Dog tracking technology has progressed miles in just a few short years. Houndsmen raised with simple radio tracking antennas and jury-rigged shock systems are now using advanced software interfaces and satellite tracking, designed in Silicon Valley by people with degrees in subjects we can't even pronounce.

But houndsmen are still always on the lookout for ways to enhance their experience, which is why many make the investment in advanced mapping. However, before making a purchase, one should ask which system is best for the type of hunting and the environment they'll primarily be in. Here's a quick guide you can use to determine which is best for you.

OnX Map Chips

OnX is the leading chip manufacturer when it comes to property owner information and landowner boundaries. With constant updates, and a phone-based app as well that can run your maps offline, OnX is mainly preferred by predator removal specialists and those hunting in areas mixed with public and private areas who have to know whose land they are on at all times. If you need contact information for landowners and are hunting within strict boundaries that you must adhere to, this chip would likely be your best option.

The Pros:

- The most recent property owner information available

- Chip information can be updated via the internet

The Cons:

- As of this article, OnX chips are incompatible with the Garmin Alpha 200i

- No satellite imagery

Garmin BirdsEye

With Birdseye, you can create photographic satellite maps of any place on Earth. The North Koreans don't even know we're watching!

A subscription-based service, Garmin BirdsEye grants users the ability to create their own satellite maps of territory anywhere on the planet using the Garmin BaseCamp program. All brand-new Garmin handhelds come standard with a year of Birdseye subscription included, and at $29.99 per year, it can be a cost-effective alternative for users hunting in multiple states rather than having to purchase multiple map cards. It can also be invaluable to scout an area out from above before heading into uncharted territory, and BaseCamp can even be used to plan a route ahead of time.

The Pros:

- Perfect for those hunting in multiple states, on borders, or in smaller areas.

- No shipping of a physical chip required, you can begin making maps at the moment of activation.

The Cons:

- Without a blank SD card, maps must be stored on your unit's internal memory. Larger, more detailed files may slow the unit's performance.

- Some technical knowledge with computers is required for use.

Garmin HuntView+

The most popular option for enhanced maps is the Garmin HuntView+ map card. These satellite imagery chips are available state-by-state (except for Texas, Alaska, and California which are split due to their size) and run from a separate SD card, making them less hard on the internal memory of your unit.

The Pros:

- Photographic satellite imagery of your entire state, similar to Google Earth

- Comes pre-loaded with 24k TOPO for your state, as well as seasonal creeks, forest roads, and logging trails

The Cons:

- Landowner information can be hit-or-miss. Some counties may have full parcel information while others may be incomplete

- Chips do not update; Garmin comes out with new chips yearly with their most recent photo imagery

Backroad Mapbooks

If you live in Canada, your GPS mapping options are between Garmin's 24k TOPO, and Backroad Mapbooks. While Garmin's chip would only contain topographical information for your province, Backroad is a Canada-based company that specializes in comprehensive mapping such as Points-Of-Interest, logging roads, Private and Crown land, as well as Wildlife Management Units and much more.

The Pros:

- Canadian company - No international shipping needed if ordering directly through Backroad

- Hundreds of built-in waypoints, ATV trails, and even lake bathymetry

The Cons:

- Except for Washington State, unavailable in the U.S.

- Most houndsmen won't use much of the fun but less-than-useful information provided in the chip such as lake bathymetry and ski routes

As always, if you have any more questions about these mapping systems or would like to place an order, give us a call at 855-384-8687 and we can help you out!