actually plot and track your position on the Earth. These companies have digitized the entire US. Just load a CD ROM onto your computer. pick a location. zoom in and an entire geograph ical profile of that region will spring onto the screen. Digitized maps allow you to trace a route and see its eleva tion profile or determine what terrain is visible from a mountain summit. Then you simply print out the map and take it with you into the wilderness.
Formerly called TopoScout. this series of digital maps is made up of CD ROMs. each of which contain 300 USGS topographical maps in both 1 :24.000 and the 1: 100.000 scales. Terrain Navigator allows you to anno tate a topographical map with your own marks and comments to use on the trail. MapTech 800-627-7236. www.maptech.com/topo; $29.00 to $99.00.
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compasses
Compasses. traditionally used in exploring unknown terrain. have entered the high-tech realm and make useful companions on outdoor adventures. In today's technological world. they serve another important function: backup. Even if you have a GPS unit along. batteries run out at inopportune moments and compasses make reliable backup.
BRUNTON Eclipse Series 8099
