Today we’re going to discuss how to read terrain off of a map. Reading terrain is more about artistic visualization than it is science. There are three major factors that aid in the visualization of terrain from a 2d map: Contour Lines Colors Shading The ability to fuse these major factor...
You probably know that a magnetized compass and a paper map are part of theTen Essentials. Learning to read that paper topo map (short for topographic map) is every bit as essential. Your map will then be able to tell you a richly detailed tale about the terrain you'll be exploring. T...
Knowing how to read a topographic map is the foundation of any backcountry adventure. Through the use of contour lines, topo maps bring a 3-dimensional element to a 2-dimensional paper map. Topo maps allow you to visualize the rise and fall of the land and “see” the depths of canyons...
When most people say "bring a topo map with you" they are referring to a paper map. But whether the map is digital or printed, the concepts and how to read the map are the same. I'll talk more about the actual maps that you should use later. How To Read a Topographic Map There...
How To Read a Topo Map For Off-Grid Adventures While in the backcountry, navigating elevation changes can mean the difference between safety and danger. Here are a few tips to help you decipher a map before you set foot on the trail....
Regardless of whether or not you think navigating is cool and that it will endear you to attract future mates, if you’re headed out into the bush, you should know how to read a map and compass. Even using GPS devices to get around, you’re going to have to be able to orient yours...
How to read a USGS Topo The USGS has been the definitive source for U.S. topo maps since the 1880s. Often referred to as quadrangle maps, or quads, the most commonly used USGS topo maps have a scale of 1:24,000 and cover 7.5 minutes of longitude by 7.5 minutes of latitude. In ap...
To be able to use these types of maps out in the wilderness, you need to learn how to read a topographic map. When reading a topographic map, you need to visualize a 3-dimensional view of what the symbols and contour lines on the map are showing. ...
Previous Article How to Read a Topo Map Once revolutionary, GPS technology is in everything from drones to dog collars now. Nonetheless, a handheld GPS receiver remains a valuable outdoor tool for hikers and other backcountry explorers. A GPS can give you vital information about where you are...
Knowing how to read a USGS topographical map is essential to successfully finding a ghost town. USGS topographical maps are useful because they show the terrain and lay of the land as well as feature like roads, structures and mines. As you read this, it would be helpful if you also had...