Printing and Waterproofing Maps: Preparation Guide

Where to Get Free Topo Maps

USGS National Map Downloader (apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader):

• Download individual 7.5-minute quadrangles as GeoPDF files
• Free, official USGS data
• Cover the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, and US territories
• Download as many as you need — no cost, no registration required

CalTopo (caltopo.com):

• Build custom-area maps at any size and scale
• Combine USGS topo, satellite imagery, and other layers
• Export as PDF for printing
• Free account allows limited exports; premium ($20/yr) allows unlimited

US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps (fs.usda.gov):

• Geo-referenced PDFs showing roads, trails, and land status in national forests
• Free download for all national forests
• Import into Avenza Maps for GPS-enabled navigation on the same map

State GIS portals: Most states provide free topographic data through their GIS programs. Search "[state name] GIS topo download" for state-specific sources.

Printing Options

Home inkjet (8.5x11):

• Cost: essentially free per page
• Coverage: one 7.5-minute quad fills about 3-4 pages at useful scale
• Limitation: small coverage area per page; must tile for larger areas
• Water resistance: poor without treatment

Print shop wide-format (24x36 or 36x48):

• Cost: $5-20 per large sheet depending on printer and shop
• Coverage: one sheet can cover a full 7.5-minute quad at 1:24,000 scale, or a larger area at smaller scale
• Options: FedEx Office, Staples, local print shops, university print centers
• Request: "print at 1:1 scale on heavy paper"

Rite in the Rain paper:

• Print at home on this specialized paper — no additional waterproofing needed
• Available in 8.5x11 packs that fit standard printers
• More expensive than standard paper but eliminates waterproofing step
• Writeable in wet conditions (important for field annotations)

Waterproofing Printed Maps

Spray Method

NikWax Map Proof ($8-12 at outdoor retailers) sprays onto printed paper and penetrates the fibers, creating water resistance. Apply to both sides:

1. Lay map flat on a clean surface
2. Spray evenly from 8-10 inches, covering entire surface
3. Let dry 20-30 minutes per side
4. Test with water drops — they should bead

Alternative spray: Krylon Crystal Clear spray (available at hardware stores, $5-8) provides a hard clear coat that's more water-resistant than NikWax but less flexible. Can cause slight color shift.

Contact Paper Method

Clear self-adhesive contact paper ($5-8 per roll at hardware stores):

1. Cut two sheets slightly larger than the map
2. Peel backing, lay map face-down on adhesive side
3. Smooth from center outward to eliminate bubbles
4. Trim excess
5. Repeat on the other side

Limitation: Bubbles from imperfect application obscure map detail. Practice technique on a test sheet first.

Professional Lamination

For maps you'll use repeatedly over months or years, lamination at a print shop ($3-8) provides the most durable protection. Limitation: laminated maps are difficult to fold and cannot be annotated with pencil.

Field Folding

A well-folded map stays manageable in the field and keeps the relevant section accessible without fully unfolding.

Basic accordion fold:

1. Orient the map north-up in front of you
2. Identify your current area of operation
3. Fold the map so your current area faces outward
4. Fold lengthwise (parallel to north-south) in thirds
5. Accordion-fold widthwise in thirds

Result: a 4x6-inch folded map with your current area on the outside. To read adjacent areas, unfold one section at a time.

Labeling: Write on the outside of the folded map: the quad name, date printed, and a small arrow indicating north relative to the fold orientation. This prevents confusion when unfolding in the field.

Storage

Store printed and waterproofed maps in a ziplock bag or map case inside your navigation kit. Keep the navigation kit accessible without digging through other gear.

Long-term storage: maps stored flat in a dry location last indefinitely. Rolled maps stored in a tube last equally well. Folded maps stored in a bag will eventually develop fold line creases — no functional impact, but lines may obscure fine detail at the fold.

A complete navigation kit for emergency preparedness includes: 4-8 printed maps for your region, a quality baseplate compass, pace beads, a pencil and permanent marker, and a list of key coordinates (home, caches, rally points) written inside the map case.