How Do You Use A Topographic Map

Topographic maps are created from aerial photographs and reveal the contours of the land including hills ridges and valleys as well as lakes rivers creeks trails and roads. First look for the maps scale which will let you know how much detail the map contains. Under the new series retained the numbering system and the layout planof the abandoned India and Adjacent Countries Series. The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earths surface.

How To Read A Topographic Map Howstuffworks

One of the most common uses for a topographic map is as a geological survey.

How Do You Use A Topographic Map. The feature that makes this possible is contour lines. Oceanographers use bathymetric maps to show the features of the bottom of a body of water. Reliefin this map is shown by contours.

People use topographic maps to locate interesting landforms to find their way through an area and to determine the direction water flows in an area. Topographic maps go further giving you the power to visualize three-dimensional terrain from a flat piece of paper. Just download the maps that you need while you have WiFi or cellular coverage and youre all set.

The smaller the scale the more detail the map has. Simple trail maps are useful for trip planning but NOT for navigation in the field. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface which is usually mean sea level.

This video provides an introduction to understanding topographic maps. Whenever youre in a remote or unfamiliar area a topographic map and compass are a must. The scale on any topographic map will tell you how many miles or fractions of a mile one inch represents.

Explaining Topographic Maps Mapscaping