Maintain your old Siemens Hipath system

Topographic Maps 101

The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling, even frustrating, if you are learning while out in the backcountry. But once you get familiar with the markings and symbols, reading maps will become a friendly aid, rather than a dreaded assignment.

Topographic Maps Grid System

Lines of latitude run parallel to the equator (east and west), and lines of longitude run perpendicular to the equator (north and south). These lines form a pattern of squares across the surface of the earth like a checker board.

One square, formed by lines of longitude and latitude, measures 90 degrees x 90 degrees. Degrees are further subdivided into minutes and seconds.

? 1 degree = 60 minutes
? 1 minute = 60 seconds

The important thing to understand, when we look for a topographic map for our hiking adventures, is that it will be located within this larger context of degrees, minutes, and seconds. Fortunately, it will also, usually, be identified with a place name.

An alternative method of notation within the Geographic Coordinate System is the decimal degree system. In the decimal degree system, minutes and seconds are replaced by a percentage of a degree, expressed as a decimal up to four places long. It is often used for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications,

Topographic Maps Scale Explained

A topographic map lists its scale in the margin or legend. The scale is the relationship between distances on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. For example, a map with a scale of 1:50,000 means that 1 unit of measurement on the map equals 50,000 equivalent units on the ground.

Units can be in inches, feet, centimeters, or meters, depending on what scale map you are looking at and what measuring system the country uses. Most USGS maps are 1:24,000, also known as 7 ½ minute maps. On this map, 1 inch = 24,000 inches on the ground. In Canada, most hiking maps are 1:50,000 scale, where 1 cm = 50,000 cm on the ground.

A small scale map (ex. 1:100,000) covers a large area; it shows less detail with fewer features. A large scale map (ex. 1:10,000) covers a small area; it shows great detail and small features. A 1:2,500, large scale map would show individual houses and street lights.

Topographic Maps Symbols and Colors

The symbols and colors used on Topographic maps are fairly straight forward:

? Black - man-made, "cultural," features such as roads, buildings, etc. It is also used to show geographical names (toponymy), certain symbols, geographic coordinates, precise elevations, border information and surround information.

? Blue ?water, lakes, rivers, streams, etc. The names of bodies of water and water courses are also shown in blue, as are magnetic declination and UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) grid information.

? Brown - contour lines, contour elevations, spot elevations, sand.

? Green - areas with substantial vegetation like a forest, orchard, or vineyard

? Grey - used on the back of the map where the different symbols and a glossary of terms and abbreviations can be found.

? Orange - unpaved roads and unclassified roads and streets.

? Purple - features added to the map since the original survey. These features are based on aerial photographs but have not been checked on land.

? Red - major highways; boundaries of public land areas. A red tint is used to show an urban development.

? White - areas with little or no vegetation; also used to depict permanent snowfields and glaciers

Topographic Maps Glossary

? Bearing - Angular direction expressed in degrees.

? Contour Lines ? A line on a map joining points of equal elevation. These lines are used to illustrate relief on a map.

? Distortion - The difference in shape between the actual curved surface of the earth and the flat representation of a topographic map.

? Grid - A system of horizontal and vertical lines that provide coordinates for locating points on an image.

? Magnetic Declination - The angle between magnetic north and true north, expressed in degrees and minutes, east or west from true north.

? Magnetic North - The direction your compass needle points.

? Projection - A method by which the curved shape of the earth is represented on a flat surface, overcoming distortion.

? Relief ? The variations in elevation of the earth's surface.

? Scale ? The relationship between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. For example, a map with a scale of 1:50,000 means that 1 unit of measurement on the map equals 50,000 equivalent units on the ground.

? Topographic Map ? An illustration of the earth's different elevation levels by means of contour lines. They present both natural and manmade features.

? True North - Direction of the northern rotational axis of the earth ? the North Pole.

Outdoors Adventurer, Writer and Webmaster Will Robertson lives with his family in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Explore the best hiking vacations and gear on the planet at: http://www.hiking-vacations-and-gear.com

In The News:

US delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine could prove pivotal - but has been controversial
Fri, 22 Sep 2023 19:25:00 +0100
They have a catchy name. They’re called "attack'ems".

Ukraine's super gran: 'I went into the wolf's lair to save my grandson'
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 01:01:00 +0100
"I was going into the wolf's lair but I had to overcome my fear because I was the only one who could rescue my grandson."

After Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, is the UN still fit for purpose? | Sean Bell
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 01:01:00 +0100
The United Nations was conceived at the end of the Second World War with the primary objective of maintaining international peace and security.  

'Our fight is the global fight': Spain and Sweden teams unite as World Cup kissing scandal rumbles on
Fri, 22 Sep 2023 22:56:00 +0100
Sweden joined Spain's players in a show of solidarity ahead of their Women's Nations League clash as the scandal surrounding Spanish football rumbled on.

Ukraine 'successfully' hits Russia's Black Sea navy HQ using British and French cruise missiles
Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:08:00 +0100
The Ukrainian military says it has "successfully" struck the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in occupied Crimea in an attack using Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles.



tikatoshop.it

Erfahrungen mit Pallhuber Wein
Agen Bola SBOBET Terpercaya

Travel in comfort and at your leisure with CT Airlink Limousine & Car Service for top quality private transportation and exceptional customer service. We operate Sedans, SUVs & Vans for CT Car Services to covering all Connecticut airports including Car Service from CT to Newark Airport , Mohegan Casino Uncasville CT, Foxwoods Casino Mashantucket CT, Manhattan Cruise Terminal NYC, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal NYC and Bayonne Cruise Terminal NJ. CT Airlink hire licensed and friendly chauffeurs who have in-depth knowledge of the Areas.

Mount Chimborazo: Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator

The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More

River Cruise in Bangkok ? Sightseeing on the Chao Phraya

A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the... Read More

New Technologies in Camping and Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Outdoor Experience

Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More

Inflatable Boats: An Overview

Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas,... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

Journey to Haypress Creek

It was the end of my first year as a... Read More

GOA ? A Carnival of Beaches

The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More

Tanzania Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

RV Vacations: Ten Tips

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It... Read More

Ten African Safari Tips That You Must Know Before You Go

1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More

Ultralight Backpacks - The Lightest

Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More

Comal White Water or More Blue Green

White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More

Going it Alone: The Waterfall at Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska

I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More

PaintBall Gun Buying Tips

There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More

How To Buy a Used RV - Part 2

The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a... Read More

Pigeon Forge Campgrounds

Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More

A Review of Popular River Rafting Trips and Services

Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible... Read More

Scuba diving in South Africa

This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More

Unforgettable Cape Cod Vacations: The National Seashore Gift

Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More

Hawaii Volcano Tour

A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,... Read More

Visiting Whistler in Summer

It is the end of the season for the year... Read More

Old Sturbridge Village ? Links to Our Past Guide, Part 2

Once described in a 1950 article as "The Town That... Read More

Maples for Autumn Colour

As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More