topo maps are a great way to pre-scout an area-,they will give you all elevation gains, so when the rivers or streams rise you can plant above the flood plain, and find where the sun will shine- Stinkyattic, I also am a canoest and love to float the streams and ponder where a good spot may be after a thorough look at my maps- I live in the TVA area, got to watch out for the relic police, officers that the federal government has on TVA waterways to arrest people hunting for arrowheads and also pot if they see you-