How to Read a Topo Map

The Basics Part II

For general use and safety’s sake, it’s terribly important to know how to read a topographic map. Since you've read the first portion of the Topo map instructional it's time to learn about the symbols used in maps.

If you know how to read a topo map you’ll also know:

 
1 - Direction: which way do I need to go to get to my intended destination?
 

2 -The distance between two points: How far must I go to get there?
 

3 - The shape of the terrain: Must I go around lakes or rivers?
 

4 - The amount of vegetation: Will I have to fight my way through thick brush?

5 -The direction and grade of the slope: Will I have a hard trek uphill to get there?

6 - Man made and natural ground features: Will I find civilization between here and there?
 

To answer these questions a topographic map gives you information through scales, contour lines, colors and numerous symbols.

Scales

The scale of a map is a ratio between measurements on the map and measurements in the real world. Make sure the scale is appropriate to your needs.

For recreational activities such as backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and hunting I like maps in 1:50,000, 1:25,000 or 1:24,000 scale ranges.

Most topographic maps have scale bars in the margin that represent distances on the map. These let you determine distance on the fly.


Colors and symbols

Man-made and natural ground features are represented by colored areas and by a set of standard symbols.

Common map colors are:

Green - parks, golf courses, reservations, forest, orchards

Brown - deserts, historical sites, national parks, military reservations or bases, contour (elevation) lines

Black - roads, railroads, highways, bridges, place names, buildings, borders

An on a related but separate line

Protect your maps
Keep your map dry and readable. Store maps in ziplock bags and Thompsons Water Seal to make them water resistant but still allow me to write on them with a pencil.

Come back soon for more information on maps and map reading.

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