How Do You Read A Topographic Map?
A topographic map deals with the surface changes on the face of the earth. With a first look, a topographic map may seem confusing and not very useful, but once you learn the basics, it can be an extremely useful tool. Find a flat place to spread out your map. When first beginning to use topographic maps, it would be best to take your time and study the map thoroughly. Make sure you have a compass. A compass is an essential tool when using a topographic map to guide you to a specific destination. Take the time to understand the legend on the map. This will describe to you what the colors and symbols on the map mean. Pay attention to the contour lines. These indicate a change in elevation and will show you areas that you will not be able to cross. Mark your progress on the map and on your journey. After you have begun a hike using a topographic map as a guide, be sure to keep a constant track on your position. You may also want to leave indicators along the way to show you which way you
We’re all familiar with maps. They’re those pieces of paper we pull out of the glove compartment — those crispy documents that unfold so large our view of the road is completely obstructed. They make us wish we had go-go-gadget arms that stretched to their widths and two sets of eyes — one focused on the road and one on the plotted path. They make us wish the voice of that woman on the GPS system hadn’t led us down a dead end street. Different maps serve different purposes. If you’re trying to drive from Point A to Point B, a regular road map is the way to go. But if you’ve strayed from the road, perhaps on a backpacking trek, you need to see the terrain and the contours of the land. And that means you need to be able to read a topographic map. What’s the difference between a topographic map and a regular map? In a nutshell, topographic maps allow you to se
