Scanning Tools: Local Area Maps

As many of you know, local area maps are a must have tool for any scanner enthusiasts. Local area maps come in handy for looking-up incident locations, following police pursuits, suspect containments, just about anything going on.

Types of Maps

There are three options you have to choose from when looking a a map for your local area; print maps, mapping software, and online map sites. Each type has it's own pros and cons. For me, having more than one type is the way to go.

Let’s take a look at each. (links on where to buy or access online included below)

Map Books/Guides & Wall Maps

Printed map books such as Thomas Guides or Rand McNally guides come in state and regional editions, usually by single or multi-county areas. Thomas Guides are the best, but unfortunately they only cover the Western US where I live.

Map books run between $10-$32 and can usually be found at most supermarkets or department stores including Walmart, Save-On, Rite-Aid, etc. You can also find them on Amazon and eBay.

Wall Maps

 

Printed wall maps come in various sizes up to 28x40 and run between $3-$6. Like map books and guide, they can be found at supermarkets and department stores. They can also be found at gas stations.

Wall maps can be neatly folded up and taken along with you when you travel or are out and about.

PC Map Software

PC Map software offers street level viewing for locations in the United States and Canada. I recommend Microsoft Streets & Trips.

The costs is around $40 new, but can be found on ebay for less. Streets & Trips provides you with detailed street maps for the entire U.S. and general maps for the rest of the world.

Map software is easy to install and use and come with lots of great features including full zoom to street level and panning left, right, up, down, and more.

Online Maps

If you don’t want to spend money on print maps/books or map software, you have a third option. You can view maps online using the resources below. Most online maps sites offer satellite view, overlays and more.

The downside of online maps is that you have to have Internet access to view the maps. Note: maps can also be viewed on cell phones that are Internet-capable or that have map apps for download.

Where to Buy/Access Maps

• Thomas Guide Maps - print map books, wall maps, and map software for Western US.

• Rand McNally - print atlases, wall maps, map software, and online maps.

• DeLorme Maps - print maps and map software.

• Microsoft Streets & Trips - map software.

• Bing Maps - online maps.

• Google Maps - online maps. 

• Yahoo! Maps - online maps.

• Map Quest - online maps.

That's it for now, till next time, stay safe and happy scanning.

-RF

Great California ShakeOut 2010!

It's that time of year again! It's the Great California ShakeOut 2010!

The Great California ShakeOut is the largest annual statewide earthquake drill held on the third Thursday of October each year.

ShakeOut is based on a magnitude 7.8 earthquake striking along the southern section of the San Andreas fault causing widespread damage and destruction.

The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help public safety agencies, citizens, businesses, and organizations prepare for a major earthquake and practice how to protect ourselves when they happen.

ShakeOut History

ShakeOut began as the "Great Southern California ShakeOut" (2008). It was the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history at the time with a total of 5.4 million participants spanning eight counties in the southern part of the state.

For it's second year the Great California ShakeOut (2009) expanded to include all 58 counties, divided into 11 areas. More than 6.9 million Californians participated, practicing "Drop, Cover and Hold On" and other aspects of family, school, and organizational emergency plans.

This year, on October 21 at 10:21 a.m. (PT), 7.2 million+ people in California (as of 10/19) will practice "Drop, Cover and Hold On" in the ShakeOut!

In addition, this year Nevada and Guam will also be joining California with a drill on the same day (October 21). In April, 8 Central States will hold their own Shakeout.

About Earthquakes

Earthquakes can strike anywhere at anytime without warning. In fact, thousands of earthquakes occur everyday throughout the world with most too small to even be noticed.

The danger lies in the number of strong, or even worse, major quakes that strike periodically. These quakes have the potential to cause severe widespread damage, death and serious injury if they strike near populated areas.

Having personally experienced every major shaker to hit Southern California starting with the 6.6M San Fernando Quake (Feb. 1971), I can attest to the awesome force of "intense" ground shaking generated by a 6.0+ or 7.0+ magnitude earthquake.

There is just something about watching every single thing around you shaking violently all at once in different directions that is, well let's just say, unforgettable!

In 2008, I monitored Los Angeles County Fire department communications on my scanner during the drill and was amazed as to the extent of the drill and simulated rescue operations occurring in real time - even one scenario involving a fire station collapse with firefighters trapped! 

Visit the official California ShakeOut Website below to register and/or get instructions for Families, Individuals, Schools, Businesses, etc., on how to plan your drill, get prepared, and participate in the ShakeOut. There are also videos, audio files, and earthquake animations to check out.

Related Links of Interest:

• Great California ShakeOut Website

• ShakeOut Scenario Mainshock M7.8 Intensity Shakemap

• Southern California ShakeOut Ground Shake Animations

• 2008 ShakeOut Drill Broadcast - YouTube

• USGS World Map of Current Earthquakes

• Police Scanners & Emergency Preparedness

Well, that's it for now. Till next time...stay safe and happy scanning!

- RF

NEW!: Uniden's HomePatrol Scanner




Uniden HomePatrol

What is Uniden's HomePatrol?

Just in time for Christmas! HomePatrol is Uniden's newest digital-capable scanner to hit the market (Oct. 1, 2010) and the easiest to operate as HomePatrol makes programming a thing of the past!

WHAT? NO MORE PROGRAMMING?

How's this for easy, simply enter a zip code (or a city name) and HomePatrol will auto load load Police, Fire and EMS channels and frequencies, trunking systems, alpha tags and sub-audible tones for that area. You can be up and running in minutes!

That's not all. If you travel, you can get a special GPS receiver and HomePatrol will automatically re-program itself based on your location.

So as you can see, NO PROGRAMMING NEEDED, just your zip code. Once your zip code is entered, you are up and running! HomePatrol makes the perfect gift! View it in action here.

Product Features

HomePatrol comes with a Color Touch Screen (first in the industry) and even has Record/Replay capability built-in so that you can record and reply transmissions at anytime!

There are just too many features to list here, but here are a few:

• Digital-Capable
• Color Touch Screen
• Factory Programmed for all known radio systems (US and Canada)
• Auto-Programming w/ GPS receiver (receiver not included)
• Programming software included to customize what you scan
• You can Create Favorites Lists
• Built-in Record/Replay capability
• 2GB Micro SD for storing favorites lists and recording transmissions
• Simple database and firmware upgrade capability

 What's in the Box:

• Flex Antenna
• AC Power Adapter
• DC Power Cable
• Desk Stand
• USB Cable
• Four AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
• Quick Start Guide

PRICE: $495.00

Uniden's HomePatrol is available through our trusted partner Scannermaster!