Find Your Way Like a Pro: How to Get the Most out of Topographic Maps

Although they make a map look pretty, the squiggly lines also show elevation changes and important geographical features.

These lines are very useful for navigation, and for choosing the best routes.

More than just ups and downs along the trails, you can also identify:

• Peaks
• Ridges
• Canyons
• Valleys
• And Steep Slopes

That's a lot of valuable information for savvy hikers!

Let's say you remember seeing a deep canyon next to a prominent peak near the start of your hike, but at the moment you are utterly lost.

Chances are, you can identify that landmark on your topographic map, if you know what to look for.

Many trail maps that you get at park offices and kiosks are printed with the topographic lines and elevations. If not, you can compare your trail maps to published topographic maps for that area. In the U.S., these are available from the U.S. Geological Survey.

These maps are made for trekking.

They're waterproof, tear-resistant and provide topographic and trail information.

Explore Trails Illustrated maps at REI...

Google Maps also provides free topographic information (in addition to satellite images and road maps).

Google also shows locations of major parks, national forest lands, and preserves, which is very convenient.

How to Read Topographic Maps Like a Pro

Here's what to look for:

1. Peaks are usually the smallest circles or ovals on your map.

   Think of a mountain. It starts wide and gets narrower at the tip. A small oval with nothing else in it and near the higher altitude numbers means it is the highest point in that area.

   Many maps show a triangle and the actual elevation of the peak.



2. Ridges. Once you find the peaks on a map, ridges are easy. Wherever you have V-shaped or U-shaped groups of lines that are pointing away from the peaks, you have a ridge.
3. Divisions between ridges. When those v-shaped lines point in towards the peak, they show a division between ridges.

   These features are useful because they are often watershed areas. That means, these areas often support more vegetation and some hold creeks, streams (or washes in the desert). For survivalists, you are much more likely to find water sources in these areas and valleys than on ridges.

4. You can spot steep slopes wherever you have several lines close together. Looking at the Google topo map of Yosemite above, you can see Yosemite Valley surrounded by steep cliffs and mountainsides.
5. Look in the areas between prominent peaks to find valleys. Follow the topo lines away from the peaks to the lowest elevations.

Other important features to look for can vary from map to map. In our map above, you can see darker lines. These show you a range in elevation of 100 feet. They make counting elevation change a little faster and easier.

Some maps have a grid that divide the land into certain units, like miles or kilometers. These are useful for gauging distance. Instead of a grid, other maps will show a scale (for example: 5cm = 1 kilometer) You will need a ruler to guage the distances on these maps.

Hiking-Trails-and-Gear.com Expert Tip:

• Try to find the landmarks you already know well, on your map.
• Try to get to a new spot using your map. Ignore the trail markers and signposts.
• Have fun and make this a game for your group, with your kids, or just by yourself.
• Definitely take a compass since you will need to orient your map in the right direction.

A little exercise like this will make navigating in the wild tons easier, when your survival depends on it.

Find your Way Back to Hiking Trail Maps from Topographic Maps

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