You’ll notice both thin and thick contour lines on a topo map, and every fifth line is thicker than the others. Those thick contour lines are calledindex lines.At some point along an index line, you can see a label revealing the elevation. A line marked “6500,” for example, means ...
Contour lines are the primary and most important feature on a topo map. They show the shape of the terrain, including its hills, slopes, and depressions, by tracing a constant line of elevation on the map that corresponds with the landscape in the real world. Think of contour lines as ima...
A simple guide on how to read a topographic map and feel confident using it outside, with a 3d video demonstration.
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. ...
Contour interval:The change in elevation from one contour line to the next is always the same within the same map. Many maps have either a 40- or 80-foot contour interval: An 80-foot interval simply means that each contour line is 80 vertical feet away from the next closest line. You ...
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. ...
map to see what the danger rating is for the area you plan to ski that day. From the Avalanche Forecast map, click on the shaded area to be able to access a link that will take you directly to the local avalanche center’s website for more information. Be sure to read the entire ...
When planning your tour, note the elevation on the map by reading thecontour intervalsand compare it with the danger rose. Or, better yet,create a routeand look at the elevation statistics. Avalanche on the south face ofTaylor Mountain, Teton Pass, Wyoming.Photo courtesy of Bridger-Teton Aval...
Map Sharing: Visibility You save a map in CalTopo. Can other people view that map? It depends on thatmap’s sharing level. There are four options: Public, URL, Secret, and Private. The default setting is URL. Public: Public maps are not only visible to anyone on the web, they will...
If you’re using old maps, find your location on this site, and it will tell you your current declination. How to Read a Topographical Map The first thing you’re going to need is a reliable paper map. Many national parks and reserves provide basic maps that show trails, natural ...