I have to admit making my own custom printed map was a lot easier and faster than I thought it would be. I was done with the entire process in only five steps. I went with a USGS topographic map of War Eagle Creek in Arkansas that is one of my favorite smallmouth rivers to fish, but I could have selected from Aerial Photos or Hybrid Topophoto Maps. Making your own custom printed map is as easy as going to MyTopo web site and following the five steps.

Custom printed maps by MyTopo.com (http://www.mytopo.com/maps/index.cfm?pid=wiegmann) allows anyone to make a map of anywhere in the United States or Canada. Anglers love maps because they are great resource of information on reservoirs or river systems. MyTopo.com offers three different maps that anglers can select from including Topo Maps, Aerial Photos, and Hybird TopoPhotos. Each one is unique.

The Topo Maps/US Geological Survey and Canadian Topographic Maps offered by MyTopo.com resolve the issue of having to buy more than four stock maps just to get the one area you really want. It’s a customized map meaning you set the parameters of the map size and finish. You can make a number of different sizes from 18” by 24” up to 36’ by 48”; in addition to selecting either a waterproof synthetic paper, glossy poster, or a full-sealed laminated finish. Each map is printed with UV fade resistant ink and made to last even in the nastiest weather. Other features you can add on to your customized map are a title, your name, and GPS navigational grids. The maps are scaled precisely for accurate measurements and use with navigational tools and include detailed scale bars; in addition to north arrow diagrams with current declination.  

Color or Black and White Aerial Photos Maps by MyTopo.com are another useful tool anglers can use to find fishing hot spots. The high resolution aerial photos are based on information/photographs taken from 2009 to 2010. All of the continental 48 states are available in color photos. Each one takes you from a treetop view when zoomed in on a location to a panoramic view of the area selected. Aerial photo print maps are navigational ready to use with accurate scale bars; in addition to north arrow diagrams with compass/GPS declinations and detailed GPS navigation grids.

Another map by MyTopo.com is the Hybrid TopoPhotos. It’s a combination of Color Aerial Photos and Topo Maps. The end result is a USGS topographic map blended with detailed aerial photos that result in the Hybrid TopoPhoto Map. This map overlays the data to create the final results and includes all of the GPS navigation tools and elevation contours making it simple plus easy to read. Complete Aerial Photo coverage updates are available on MyTopo.com web site.

Here are the five steps to custom printing your own map:
  1. Center your map anywhere is the United States or Canada.
You will be asked for an address or GPS coordinates in the United States or Canada. A city, town, USGS quad, lake stream, natural feature, or park and a state can also be used.  

  2. Choose from waterproof, glossy poster, or laminated finish, and style of map you want along with size.
Styles of maps to pick from include Topo Map, Color Aerial Photo, Hybrid TopoPhoto, or B&W Aerial Photo. Finished paper sizes are 18” by 24”, 24” by 36”, or 36” by 48”. It can be either printed in wide or tall format. The scale/zoom allows you to control how much detail you want in map.

  3. Add all your personalized information like titles, Latitude/longitude, GPS, UTM or MGRS grids.
All your personal information and grids for your map is added in this step. 

  4. Preview your map online instantly before you order.
This step allows you to view your map exactly how it will be printed.  

  5. Order it and the map gets shipped in 24 hour.

All maps are shipped out United States Postal Service or UPS within 24 hours of your order except holidays.  
It’s never been easier to get your own custom printed map made to order. Just five easy steps and you can have your map on the way. What a great way to find that honey hole on your favorite lake or search for new places to fish on a lake you are going to. The waterproof ones can even go in the boat with you.