Topographic maps are used in orienteering, camping, hiking and land use analysis. Topographic maps describe the elevation of the land. They also show streams, forests, lakes, roads and important buildings. Topographic maps are used for navigation.
Instructions
Familiarize yourself with the map
1. Note that contours are indicated by brown lines. Contours follow the surface at a constant elevation. Index contours are the dark brown lines. Index contours show the exact elevation in meters or feet.
2. Find the contour interval in the margin. the contour interval is the difference in elevation from one contour to the next.
3. Find the map scale measured by a bar on the bottom of the map.
4. Find the magnetic declination indicated by a star and a "MN". They will form a "V" in the map key.
5. Note that contour lines close together indicate steep topography. Contour lines far apart indicate gentle topography. Contour lines will form "v's" around streams. The point of the "v" will point upstream.
Navigate with Topographic Map
6. Find your current location on the map. Find the final destination on the map.
7. Draw a straight line from the current location to the destination. Extend line past a map border.
8. Observe the contour lines and map symbols the drawn line crosses. Note any steep terrain, streams or other landmarks you may encounter.
9. Center the compass on the map border where the drawn line intersects it.
10. Adjust the compass to the magnetic declination listed on the map. If the "MN" arrow is to the right of true north, subtract the "MN" value. If the "MN" arrow is to the left of true north, add the "MN" value.
11. Standing in current location, align the "MN" needle with 0 degrees north. This can also be achieved by rotating the outer compass ring until the magnetic declination lines up with the indicator marker.
12. Read the bearing indicated by the compass. Aim the compass at a distant object and head in direction bearing indicates.
Tags: current location, magnetic declination, Topographic maps, brown lines, contour interval, contour lines
