How does one go about getting an arial map of a certain location (in my case Greer, SC) that shows the railroads? I’m considering an N scale layout based on this area; I think there are some interesting possiblities with the BMW plant and other local industries.
Thanks,
Derek Shoup
Here’s a link to the topographical map for Greer:
http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.asp?T=2&S=14&X=121&Y=1208&Z=17&W=0
And here’s a link to a scalable aerial photo:
http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.asp?T=1&S=14&X=121&Y=1208&Z=17&W=0
terraserver is good, but doesn’t give you detail enough to count ties, or locate small details. I have used terraserver to follow the course of the Powder River, and therefore the route of the Sumpter Valley Ry. You might try writing local authorities for low level aeriel photos to get specific details. In your case, the Greer S.C. chamber of commerce might be a starting point.
yoy may also try getting a railroad almanac which shows the train lines in your area. also taking pictures of the sites that y ou want to copy
Hi Derek,
The U. S. Geological Survey, a part of the Interior Department of the United States Government, makes both printed “Topographical Maps” and “Aerial Photos” used to make the maps available to the public.
The Web Site is at www.usgs.com
Once there you can go to Photofinder, or first to Topographic Maps to zero in on the location you want. Then you can order by regular mail or through a commercial dealer or whatever to get what ever you are interested in.
Just keep in mind that the printed maps will be easier to use and less expenive. That’s not to say that a full blow-up of a particular photo won’t give you trackage info that you are looking for - it just may be too expensive.
Hope you find what need, and even more.
Walter
Derek, Try www.topozone.com I have used them for example at: http://www.nyandw.com/routemap.htm for the NY&W along with the aerial maps.
Steve Lynch