[Philmont]: Daily Mileage & Profiles

This is a technique taught in most college-level introductory geology classes
for preparing geologic cross-sections. You need an accurate scale (or
rolling map measure), graph paper and a little creativity. Essentially
you're plotting horizontal distance on the map vs. elevation (use each
contour in just the index contours depending on how much detail you want.
Measure the distance along your linear feature (trail) from one contour to
the next, plot each distance/elevation point on the graph and draw a profile
connecting the dots. Okay, that's how we did it when I was an undergraduate.
Today, it's done by computer.

One of the best features of Delorme's "Topo USA" software is the ability to
click on any linear feature (trail, road, stream, etc.) and get a profile. No
advertising intended, but I'm a very satisfied customer. Check out their site
at www.delorme.com. I've taken our itinerary (Trek 22) and mapped each day's
route. Not all the Philmont trails are on Delorme's base map, but it also
allows you to add your own, so I drew in some trails from the Philmont
sectional maps. I also added the missing campsites. From there it was an
easy step to click on a series of trails and roads and plot out a profile of
each day's route. We'll be using the map and profiles in our pre-Philmont
briefings so everyone understands what to expect.

This is my standard practice in laying out a hike. It helps me keep and
mental picture of what each day has in store for us and allows me to better
anticipate problem areas. Obviously, we may choose a slightly different
trail/road combination on some days, but at least the crew will have an idea
of what to expect and may better mentally prepared for the trek.

T- 66 days and counting to departure!
Expedition 728-M1

Yours in Venturing,
Rob Sheneman
Assoc. Advisor - Crew 194
Crew Advisor CNJC 2004 Philmont Venturing Crew
Flemington, NJ

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Received on Thu May 20 09:02:44 2004