Thread: Map "hunting"

Had a bit of a read thru this article over the long weekend, some very good info.
http://www.nzoutdoor.co.nz/images/bush_hunting16.pdf

So, on the bottom right of every NZ 1:50K topo map, there is a little blue box that explains how to give a grid reference on the map. This is known as a "NZ Topo50 Map Reference". Its a nice easy way of getting a grid reference to within about 100m of a particular spot on the map. Each block in the blue grid on a 1:50K map is 1km x 1km, so 1/10th = 100m.

But what if you are a high-tech hunter with GPS ? Let's assume you've had a look at a map, and found some nice looking spots. Here's how you convert the NZ Topo50 Map Reference to a waypoint you can enter into your GPS:

Go to Convert coordinates between NZ coordinate systems
Input: NZ Topo50
Output: World Geodetic 1984 (or whatever datum your GPS is set to)

So for example, if you look at the Featherston map (BP33), the Rimutaka trig beacon is at BP33 872 456

Put those numbers into the conversion tool and you get: 41 07 09.583 S 175 13 47.389 E (you can enter that string as-is into Google maps to have a look at satellite imagery for the location).

If you use decimal degrees then just click on the "Advanced Options" button and select the appropriate format.