There are different types of maps, from simple ones to ones with topographical details. Learning to recognize the different types of maps will help you understand the basics of all of them, and guide you where you need to go.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Understanding the Components of a Map
Step 1. Learn the basic differences between the maps
The types of maps are as varied as the areas they represent. From specific park maps to complicated topographical representations, you can learn the differences and specifics of each type of map you may come across, so you know how to use them appropriately.
- Topographic maps are used to show the specifics of a terrain, showing its exact elevation and geographic details to scale, as well as longitude and latitude markers. These are the most accurate maps used by hikers, survivors and the military. These maps often require the use of a compass for orientation.
- Road maps or atlases are detailed maps that show freeways, state roads, and other roads in a specific area. Road maps are available for single cities, or on a larger scale for a trip across the country. Car journeys are often made easier by a road map.
- Two-dimensional areas and specialized maps are often used for theme parks, tour guides, tours and other kinds of events where it is not essential to recognize a precise distance. A sketched map of a spot to fish can be an example. While these maps may also be quite accurate, they are generally not to scale.
Step 2. Use the legend to orient the map correctly
In one corner, you should find north and south well indicated, so that you have a basic sense of direction in relation to the map, so that you can orient it correctly. It's hard to know if you should turn right or left on a map, for example, if you don't read it correctly.
Step 3. Learn the map scale
On detailed maps such as road and topographic maps, the scale is indicated somewhere in the legend, so you know how the distance between the various points on the map is represented. For example, 1 cm can equate to 1 km, or other units of distance measurement. To understand how far two points are from each other, you can take the measurement on the map and then convert it in order to have an idea of what the distance is and how long it will take you to travel it.
Step 4. Use the legend to find other important information
The meaning of the shades of color, symbols and other images is indicated on some maps, identifiable on a legend in which this is explained in correspondence with that color or that symbol. If, for example, a map has some areas in red with a wave symbol superimposed, if you check the legend you will discover that in that area there is a beach with danger of high tide.
Each map uses different symbols in different ways, so it's important to always refer to the legend. For example, on many trail maps, a dashed line indicates a dirt trail, while on others it can indicate a state boundary, or other kind of marker. Always consult the legend to interpret the various symbols
Method 2 of 3: Traveling with a Map
Step 1. Identify the elements of the legend both on the map and on what is in front of you
For many of the maps you'll find yourself using, you'll need a few gestures to travel. Locate your position on the map by looking for landmarks you see around you on the map, and determine your next movements based on them. Using a map means holding your head up and looking around, as much as reading and interpreting the lines on the paper.
- For example, if you see a sign indicating that you are 20 miles from Westville, find Westville on the map and you will get a rough idea of where you are. If you don't know which direction you are heading, look at the towns before Westville and note which one you pass first, so you know which direction you are coming from.
- If you use a trail or hiking guide, use the intersections to get an idea of where you are. If you come to a meeting point between the "West Circular Path" and the "Belvedere Path," find that intersection on the map and you will find out where you are. Orient yourself on the map by looking in which direction each trail goes from your location, and choose your route depending on where you want to go.
- You can also use a map to plan your route in advance, and if your plan is detailed enough, you can put your map aside. If you need to drive to the airport, you can plan your route and write it down, turn by turn, and keep it on the wheel for quick reference.
Step 2. Learn to use a compass with topographic maps
More complex maps typically require the use of a compass to orient yourself correctly and understand where you are in relation to the coordinates you know. If you get lost, or if you try to find your way from one point on the map to another, you need to find a physical landmark and orient yourself accordingly, using a compass or GPS.
- If you have a GPS, you can also use the topographic map to plan a generic route based on your exact coordinates. Use the longitude and latitude markers on the map to figure out where you are, read the terrain, and then plan a route to get where you need to be.
- Even if you have a GPS, it's still easier to use a compass to quickly figure out where you are relative to the direction you're moving. It is easier to stay on course using a compass.
Step 3. Transpose the direction of travel on the map
If you know where you are and need to figure out how to get where you want, lay out the map and place the compass on it so that the needle points north.
- Slide the compass until the edge passes past your location, with the needle pointing north.
- Draw a line from the edge of the compass to your location. If you keep this direction, your path from where you are will follow the line you just traced.
Step 4. Learn to orient yourself
If you are unsure of which direction to take and need to find out which direction it is, lay out the map with the compass on it. Draw a line between where you are and where you want to go, then turn the degree wheel so that the needle points north. You will then have aligned the compass orientation lines with the north and south map markers.
- To move, hold the compass in front of you in a horizontal position, with the direction arrow pointing in front of you. You will use this arrow to guide you.
- Turn your body so that the north of the magnetic needle is aligned with the orientation arrow, and you will be pointing in the right direction.
Step 5. Learn to triangulate your position when you get lost
If you don't know where you are and aren't sure which direction to go, you can understand the area you are in by learning to triangulate your location. This is one of the basic skills in survival training. To triangulate your location, start looking for three map landmarks that you can physically see.
Point the arrow indicating your path to one of the landmarks, then orient the compass and map according to the reading. Take the coordinates to transpose them onto the map by drawing three lines along the compass plate. You should have created a triangle, inside which is your position. It won't be perfect, but at least you will have an idea of where you are
Method 3 of 3: Use Specific Types of Maps
Step 1. Plan a trip with a road map
There are many types of navigation maps, including hiking, biking, and nature trail maps, highway maps, and sea maps. The most classic and old-fashioned way to plan a road trip or other type of excursion is to trace it on a road map.
- Anticipate a day of walking or cycling through a natural park by examining a map. So you can find out how difficult it can be, the distance you will travel and other points of interest along the way.
- Plan a trip by looking at highway maps. Major motorways and state roads are often shown on maps and provide you with various possibilities during a journey.
Step 2. Use a local map to coordinate with the others
The maps can be used to provide key information on detours or road works. Traffic officers use maps with detailed information on roadworks, detours or road closures so that travelers can be informed about current road conditions.
Step 3. Learn about spatial relationships in local maps
Maps are often used in zoning and construction to determine the distance between things, and how far they should be from each other. Town planning commissions regularly use these maps to divide districts or plan infrastructure works, and for land registry certificates. Property contracts include maps with legally valid descriptions.
- Some maps are used to predict criminal activity. Forensic investigation teams use maps to identify where crimes occur and predict the future activities of suspected criminals.
- Indicate political information with maps. Voters are often directed to their polling stations via district maps. Local politicians represent their area of interest on a map.
- Display areas of interest to the local community, such as new parks, parking lots, or community centers.
Step 4. Consult a weather map to review the forecast
Meteorologists create maps to indicate oncoming storms, hot and cold fronts, and changes in temperature. Viewers can identify the forecast for their area by looking at the map.
Advice
- Maps provide many types of information, including demographics, topographical patterns, travel routes, and weather forecasts.
- Over time, cartographers have continued to develop maps and the information that can be derived from them.
- Maps today come in many forms, including those on the Internet.
