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Using a compass along with a topographic map ensures obtaining an exact direction for locating features. An approximate but quick way to orient your map is to align the compass needle (when it is pointing north) with the top of the map. Remember that north is always at the top of a topographic map. How can I determine where I am on a map
- Overview
- Assessing the Contour Lines
- Looking at the Colors on the Map
- Identifying Symbols on the Map
- Using the Map
You may use topographic maps when you are hiking to help you navigate the trails. You can also use topographic maps when you are traveling to help you find a location or get a good sense of the roads in the area. Topographic maps are also important when you are planning a backpacking trip, as they will allow you to plot your route ahead of time and...
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.
For example, you may notice there is the number “6500” next to the thicker contour line. This means that everything along that line is 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above sea level.
There are also thin contour lines on the map. These are called intermediate contour lines and are not given an elevation.
Determine the elevation change by looking at the space between the contour lines.
The closer the spaces are between the contour lines, the more rapid the change in elevation. An area with contour lines that are spaced far apart have a fairly low elevation and be easy to hike or walk through. An area with a concentration of contour lines that are very close together have rapid changes in elevation. It has high and low terrain that may be more challenging to walk or hike through.
Notice the color brown for land.
The map will have a lot of brown areas if it has a lot of land. Contour lines are usually brown as well to notate land mass and land features as well as the elevation.
Keep in mind that just because an area is brown does not mean there is a path or trail in this area, just that there is land.
Check for the color green to find vegetation.
Green is on the map wherever there are forest or woods. Green usually appears in large sections to let you know there is a lot of vegetation in the area.
Look for the color blue to locate water features like lakes and rivers.
Look for a blue symbol for glaciers or snowfields.
They are notated by round blue circles with dashed lines inside of the circles. The lines will point in different directions to notate if the glaciers or snowfields are advancing or retreating.
Find a complete list of symbols on topographic maps at
It may be useful to bring a list of symbols with you when you use the map so you can refer to it as needed.
Identify the type of river or lake with blue wave symbols.
Streams and rivers that are ongoing appear as solid blue waves on the map. Streams and rivers that are intermittent, where there is a break in their flow, have dashed lines or dots in the wave.
Determine the scale of the map.
The scale on the map will help you determine the distance between objects and landmarks. This is handy when you want to plan a hike or walk. It can also help you figure out how far you are from landmarks or objects. The scale will appear on the top or bottom of the map and have a ratio next to it. The rain will tell you how to measure distance on the map.
For example, it may say, "SCALE: 1:24,000." This means that 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the map represents 24,000 inches (61,000 cm) on the ground.
There will also be graphic scale under the ratio. The graphic scale will break down the map by miles, feet, and kilometers. Use the graphic scale to make quick estimates of distance on the map.
Locate a tall peak or hill in your area and refer to the map.
If you get lost and need to find your way using a topographic map, try finding a landmark like a tall peak or hill close to you. Then, look on the map for a series of circular contour lines to notate the hill or peak. You can then navigate your way using the peak or hill on the map as a guide.
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Studying a topo map of a familiar area is a great way to learn how to match terrain features with the contour lines on a map. Index contour lines: Every fifth contour line is a thicker, "index" line. At some point along that line, its exact elevation is listed. Contour interval: The change in elevation from one contour line to the next is ...
The smaller the topo map scale ratio (i.e. the larger the bottom number of the ratio), the less detail the map will contain. For example, a 1:63,360 represents a larger area and therefore shows less detail than a 1:24,000 map. Orienting the map. A topographic map is oriented to true north, which is the direction of the North Pole.
Compass Bearings. Using a compass along with a topographic map ensures an exact direction for locating features. An approximate but quick way to orient your map is to align the compass needle (when it is pointing north) with the top of the map. Remember that north is always at the top of an NTS map. Get more information!
Jun 21, 2019 · First, look for the map’s scale, which will let you know how much detail the map contains. The scale on any topographic map will tell you how many miles, or fractions of a mile, one inch represents. The smaller the scale, the more detail the map has. The larger the scale, the less detail is represented on paper.
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Sep 15, 2024 · 1. Find the index contour: Every few contour lines, you’ll encounter a thicker one with hash marks – the index contour. Look for its elevation number printed somewhere along the line, usually outside the map’s main area. This number is your key reference point. 2.
