{"id":596,"date":"2018-06-22T00:38:29","date_gmt":"2018-06-22T00:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/livesoutside.com\/?p=596"},"modified":"2018-06-22T01:30:28","modified_gmt":"2018-06-22T01:30:28","slug":"topographic-maps-understanding-the-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/livesoutside.com\/index.php\/2018\/06\/22\/topographic-maps-understanding-the-features\/","title":{"rendered":"Topographic Maps – Understanding The Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

Topographic Maps – Understanding The Features<\/h1>\n

Topo Maps Are Great, Having The Correct \u00a0Topo Maps Is Better<\/h2>\n

Topographic maps are a must have when backpacking, even when you use a GPS device. \u00a0If GPS fails or you are out longer than planned, accept no substitutes for physical topo maps. \u00a0Having a topographic map is an asset but having the correct map makes a huge difference. \u00a0Knowing how to read and what to look for is vital and dependent on your purpose. \u00a0Comprehension of the features, how to read, when it was last updated and what the scale is are important things to know. \u00a0In addition, understanding what true north, grid north and magnetic north are is key to proper navigation as they are not equal.<\/p>\n

Topographic Map Features<\/h2>\n

Features of the topographic map you use will differ depending on your specific use and purpose. \u00a0For backcountry trekking, a smaller scale is more desirable than general hiking on an established trail with markers. \u00a0Color is great if you want to see more detail in features and elevation. \u00a0Land use and land cover maps are very useful to hunters or fishermen. \u00a0Contour lines will show you levels of elevation and how they change over distance. \u00a0Latitude and longitude lines are used in defining specific points and gathering bearings or directional indicators. \u00a0Maps for our purposes here will surround backpacking and more precise navigation.<\/p>\n

Scales For Backcountry Use<\/h2>\n

With backpacking and bushwhacking through the backcountry in mind, we want to use 7.5 minute series maps. \u00a0Otherwise known as 1:24,000 scale maps. \u00a0These maps provide more detail on land as well as elevation and are therefore ideal for ground navigation. \u00a0On these maps, 1 inch represents 2,000 feet. \u00a0~2.5 inches is about a mile. \u00a0Keep in mind that while these are favorable for precise navigation, they only cover about 55 square miles. \u00a0Pack many if you plan on traveling vast distances!<\/p>\n

Contour Lines<\/h2>\n

Knowing how to read contour lines is one of the most useful skills to acquire when using topographic maps. \u00a0The contour lines provided detail of elevation over distance and create a detailed picture of the land using the flat map. \u00a0There are a few things to know about contour lines:<\/p>\n