How to Read a Topographic Map While Hiking

The map dramatically decreases your  chances of any unpleasant surprises. The map includes  steep mountain  ascents, gently  sloping valleys, and some of the fascinating points you pass by  an area. The plan will give you a rough idea about the distance to reach a specific location.

Simplified trail maps that include the JPEG images don’t include all that you might need on a trail.

Why do you need a topographic map?

Contour lines, Scale and Legend are all integral parts of a topographic map. 

Parts of a topographic map:

You can get topographic maps from local government companies or specialty companies.

Where to get the topographic maps?

You have to look around to identify nearby locations or features including mountain, river, road, or spur if you have to locate those features to find your position on the map.

Look for your location on the map

Landscape features include saddles, spurs, summits, and reentrants determined by contour line patterns on the topographical maps.

Identify the landscape features on the topographic map

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