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A map and compass are part of the 10 Essentials of hiking. Knowing how to read a topographic map ("topo map") is an essential skill for all hikers. In this...
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- Outside Chronicles
Topographic maps are a little different from your average map. Once you get the hang of reading them, they help you visualize three-dimensional terrain from ...
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- 985.2K
- REI
Jul 15, 2021 · Knowing how to use a topographic map is an essential skill when traveling in the backcountry. Here are some tips from AMC Outdoor Guide, Emily Davenport, to ...
- 6 min
- 1860
- Appalachian Mountain Club
- How Contour Lines Describe Terrain
- Map Scales
- Other Useful Map Details
- Where to Get Topo Maps
Simple trail maps are useful for trip planning but NOT for navigation in the field. Topographic maps go further, giving you the power to visualize three-dimensional terrain from a flat piece of paper. The feature that makes this possible is contour lines: Contour lines indicate the steepness of terrain.Contour lines connect points that share the sa...
The map's scale tells you how detailed your map is. A 1:24000 scale, for example, means one inch on the map equals 24,000 inches of real-world terrain. If the scale ratio had a number like 1:65,000, though, that would mean that each inch on the map covered 65,000 inches of terrain. A map with that scale covers a larger area overall—but it has less ...
Look closely at the map legend.It's loaded with map-reading clues and navigational data. Start by studying what each line, symbol and color means. Generally, green indicates denser vegetation, while light or colorless areas suggest open terrain. And, as you'd expect, streams and lakes are shown in blue. The legend also lists key data like the map's...
USGS Maps
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) used to be the gold standard for topo maps. Covering the entire country, its maps consisted of rectangular areas of land called quadrangles ("quads" for short). Once available in most REI stores and other outdoor shops, preprinted USGS maps are being phased out now and replaced by an online resourcethat allows map data to be continually updated. Maps downloaded and printed from here have some major drawbacks: limited trail information and lack of in-the-field...
Maps from Specialty Companies
Several companies produce enhanced topographic maps. They highlight key features and update details regularly. These maps are more likely to be available for popular areas. (Finding a map for a lesser-known area will be more difficult.) Additional features that can make a map more valuable include: 1. Highlighted trails 2. Elevation callouts 3. Distances between trail junctions and landmarks 4. Primitive trails 5. Backcountry campsites 6. Springs 7. Highlighted boundary lines Shop paper maps
Mapping Websites
Offering similar advantages to mapping software, a rapidly growing number of websites offer you the option to customize and download maps. Some are free; others are subscription based.
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Jan 26, 2024 · Here are just a few details a topographic map may bring to light: Elevation changes, which are shown through contour lines. Streams, rivers, lakes, and various other important bodies of water. Mountains, forests, tree cover, and other large natural features. Trails, roads, railroads, and other major transportation infrastructure.
May 27, 2023 · 1. Use the thicker contour lines to determine the elevation. Contour lines represent paths or segments of the Earth. Topographic maps are covered in contour lines. Some contour lines are thicker, known as indexed contour lines. They have a number next to them that shows you the elevation of that path or segment. [1]
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People also ask
How do you read a topographic map?
How do you determine the elevation of a topographic map?
What is the difference between a trail map and a topographic map?
How do you read a map?
How do I get elevation based on contour lines?
Does a topographic map show all terrain features?
Printed maps will tell you the interval on the map key. In this case, it's 80 feet, so every fainter line is 80 feet higher or lower than the one next to it. Most topographic maps have an index line for every 5th line. If you have a printed map, look for the contour interval listed on the bottom.
