Makes sense. You can use Google Earth the same way. I'm glad I don't need to do that. My rifle scope (a SWFA Super Sniper) makes an excellent range finder. When I adjust the parallax ring for maximum clarity, the indicator matches the stated distances at the range I use VERY WELL. MY understanding is that any quality scope works the same way. I found a reference to that function a few months back and checked it the next time I want to the range.
This can also be done using DeLorme's topographic program TOPO USA. Set the desired magnification, click on the measuring tool in the toolbar, and then click on start and end points on the map. The distance will be displayed. If you have TOPO on a laptop or netbook, you don't need an internet connection, as you would with Google Maps.
It can also be done with a paper topographic map, although not as easily. Measure the distance on the map, then convert using the map scale.
You can also use a handheld GPS to range open areas too provided you can physically access them. Create "averaged" waypoints at the benchmark locations as close together in time as you can. Most of the GPS variables cancel themselves out when readings are made close together in time. That will get you distance accuracy down to around 1-2 meters. Afterwards querying the GPS unit the distance between the two waypoints will get you the distance detail.
I just used this several weeks ago myself. Went back over a map where I dropped a 6x6 elk a few days before and saw the 'ruler' icon at the top of the map. Clicked Point A and then Point B, bingo, 72 meters from my downed tree to the edge of the cut block. Awesome stuff.
I'm all about doing it the old fashion way, on a paper map with a ruler. Of course in my SHTF fantasy world we won't have the Internet, and the grid will probably be iffy at best. Go to your local DNR and start stocking up on topo maps of your AO while you can.
Do not rely on electronic technology, least of all internet based. Learn to use a map, learn to guestimate ranges, learn to do things that don't require you to plug into the 'net'. Why? Because I can guarantee that it will not be available when you need it. Either by natural or unnatural intervention, when you need it most, you won't have it.
I was using Google Earth, not Maps. Google Earth is very handy in that you can see the actual ground versus the crappy maps the USFS/USGS prints. They have had a long habit of deleting old logging roads that they deem non existant(if you can't see it, it's not there), these roads and trails are exactly what troops need to operate behind the lines and stay off the main roads. Most of my local area has updates from 2009 and 2011, so actual ground pics are current.
Thank you very much, Millerized. That needed to be said. All this techno-crap is great, but grid-down, or otherwise access absent, you'll be SOL without it. I truly believe one of the reasons we haven't rooted out all the bad guys overseas is because of the preponderance of all this crap. Plain old shoe leather and using your head and training works. Without electricity.
I'm not suggesting you rely on this stuff later, use it NOW to print photo maps of your AO, update maps, and then rely on your good old compass when TSHTF. Most of the folks I know with GPS don't have a clue how to use them or plot them out on a map, just another electronic toy to buy and then put away because it was smarter than you. The squiggly lines are cute too. Most of them thought it would keep you from getting lost, not realizing you first have to know where you are in relationship to some grid coordinate or known terrain feature. If you don't have a good grasp of map and compass skills,including range finding, you better start learning today. Tomorrow will be too late.
Anyone know if the Ranging 1000 series of optical rangefinders are still available? Suggested years ago every squad leader, at the least, should be issued one.
At 126 yards, you shouldn't need a rangefinder, though. If your maximum point blank range is less than that and you need to compensate, you need a better rifle.
13 comments:
Makes sense. You can use Google Earth the same way. I'm glad I don't need to do that. My rifle scope (a SWFA Super Sniper) makes an excellent range finder. When I adjust the parallax ring for maximum clarity, the indicator matches the stated distances at the range I use VERY WELL. MY understanding is that any quality scope works the same way. I found a reference to that function a few months back and checked it the next time I want to the range.
This can also be done using DeLorme's topographic program TOPO USA. Set the desired magnification, click on the measuring tool in the toolbar, and then click on start and end points on the map. The distance will be displayed. If you have TOPO on a laptop or netbook, you don't need an internet connection, as you would with Google Maps.
It can also be done with a paper topographic map, although not as easily. Measure the distance on the map, then convert using the map scale.
You can also use a handheld GPS to range open areas too provided you can physically access them. Create "averaged" waypoints at the benchmark locations as close together in time as you can. Most of the GPS variables cancel themselves out when readings are made close together in time. That will get you distance accuracy down to around 1-2 meters. Afterwards querying the GPS unit the distance between the two waypoints will get you the distance detail.
RSR
I just used this several weeks ago myself. Went back over a map where I dropped a 6x6 elk a few days before and saw the 'ruler' icon at the top of the map. Clicked Point A and then Point B, bingo, 72 meters from my downed tree to the edge of the cut block. Awesome stuff.
I'm all about doing it the old fashion way, on a paper map with a ruler. Of course in my SHTF fantasy world we won't have the Internet, and the grid will probably be iffy at best.
Go to your local DNR and start stocking up on topo maps of your AO while you can.
I like google maps and Earth. I wonder how long we will have use of it, and the GPS.
Do not rely on electronic technology, least of all internet based. Learn to use a map, learn to guestimate ranges, learn to do things that don't require you to plug into the 'net'. Why? Because I can guarantee that it will not be available when you need it. Either by natural or unnatural intervention, when you need it most, you won't have it.
Learn to use tools, not toys.
I was using Google Earth, not Maps. Google Earth is very handy in that you can see the actual ground versus the crappy maps the USFS/USGS prints. They have had a long habit of deleting old logging roads that they deem non existant(if you can't see it, it's not there), these roads and trails are exactly what troops need to operate behind the lines and stay off the main roads. Most of my local area has updates from 2009 and 2011, so actual ground pics are current.
Works on Android phones, too.
Thank you very much, Millerized. That needed to be said. All this techno-crap is great, but grid-down, or otherwise access absent, you'll be SOL without it. I truly believe one of the reasons we haven't rooted out all the bad guys overseas is because of the preponderance of all this crap. Plain old shoe leather and using your head and training works. Without electricity.
I'm not suggesting you rely on this stuff later, use it NOW to print photo maps of your AO, update maps, and then rely on your good old compass when TSHTF.
Most of the folks I know with GPS don't have a clue how to use them or plot them out on a map, just another electronic toy to buy and then put away because it was smarter than you. The squiggly lines are cute too. Most of them thought it would keep you from getting lost, not realizing you first have to know where you are in relationship to some grid coordinate or known terrain feature.
If you don't have a good grasp of map and compass skills,including range finding, you better start learning today. Tomorrow will be too late.
Anyone know if the Ranging 1000 series of optical rangefinders are still available? Suggested years ago every squad leader, at the least, should be issued one.
Gunner
At 126 yards, you shouldn't need a rangefinder, though. If your maximum point blank range is less than that and you need to compensate, you need a better rifle.
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