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...
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. ...
Scale tells you how detailed the map is. A topo map with a scale of 1:10,000 shows a smaller area and is more detailed than a map with a 1:25,000 scale because it is more zoomed in. It’s important to know how detailed your map is when you’re planning a route. A map with ...
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...
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...
You’ll need a relief or aerial image map, or boots on the ground, to locate protective timber and grassy meadows, although some topo maps do include green overlays where trees exist. Topo maps usually show water courses and sources. But where they really stand above the other map types ...
Learn how to read a USGS Topo map. In this post, we’ll go into more detail about U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topo maps.
topo map may not be as intuitive as interpreting satellite imagery, this tutorial will help connect some dots—or lines in this case. By combining fundamental topo knowledge with onX Backcountry’s unique benefits likeoff-grid capabilities, you’ll be well-equipped to trek farther more ...
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 ...
Using the maps contour lines can tell you a lot about the terrain, including steepness, ruggedness, and ground cover. The most important thing to remember when reading a TOPO Map is that CLOSE contour lines indicate VERY STEEP SLOPES, while FARTHER SPACED contour lines indicate a more LEVEL te...