Finding Direction Without a Compass
Preparation and carrying the ten essentials is vital to any outdoor trip. Map, compass and GPS make up my navigation kit. Still, the unplanned happens,[Read More…]
Post Tagged with: "map reading"
Map Colors and Symbols – The Details of a Map
Bench Marks are survey monuments. Location and elevation data is accurate. Bench Mark will be represented by the letters BM and next to it will be printed the elevation data; see map above. In the backcountry, Bench Marks will have a brass/bronze plate at the location to indentify the mark and its position data. Please do not tamper with a Bench Mark.
Contours of a Map – Map Reading
Contour lines are distinct and separate from lines for roads, coordinate systems (e.g., latitude and longitude) and trails. Man made features like roads and buildings are black. Contour lines are brown. By adding elevation data to the map contour lines provide a three dimensional view of the terrain. These lines provide shape and a sense of texture.
Orienting Your Topographic Map
I want to be as dialed in as the compass. This can be difficult in bad weather with limited visibility. In such a situation I’ll check my GPS, verify and plot my position on the map. I may resort to dead reckoning as I proceed.
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