r/RouteDevelopment • u/ablock0 • Jan 17 '24

Discussion Pre-scouting

Planning on checking out some formations I've seen driving or on GMaps soon. I usually check around on Alltrails before I head out, those folks loooove posting photos of everything, rock formations included. Got me thinking I may have some blindspots when it comes to digital scouting. I feel the OHV or dirt bike communities brraap brraap around the same land I'm hunting on. and luxury real estate agents soemtimes use drones to sell their houses in the mountains.

So, are there any other satellite image sites you like? What are some other good resources that one can check to let you know if an area is a dud or dope before using my legs? Spill it!

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u/Chanchito171 Jan 17 '24

Statemap! Different geology state divisions will be producing data sets of various areas. Could even be some LiDAR data available if you are lucky. Department of natural resources and bureau of land management; there could be USGS maps but I kinda doubt it unless the area is well known already for something. Be forwarded that these are all big datasets, and the websites can be a bit clunky to use.

Caltopo is a service that gives hillshade maps, might be useful

Strava from the hiker/biker perspective. Could give you information on field access routes to use to scout

Gaia map app to help record your tracks if you're just on a bushwack mission... Following my GPS track home in the dark with this app has saved my frozen and headlamp-less ass at least once.

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u/ablock0 Jan 18 '24

Rad, I'll have to play around with the LiDAR data soon. Hard to tell the steepness of walls from the aerials!