Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Land Management) maps. These maps tend to cover large areas, so be sure they
are detailed enough for your particular trip. You can also obtain National Park
maps as well as high quality maps from private companies and trail groups. These
maps can be obtained either from outdoor stores or ranger stations.
U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps are particularly popular with
hikers—especially serious backcountry hikers. These maps contain the standard
map symbols such as roads, lakes, and rivers, as well as contour lines that show
the details of the trail terrain like ridges, valleys, passes, and mountain peaks. The
7.5-minute series (1 inch on the map equals approximately 0.4 mile on the
ground) provides the closest inspection available. USGS maps are available by
mail (U.S. Geological Survey, Map Distribution Branch, PO Box 25286, Denver,
CO 80225), or at mapping.usgs.gov/esic/to_order.html.
If you want to check out the high-tech world of maps, you can purchase topo-
graphic maps on CD-ROM. These software-mapping programs let you select a
route on your computer, print it out, then take it with you on the trail. Some soft-
ware mapping programs let you insert symbols and labels, download waypoints
from a GPS unit, and export the maps to other software programs.
The art of map reading is a skill that you can develop by first practicing in an
area you are familiar with. To begin, orient the map so the map is lined up in the
correct direction (i.e. north on the map is lined up with true north). Next, familiar-
ize yourself with the map symbols and try and match them up with terrain features
around you such as a high ridge, mountain peak, river, or lake. If you are practi-
cing with a USGS map, notice the contour lines. On gentler terrain these contour
lines are spaced farther apart, and on steeper terrain they are closer together. Pick
a short loop trail, and stop frequently to check your position on the map. As you
practice map reading, you'll learn how to anticipate a steep section on the trail or
a good place to take a rest break, and so on.
Compasses. First off, the sun is not a substitute for a compass. So, what kind of
compass should you have? Here are some characteristics you should look for: a
rectangular base with detailed scales, a liquid-filled housing, protective housing, a
sighting line on the mirror, luminous alignment and back-bearing arrows, a lumin-
ous north-seeking arrow, and a well-defined bezel ring.
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