I follow this type of programming scheme also. Local (Phoenix) Northern Az, Southern Az Western Az, Eastern Az. Both portable and mobile are set up the same exact way. Only difference is I have a few less zones on mobile as I can put more channels in there for a bank. I did 2 friends like this and the like it also. This way when traveling they just go to that zone to listen to traffic. (Scan list is by zone also but user programmable)