How Do You Read Topo Maps?
Above or below sea level topography (topo) maps depict in detail the surface level shapes and features of an area. Although topo maps show basic map features, such as longitude and latitude data and scale referencing, they also use color, lines and other symbols to represent vegetation, waterways and/or manmade structures. In addition, they utilize contour lines—lines that connect spots on the map of equal elevation—to represent 3D shapes, show changing elevation and the height of surface areas. Once you relate the map depictions to their respective landmarks, you can easily read and use a topo map. Review your map key to determine the meaning of each color on your map. A color can directly match the real feature it depicts (blue for water or green for vegetation) or not (gray or pink for manmade structures) depending on the cartography standards used at the time the map was made and the purpose of that specific topo map. Look at shades of color and patterns overlapping colors as s
