Producing The Best Maps Possible  
A high point for us at MichiganTrailMaps.com was stopping to see the new day-use area and trailhead at Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway last spring in Presque Isle County. The enlarged picnic area overlooking the falls was nice, the handicapped accessible path to the falls was well-designed but what we really liked was the information kiosk in the parking area.
           
Inside the glass information case was our map, not the official Department of Natural Resources map which is simplistic and hand-drawn not to mention inaccurate. No doubt about it, we had made our mark as cartographers, producing a trail map that was better than what the DNR  hands out.
           
Last August we took it a step further. As part of the re-design and relaunch of our web site, we began producing what we coined “second generation maps.” Thanks to an investment in better GPS equipment, these maps are more detailed, display more contour lines, use a variety of colors to indicate forests, meadows, dunes and beaches and have improved mileage symbols that let you at a glance how far you've come and far you have to go.

What Is An Accurate Map Worth?  
Click on the map to the right to view or download for free.

Map production – integrating USGS topos, satellite images and good ‘o fashion field research – is the most time-consuming thing we do, often taking longer than to actually hike the trail. But we think it’s worth it.
           
The question is; how much? How about 99 cents?
           
One of the features of our new web site is the ability to upload second generation maps and sell them for 99 cents. The system is easy to use and fast. You see the map in advance, click a Buy button and with a credit card or through your Pay Pal account can purchase the map which is then emailed to you as a PDF file almost immediately.
           
You can then print the file or download it to a device such a tablet or smartphone. It’s as easy as buying a song on ITunes only cheaper.            
           
The trail introductions and mile-by-mile guides, the photos and the nuts-and-bolts of where and how to enjoy each trail will still be available online at no cost. Once you decide this is the hike for you, download the map for 99 cents and head out, knowing you have the best map possible.
           
But subscribers of our Trail Mix Newsletter will get a bonus beginning with this issue. Every newsletter from now on will feature one of our new second generation maps that you will be able to download for free. After the newsletter is sent out, the map will then be uploaded to the web site and sold for 99 cents.
           
For this issue we decided to include our new Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway map. It seemed only right. You can read about the falls at www.michigantrailmaps.com and then head up to Rogers City this winter where the nearby pathway makes for a great backcountry ski or snowshoe adventure.
           
Rest assured if you do, you be carrying the best map available, better than even that one in the information kiosk.