How to read a topo map

If you know how to read a topo map (topographic map), you will know:

· about direction

· the distance between any two points

· the shape of the terrain

· the amount of vegetation

· the direction and grade of the slope

· man-made and natural ground features

· and more.....


The topographic map gives you information through scales, grids, contour lines, colors and numerous symbols. It will provide everything but lake depth information. All topo maps are oriented so north is up, south is down, west is to the left, and east is to the right.


Scales

The scale of a map is a ratio between measurements on the map and measurements in the real world. Most topographic maps have scale bars in the margin that represent distances on the map. Make sure the scale is appropriate to your needs. Good maps for recreational activities such as backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and hunting are 1:50,000, 1:25,000 or 1:24,000 maps. For instance, for the 1:50,000 maps, each measure represents a distance 50,000 times greater on the ground. 1 inch (1cm) on the map represents 0,8 miles (0,5 km) on the ground.


Contour lines

The heart of a topo map is its overlay of contour lines, each line indicating a constant elevation as it follows the shape of the landscape. Contour lines that are close together represent steep slopes. If you know how to read a topo map you can look at your surroundings and compare them with our map. This is a good way to keep you oriented.