If your GPS breaks and you need to know how to get from point A to point B without getting lost, there's no need to admit defeat by asking people for directions. Just use your trustworthy map. Knowing how to read a map is a practical skill that everyone should have, whether it's climbing the Swiss Alps or planning a trip across the country. Contrary to popular belief, reading a map is not difficult. Once you understand the meaning of important markers like scale, latitude and longitude, and topographical lines, you can travel anywhere with easy calculations.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Understanding Map Layout
Step 1. Choose the right map model
There are different types of maps for different uses. Before using a map to help you find your way, make sure it is appropriate for the type of trip you are taking.
- For example, there are road maps to help drivers navigate interstate highways and shortcuts, topographic maps to guide camping tourists on how to get to campsites and lodging areas, and there are even tourist maps to highlight popular locations for travelers.
- Maps can be found everywhere, from gas stations, visitor centers to popular restaurants and attractions.
Step 2. Check the map orientation
Open it and check the map to make sure you're studying it from the right perspective. Most maps have a “compass logo” in one corner indicating the direction indicated by various markers. Unless otherwise noted, the top of the map is usually north.
North is considered a “neutral” direction and becomes a reference for other directions. This neutral direction can also be used to help travelers determine their position
Step 3. Study the legend (also called Map Key) to understand the map
In addition to the compass logo, many maps also include legends or diagrams that explain the scientific method used to draw the map and include the meaning of important symbols. Recognizing the legend is very important so that you can understand the information on the map.
- You can find symbols for highways, city boundaries and famous locations, as well as color codes for landscapes such as mountains, forests and water.
- The symbols are designed to let travelers know how to interpret and explore their surroundings safely.
Step 4. Pay attention to the latitude and longitude
Longitudes are geographic coordinates that determine the west and east positions of a point on the Earth's surface, parallel to the Prime Meridian. The Geographic Meridian (“Longitude”) is drawn vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole (or vice versa, south to north). Latitude lines are drawn horizontally, parallel to the equator (the line that circles the Earth) and indicate the distance north or south from the equator. The numbers on the sides and top or bottom of the map indicate the degrees of longitude and latitude. Each degree is equal to 60 “minutes” (which represents part of the distance, not travel time) and 1 nautical mile (approximately 1,852 m).
- The equator and Prime Meridian were chosen as reference points because they are located more or less in the center of the Earth.
- If you are only traveling to a neighboring city, the longitude and latitude are not required. However, for long distance travel, longitude and latitude are very important to determine the coordinates of your position.
Step 5. Pay attention to the scale
Map scale shows the ratio of the distance on the map to the actual distance. That way, you know the distance to be covered. The scale will be different on each map, but is usually written as a ratio of numbers like “1: 100,000.” This ratio means that 1 unit of distance on the map is equal to 100,000 units of actual distance.
- You can usually find the scale at the bottom or on one side of the map.
- The scale is adjusted depending on the map model you are using. For example, an explorer map (used for climbing, biking, kayaking, and other close-range activities) uses a scale of 1:25,000, while a driving map will use a scale of approximately 1:50,000.
- On a travel map with a scale of 1:100,000, for example, 1 cm on the map equals 100,000 km.
Part 2 of 2: Using Maps to Arrive at Destinations
Step 1. Find out where you are
If you're on the road, the easiest way to do this is to look at a nearby sign or road sign and refer to the map. If you get lost somewhere you can't recognize, try matching what you see with what's on the map. From here, mark your position so you can head in the right direction.
- Some common things that can help identify locations include striking landforms, such as rivers or mountains.
- One useful trick in pinpointing a location is to find two markers within sight (for example, a water tower and a small town) and then draw a straight line between them. The point of intersection of these lines is your rough location, with a difference of one or two km.
Step 2. Make sure the map matches your compass (optional)
If you are using a compass as a navigational aid, it is very important to calibrate the compass so that its direction corresponds to the environment around you, taking into account the various possibilities of magnetic attraction (if there is an abnormality, it will usually be written in the legend). This step is sometimes referred to as the “declination”. It's easier to know where you're going if you just have to turn your head.
- It's a good idea to put a compass in your vehicle or bag every time you go on an expedition, as there is a high chance of getting lost.
- These days, most phones have a compass app that is incredibly accurate and doesn't need to be connected to the internet to work.
Step 3. Define your goals
Circle your destination on the map and see how far it is between your starting point and destination. After doing this, you can calculate the actual distance and figure out which way to go to get to your destination in the shortest possible time.
Scaling distances will help you track movement more accurately
Step 4. Plan your trip
From here, you just need to select the path or path you want to take to arrive at Point B from Point A. Note that the shortest distance between the two points is a straight line. Therefore, it is usually best to follow a direct route with the fewest branches or detours.
- Remember, the interstate system is usually arranged from right to left and south to north, while city streets are arranged in a grid pattern for more efficient navigation.
- One of the drawbacks of manual maps is that they cannot warn of road closures, construction works, name changes and other potential disturbances.
Step 5. Follow the selected route to the destination
After planning all the details, you can focus on the trip. Drive with confidence and keep an eye on the kilometers, look at the map as often as you can. Be careful not to deviate from the path unless you have prepared a different route beforehand.
- The path you take depends largely on your choices. In some cases, you may constrict your path to get to your destination on time, while in others you may be traveling in a hurry and want to stop at several places to have a look.
- If you're traveling with other people, assign navigation to one person so there's no fighting or confusion about interpreting the map.
Step 6. Create checkpoints so you don't get lost
As you progress, monitor your progress using a pencil or other writing utensil. Draw a dot, star or any symbol when you arrive at a famous location. That way, you can refer to the last checkpoint you passed if you have to turn around.
Each time you stop, record how far you've come and calculate how much distance you still have to go
Tips
- Make sure you save the map in a place that is easily accessible at any time.
- Laminating a map of the hinterland can help protect it from wind, rain and snow.
- Update your map collection every few years to stay up-to-date with areas that are constantly changing and evolving.
- Bring a complete map of the area before you start your journey. One of these maps contains the name and configuration of the interstate system and all major highways, which can be useful if GPS navigation is off.
- You can also use the compass to navigate directions.
Warning
- Avoid tearing, staining or placing the map carelessly. Without a map, you will be in big trouble!
- Try to stay on marked roads and paths. Finding shortcuts or walking straight across open expanses is tempting, however, the further you venture in uncharted territory, the harder it will be to find your way back.
