Topographical maps show the topography and land use for an area.
Once you understand them, you will see the logic behind the layout and symbology of topographical maps and appreciate the wealth of information that is conveyed. Topo maps have guided travelers since 1879 with the first maps created by the U.S. Geological Survey. A topographical map represents a three-dimensional space drawn on the two-dimensional surface of paper. The maps use a defined system of identification and symbols, which are found on all topo maps.
Instructions
1. Verify the title of the topo map. You will find this information in the upper-right corner of the map. The title of the map will identify the most prominent community or natural features contained within the map.
2. Find out the scale of the map. The scale is found on the bottom of the map, in the center. You will see the scale as well as graphical representations of the distance. You can use this information to interpret distances or size. For example, a map drawn at a 1:24,000 means that 1 inch of map space is equivalent to 24,000 inches, or 2,000 feet, on land.
3. Notice the latitude and longitude readings found on the outer border of the map. The vertical numbers represent the latitude or the distance north and south. The horizontal numbers are measures of longitude and run east and west. The intersection of a line of latitude and longitude is the coordinates for that particular area.
4. Find the magnetic declination symbol, located in the bottom-left corner. Because of the differences in dimension between the land and the paper map, you will need to apply a correction to your compass settings in order to accurately navigate using the map. The symbol shows what that correction factor is in degrees.
5. Look at the colored areas of the map. The colors will give you an idea of the land cover depicted on the map. Green areas indicate areas of vegetation such as forests and wetlands. Blue denotes water. Urban areas may be represented by red or a red tint.
6. Take note of the placement of curved lines within the map. These lines are contours that represent the elevation and topography of a place. Along the line you will find the approximate elevation in feet. Lines close together indicate sites of steep elevation, whereas areas with spaced out contour denote regions where the landscape is flat or of a rolling terrain.
7. Determine specific features on the map by consulting the symbol key. Symbols are grouped into general categories such as "Mines and Caves" or "Rivers, Lakes and Canals." You will notice that the map includes several symbols for manmade features such as roads and airports.
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