There are many types of maps, from simple garden maps to detailed topographic maps. Learning the differences between the different types will help you understand the basics of all of them, and help you direct where you are going.
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Part 1 of 3: Understanding Map Components
Step 1. Learn the basic differences between map types
The types of maps are distinguished based on the location shown. From specific garden maps to complex topographic maps, you can understand the differences and specifications of the types of maps you will be using so you will understand how to use them properly.
- A topographic map is a map that shows the shape of the earth's surface, shows elevation points and geographic scale, also shows latitude and longitude. This map is the most accurate type of map, which is often used by climbers, adventurers, and the military. In using this map a compass is needed to navigate.
- A road map or atlas is a map that shows highways, city roads, and other roads in a certain area in detail. Street maps are available in the form of cities, or also across countries on a larger scale. The use of road maps often facilitates overland travel.
- Custom maps and showing two-dimensional images are usually used specifically for playgrounds, directions, tours, and other types of things where distance is not the main thing to know. An example of a map of this type is a sketch of a fishing spot map. Although this map can be very accurate, there is no map scale on this map.
Step 2. Use the legend to properly orient the map
At one end of the map, the north and south need to be clearly marked, so that you have a basis for understanding the direction that is on the map, and you will be able to navigate the map correctly. It can be difficult to determine which direction to go right or left if you don't read the map properly.
Step 3. Learn the scale of the map
In detailed maps such as road maps and topographic maps, the scale indicates key locations on the map, so you can understand how far apart one point is from another on the map. For example, 1 inch (2.54 cm) is equal to one mile (1.6 km), or some other unit of distance. To understand how far between two points, you can measure it on a map and calculate how far the place is and how long it will take you to get there.
Step 4. Use key tags to identify other important information
The meanings of color shadows, symbols, and other types of images are listed on some maps, and they should be studied as key answers that can interpret the markings on the map. If, for example, the map consists of areas shaded in red and there is a wave symbol in it, you may need to check the key signatures to locate coastal areas with high tide warnings.
Each map uses different symbols in different ways, so it's important to pay attention to the key signatures. For example, on many directional maps, a dotted line means an unpaved road, while on other maps a dotted line can represent a country's border, or on other markings. Always pay attention to the key signs in interpreting the different symbols
Part 2 of 3: Traveling on Maps
Step 1. Identify the key marking features on the map as well as those in front of you
On most maps you will use, you only need to do a few things to get around. Finds your location on the map by identifying the signs you see and the markings on the map, then determines your path based on those indicators. When using a map you need to pay as much attention to the area around you as you would to a path on a map.
- For example, if you see a sign that says you are 20 miles (32 km) away from Westville, look for Westville on your map and you will have a rough idea of where you are. If you don't know where you're going, take a look at the towns around Westville and see which city you've passed, so you can tell which way you're coming from.
- If you're using a directional guide or a climber's map, use intersections to find out where you are. If you come to the starting point of the "West Loop Trail" and "Smith Trail," look for the intersection point on the map and you'll know where you are. Orient yourself on the map by looking at the exit of each street from your position and choose your route based on where you are going.
- You can also use the map to plan your route by time and, if you plan it in sufficient detail, you can save the map in the car drawer. If you need to drive to the airport, you can plan your route and write it in order, and save it on the wheel so that it gets you faster.
Step 2. Learn to use a compass on topographic maps
More complex maps generally require a compass to orientate yourself well and understand how to find your position through the coordinates you find. If you get lost, or try to find your way from one point to another, you need to find a sign on the road and orient yourself using a compass, or using a GPS.
- If you have a GPS, you can also use topographic maps to plan routes based on your coordinates. Use the latitude and longitude on the map to try and figure out where you are, pay attention to land, and plan a route where you're going.
- Even if you have a GPS, using a compass is still much easier, faster and more effective to show your direction when you are traveling. You can stay on track by using a compass.
Step 3. Enter your direction on the way into the map
If you know where you are and need to figure out how to get to your destination, lay your map flat and place your compass on the map, it will show you north.
- Slide your compass until it passes where you are on the map, pointing north.
- Draw a line around the compass, past where you are. If you form this boundary, your path from where you are will be on the line you just drew on the map.
Step 4. Learn to use borders
If you're not sure which way you should go and need to find out, start laying out the map flat and keep the compass on it. Draw a line between your position and your destination, then rotate it so that it points north. This will align the compass line with the north-south line on the map.
- To travel, hold the compass before you move horizontally away from your destination. You will use these directions to guide your journey.
- Rotate your body so that the north end of the magnetic needle is aligned with the orientation needle, and you will be pointing in the right direction.
Step 5. Learn to triangulate your position, when lost
If you don't know where you are and aren't sure where to go, you can find out where you are by learning to use position triangulation. This is one of the important skills in survival training. To triangulate your position, start by looking for three signs on the map that you can physically see.
Point your travel destination at one of the signs, then point the compass and map accordingly. Take your coordinates to enter them on the map, draw three lines in the direction of the compass. The image should form a triangle, which will indicate your position. It won't be perfect, but it will show where you are
Part 3 of 3: Using Specific Map Types
Step 1. Plan a trip with a road map
There are many types of navigation maps, including hiking maps, biking trails and nature maps, road maps, and lake and ocean maps. The most classic and ancient way to plan a trip or other excursion is to map using a road map.
- Try doing a day hike or bike ride through a nature park using a map. You'll be able to find out how difficult the road is, how far you'll be traveling and discover interesting places along the way.
- Plan a trip using a highway map. Main highways and county roads are the most frequently featured roads on the map and give you many options when traveling.
Step 2. Use a map of the area to coordinate with others
Maps are useful for providing key information about detours or road construction. The transportation department uses maps with detailed information on construction, detours or road closures to make pedestrians aware of the current state of the road.
Step 3. Find out about the relationships between places in the area on the map
Maps are often used in zoning and in construction to determine how far apart they are from one another, and how far apart they should be. The planning and zoning department usually uses maps to divide districts or plan infrastructure works, and to show ownership. Legal descriptions of deeds and contracts are included on the map.
- Several maps are used to estimate criminal activity. Criminal forensics teams use maps to mark criminal locations and predict the future behavior of criminal suspects.
- Shows political information with a map. Voters are usually directed to the polling station using a police map. The politicians who represent the constitution based on geographic location, can be easily shown using a map.
- Indicates potential locations for community projects, such as new parks, parking lots and community centres.
Step 4. Read the meteorological map to check the weather forecast
Meteorologists create maps to show upcoming storms, dealing with hot and cold weather, and changing weather. Readers can find out predictions in their area by using a map.
Tips
- Maps provide many types of information, including demographic facts, topographical features, travel paths and weather forecasts.
- Over the centuries cartographers have continued to develop maps and the information that can be obtained through them.
- Maps are now available in various forms, including on the internet.
