Using Maps and Compasses

Reading a Topographic Map

• If you plan to spend a lot of time traveling through unfamiliar terrain, a topographic map is good investment.

• Topographic maps are created from aerial photographs. They reveal contours such as hills, ridges, and valleys, as well as lakes, rivers, creeks, trails, and roads.
  • Contour lines show the elevation of the ground.
  • Contour intervals reveal the steepness. Closely spaced contour lines indicate very steep slopes.
  • Sharply tapered contour lines indicate an uphill direction.
  • Rounded contour lines typically indicate a downhill direction.

Map Resources

Topographic maps are available at many outdoor stores or may be ordered from:

U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Distribution
P.O. Box 25286
Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225

National Forest Service Travel Maps show forest road networks and restrictions. They are available from the U.S. Forest Service.