Has anyone tried the GeoPDFs available for FREE download on the USGS website? They're georeferenced topographic maps saved in PDF format. Finding the map you want is super easy using their google powered locator, just zoom in (using street, satellite, hybrid or topo view), place a marker on the map and click the marker to get a pop-up containing the download link. The maps themselves are pretty awesome but what will really rock your socks off is the free GeoPDF Toolbar linked to in the lower left hand corner. It's a plug-in that turns Adobe Acrobat Reader into a GIS application. I haven't actually used it 'cause it's "currently" Windows only but there's a video tutorial that shows it's features, including the ability to attach a GPS to your computer and track your position on the map.

The topo map download is nice, I'll have to return later and view the tutorial.

I found that Garmin's free NRoute coupled with City Navigator on the GPS works nicely as far as having a laptop act as a large GPS display.

~erik~

Great site! I downloaded the GeoPDF toolbar, which displays the cursor lat/lon and allows range and bearing operations. I have not yet tried to hook my GPS into it. Time to go download a few more quads.