You only need to know two pieces of information to avoid getting lost: where you are and where you want to be. If your map-reading skills are a little rusty, be sure to review our guide to map reading fundamentals. Most phone GPS apps offer all four of these map layers and more in their paid subscriptions. It's illegal and/or unethical to hunt, hike or camp on land where such activities are restricted, so be sure to know where you are and what's allowed there. Land ownership maps are critical for hunters and anyone else exploring near private or government land.Like satellite maps, they're normally updated only once every few years, but this is less problematic because roads and trails don't change very often. Road and trail maps, as the name suggests, show manmade paths or major game trails in the area.However, satellite maps aren't updated very often and could be several years out of date (using satellites to take photos is hugely expensive). Satellite maps are aerial photographs of a given area, which are handy for confirming that you're actually looking at the forest, river or hill that you think you're looking at.If you can read one of these, you'll be okay in most situations. These are the most common and most broadly useful types of maps.

Topographic maps display elevation, contours, and major landmarks in remote areas.

In most cases, you'll be able to navigate like an expert if you can access and read four kinds of maps: topographic, satellite, road/trail and land ownership maps.

There are more than a dozen types of maps that outdoorsmen use, but some are more niche than others. Most (if not all) phone GPS apps have the same basic features, and you'll need to know how they work in order to use the app effectively. Shop Outdoor Gear Essential Features of GPS Phone Apps

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