How to read Topo maps

[xseption]

Just be sure you have topography maps,  know how to read them and have enough water.

Where do you learn how to read topo maps?

~ edd

[presidio]

Where do you learn how to read topo maps?

The best way is to find someone who is competent in the skill to show you how it's done.

Also, places like REI sometimes put on little sessions; maybe the Sierra Club, too. Lastly, it is possible learn this from reading and doing it yourself.

You need to know how to use a compass (if you're planning on navigating, and you should know how to do this regardless) and you definitely need to be able to visualize terrain by looking at contour lines so you can match up what you are seeing on the ground with the map.

I have no doubt you can find a map-reading course online if you look for it. Failing all that, get a good old Army manual on the topic.

[jeffblaylock]

Where do you learn how to read topo maps?

One of the best ways is to take one on your next hike and see how the features you see with your eyes match the contour lines and symbols on the map. Navigating from a topo map is an important skill in a place like Big Bend, especially if you're ever considering off-trail trekking.

[01ACRViper]

everyone needs to be a boy scout 

[tjavery]

Here's today's study in topo map reading. Spot the features in the photos that are represented by the contour lines on the topo maps 

Case 1

The photo:


The topo:


Case 2

The photo:


The topo:


Case 3

The photo:


The topo:


Case 4

The photo:


The topo:


Case 5

The photo:


The topo:

Here's the link to the full version:
http://www.texbrick.com/photo/bb_extra/topo5.jpg

Case 6

The photo:


The topo:

[xseption]

Thanks TJ! It seems that I can do that, as I have already used state park maps in such a manner. But the topo of Dog Canyon was very instructive as I always have been looking for high points such as topo 1. Looking for canyons is one thing I need to know how to do.

I went up the wrong canyon on my way back from the Banta Shut In and had to look for my way back. Turn a 15 mi hike into 17 mi hike. The last few miles were without water. Learned a lot that day!

[tjavery]

Thanks TJ! It seems that I can do that, as I have already used state park maps in such a manner. But the topo of Dog Canyon was very instructive as I always have been looking for high points such as topo 1. Looking for canyons is one thing I need to know how to do.

I went up the wrong canyon on my way back from the Banta Shut In and had to look for my way back. Turn a 15 mi hike into 17 mi hike. The last few miles were without water. Learned a lot that day!

Yeh, it's hard sometimes to discern the fine details. What looks like a vertical wall in real life doesn't necessarily translate as such from the topography. And then you also have to know when fine details will not show up in the topo because they're just too small.

The cactus one was a joke, obviously , but the meaning behind it is that some small relief will seem large in real life yet not appear on the topo.

[Vince T]

That was fun...thanks TJ.
Had to throw those in at the end, did you?

[tjavery]

That was fun...thanks TJ.
Had to throw those in at the end, did you?

  Well, I wouldn't want to throw those in my end. Ouch. 

 

Okay, it's Friday. Time for sillyness and 

[LandCruisers4Life]

As as Marine, I was taught a miriad of ways to navigate in the outdoors. Some ways were good, some very basic and not so good. The more tools in your toolbox, the better. So as the 'Nav Man' (reconnaissance), I was always checking out books and other types of navigational techniques. This book, Be Expert With Map & Compass, was one that I found particularly good and it's still available. Pick up a copy. For those on here who are experts already, and want to learn something interesting, check out "The Green Berets Compass Course". I can only remember the authors last name being "Paul". Great book... somewhat ingenious, but I think of it as a high maintenance type of skill where you have to use it all the time. I tried it out a long time ago when I was on top of my game, and it does work. However I would have to go back and study up on it again. I think he even called it "The Paul Method". Check it out.

Here's the book BEWM&C:
http://www.amazon.com/Be-Expert-Map-Compass-Orienteering/dp/0020292651

Ran a search on Don Pauls book.... I found this:  http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ538109QQtgZinfo
I think the 7th edition was the latest version....

[Hoodoo]

These guys can help.

Sid Richardson Scout Ranch puts on some great orienteering events. My son and I try to attend as many as we can. My favorite is each person is on their own with map and compass and is required to find all 10 flags in the field. The one with all 10 flags accounted for with the shortest time wins. Great outdoor fun!

BTW My father was a scout, I was a scout, and my son is a scout. I cannot not say enough about the scouting program in teaching our youth about not only survival skills in the outdoors, but also the responsibility of becoming a good citizen. Off soap box now, sorry.

[bdann]

These guys can help.

Sid Richardson Scout Ranch puts on some great orienteering events.

Now that takes me back...  Sid Richardson was my favorite Scout Ranch....great place, lots of memories.  My troop camped there every January.  What fun we had...