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...
Look in the margin of your map to find out its contour interval. To make topographic maps easier to read, every fifth contour line is an index contour. Because it's impractical to mark the elevation of every contour line on the map, the index contour lines are the only ones labeled. ...
Simple trail maps are useful for trip planning but NOT for navigation in the field. Topographic maps go further, giving you the power to visualize three-dimensional terrain from a flat piece of paper. The feature that makes this possible is contour lines: Contour lines indicate the steepness of...
such as mountains, hills, valleys and rivers. Topographic maps are typically used by the military, architects, mining companies and even hikers. To read a topographic map, you need to understand the representations of the many circles and ...
Reading topographic maps is a crucial skill for any hiker, but they can be daunting to understand — until you read this guide.
Want to overlay topographic maps onto a 3D Google Earth model so you can explore yourself? And even put your hike route on there? I'll show you how at the end of this article.The closer the contour lines are together, the steeper the slope. The wider they are apart, the more gradual...
Topographic maps use contour lines to show the elevation of an area. These lines have rules: they cannot cross, and they form circles around hills or depressions. Explore topographic and geologic maps, and learn how to read their contour lines, geologic markings, and colors. ...
Topographic maps use contour lines to show the elevation of an area. These lines have rules: they cannot cross, and they form circles around hills or depressions. Explore topographic and geologic maps, and learn how to read their contour lines, geologic markings, and colors. ...
Classic 7.5 minute USGS topographic map for Manitou Springs, Colorado, 1961. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey. 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...
Contour lines allow you to infer general terrain characteristics from their patterns. Here’s what you can expect to see on a topographic map: A.Steep terrain Crowded sections of contour lines B.Gradual terrain Spacious sections of contour lines ...