Preparing for the Unexpected

Using Maps and Compasses

Reading a Topographic Map

• If you plan to spend a lot of time traveling through unfamiliar terrain, a topographic map is a good investment.
• Topographic maps are created from aerial photographs and reveal the contours of the land, including hills, ridges, and valleys, as well as lakes, rivers, creeks, trails, and roads.
  • Contour lines show the elevation of the ground.
  • Contour intervals reveal how much vertical distance there is between each contour line. Closely spaced contour lines indicate very steep slopes.
  • Contour lines that are sharply tapered indicate an uphill direction.
  • Rounded contour lines typically indicate a downhill direction.