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myTopo.com Custom Maps
FFIM recently had the opportunity to review a custom map creation product from myTopo.com. Based in Red Lodge, Montana, myTopo.com is an Internet based mapping company. They provide a build-your-own map service online, and then send you the maps printed on waterproof paper. The maps created by myTopo.com are based on the USGS Topographical maps, and the site allows you to choose the area that you would like to cover and the level of detail.
The first step in the process of building your custom map is choosing a starting location. This can be either based on a location place name, or longitude/latitude coordinates. Once you have selected your location, your are brought to the map creation screen, where you are able to describe the boundries of your map, and the level of detail. You are able to move location that your map will cover around via a red box and crosshairs on a sample image. The interface is actually quite nice, once you get used to it. Controls on the left side of the page allow you to change the level of detail, which obviously changes the amount of area that the red box that defines your current map will cover. You can also change the orientation of the map, as well as the dimensions.
 Once you have honed in on exactly what you are looking for a map of, you can select to continue, and a preview will be created for you. We would suggest choosing the email option for receiving the preview, rather than waiting, especially is you have a slow or somewhat unreliable internet connection. This preview will show you an image of exactly what your map will look like when finished, including title. Check carefully to make sure that this is what you are looking for. You are free to go back and make changes if you have made a mistake or change your mind.
After you have confirmed your preview, all that is left is supplying shipping and payment information. We received our map in less than a week, and were quite pleased. We would recommend MyTopo.com maps to anyone looking for creating custom maps of some hard to get to fishing spots, or perhaps to map out a section of river that you plan to float.
More information about myTopo.com and their products can be found at www.myTopo.com.
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