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...
We recently covered thebasics of topographic maps, including how to read contour lines, and how to use the maps to plan your next outing. In this post, we’ll go into more detail about U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topo maps. How to read a USGS Topo The USGS has been the definitive...
The key thing to remember about contour lines is this:The closer the spacing, the more rapid the change in elevation. For a leisurely Sunday stroll, you might be looking to cross just a few contour lines, or perhaps follow a trail that shadows a few contour lines on the map. For rock ...
Contour lines also indicate the shape of the terrain.Roughly concentric circles are probably showing you a peak, and areas between peaks are passes. 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 ...
If you are looking at a digital map, you can usually click (or right-click) on a point to get the elevation based on the contour lines.Here's a flat topographic map laid over a Google Map 3D model. You can see that the lines match the slope of the mountains and canyons. Want to...
Contour Lines One of the advantages to using a topographical map is that it shows the three dimensional lay of the land. It does this by using contour lines. A contour line is a line that connects points of equal elevation. On the topo map they appear as the brown lines. ...
Colors on a Topo Map Red:Overprinted on significant primary and secondary roads. Also used to denote surveying features that belong to the U.S. Public Land Survey. Black:Manmade or cultural features. Blue:Water-related features. Brown:Contour lines and elevation numbers. ...
The crux of any topo map is its contour lines. The proximity of lines to one another indicates the elevation lost or gained on any slope aspect. Contour lines tightly packed together represent a sharp elevation change, while lines further apart represent a gradual slope. Lastly, spaces with no...
Even knowing the basics of a topo, it can still resemble the integrated circuitry layout of your old desktop. The following are a few aspects to understand before navigating: Contour lines: The thin (usually brown or black) lines on the map running hither and yon are known as contour lines...
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. ...