If you are passionate about outdoor activities and spend most of your time hiking, you are aware of how important it is to know how to read any map, but most especially a topographic map. Alongside a compass, an altimeter and a GPS device, a topo map can offer you essential information about the terrain you are going to explore, providing details about elevation and vegetation.

While technology can be a great ally, it can also fail. Especially if your destination is remote and difficult to access, having the knowledge and expertise to read a topo map will provide an extra layer of safety and preparation for adventures.

In this article, we will explain what a topographic map is, its features, how to interpret it and even where to find the maps you will need.

What is a Topographic Map?

Any map that presents a detailed elevation representation in terrain can be described as a topographic map or topo map for short.

Usually, a topographic map will have representations of the natural elevation of the terrain as well as artificial obstacles.

Scale is an important aspect of a topographic map, with rural areas being represented in a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 scale, while urban areas have their features described in a 1:10,000 scale. Urban areas usually require more details, as there is more population density and concentration of buildings.

All topographic maps – no matter what type – are extremely useful for people trying to understand their surroundings and make decisions about where to go. They will always include some essential information:

Title

The title of a topo map should be the first thing you notice. It will signal the most important geographical structure represented by the map, the area covered, and when it was created.

Legend

The legend translates the meaning of every symbol you might find on a topo map. It is a crucial piece of information in any map, but even more so in a topographic representation, as it will give you the tools to interpret elevation and navigate through the terrain.

Scale

We’ve discussed how different maps use different scales, but this is also an essential piece of information to feature on the map.

The scale will be represented in two ways, numerically and graphically. Numerically will be 1:25,000. Graphically, the scale will give you an idea of the area each centimetre or the map covers.

Further down in this article, we explain what scales mean and how you can interpret them to find your location.

Coordinates grid

A topographic map will have a grid with coordinates to help you find your precise position. It usually follows the Universe Transverse Mercator, or UTM, dividing the map into sections identified by a number and a letter.

Geographic coordinates will also be represented by degrees, minutes and seconds.

What to look for in Topographic Maps and how to interpret it

Once you understand the essential information you will find on a topo map, it is time to learn how to interpret the symbols and lines that describe the terrain.

A map is an important tool for exploring an area and making decisions as to where to go. If you know what to look for in the document, you are better prepared to face adventures safely.

1. Colours

One of the first things you will notice when looking at a topo map is the different colours. If you are familiar with other types of maps – and that even includes Google – your understanding of what they represent will be instinctive. However, it is always wise to recap what they mean and when they are used.

Black

The colour black will most often be used to represent buildings, railways and roads. It will also be used for titles, coordinates and symbols.

Blue

Blue is used for water. The colour will represent lakes, rivers, falls and whatever else you might find when exploring the terrain.

In most topo maps, you might also find the magnetic declination and UTM grid information written in blue.

Green

Green represents vegetation. Some maps might feature other symbols in green to indicate how dense the foliage is.

2. Contour lines

The next most noticeable feature of topo maps is contour lines. When using a topographic map, the information provided by contour lines is probably what you are looking for, as they are a representation of elevation and relief on a terrain.

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation and show the height of each area in comparison to the mean sea level (MSL), described in metres or feet. They give you an idea of how high an obstacle is.

The distance between the lines will indicate how steep or gentle the elevation is. They show a mountain or a steeper hill if they are close together. When further apart, they reveal the terrain is flatter or the slope less steep.

Numbers next to contour lines will show you the height of the relief.

3. Scale

We have discussed how scale represents the distance on the map compared to the actual distance on the terrain.

Once you understand the scale of the map you are using, how do you measure the distance?

If a map is on a scale of 1:50,000, it means every 2 cm on a map represents 1 km on the ground. The graphic representation of the scale will help you determine what 2 cm looks like. It will also help you divide the distance so you have a more accurate understanding of the ground.

When using a printed map, you can use your fingers to have a better idea of spacing on the map or find an object that you can match with the graphic scale to guide you.

4. Location

In order to find your precise location, you need to guide yourself through the grid on the map. As we explained, the UTM grid and geographical coordinates will help you locate yourself according to the map.

Take a look at the edges of the map to understand where the grid intersects and find your location. Latitude is represented on the map’s left and right, while longitude is placed on the top and bottom. A map will usually have a compass card that will show you where the north is.

UTM grid coordinates are determined by nothing and easting values, which you will also identify on the edges of the map.

Modern devices are great tools for finding your precise location, but they are only sometimes available. So how to determine where you are without a GPS device?

Try to identify as many features of your surroundings as possible. Can you see a mountain, a lake, a river? Are you in a planer area, or is it mountainous? What is the vegetation like? Everything will help you match what you see on the maps.

Once you find the same features on a map, orient the document so that the way you are facing on the ground and the way the map is facing is the same. You can use a compass to find the north and guide yourself if it is too difficult.

Having located yourself on a map, you can discover your precise location according to grid lines.

How to choose the best map

Every map has a purpose. In order to choose the map that will best meet your needs, you need to be aware of the challenges and obstacles you might find during your journey or adventure.

Topographic maps are ideal for people who are interested in exploring mountainous terrains. It is a tool perfect for people who practice hiking and rock climbing, as it will offer important information on where to go, what to look for and even what to avoid.

Topo maps provide a detailed representation of the terrain, so any activity that will have you interacting with the relief and vegetation of a region will benefit significantly from the use of a topographic map.

Digital vs printed topographic maps

Technology offers invaluable help with outdoor activities. For people who are less experienced in navigation techniques and have rarely used printed maps, digital solutions are essential. Still, learning how to use and read printed maps is crucial to avoid problems in case of bad reception or a dead battery.

Printed versions are still more reliable. We hope that this article has helped you get started with the analogical interpretation of maps, and we have some tips on how to ease your way into understanding and interpreting maps.

Before you go for a hike, print a topographic map and study it. Find the most significant features on the map, decide on your path and list everything you will see while on the track. This will help you locate yourself on the map when you are out.

For the first few outings, compare the printed version with the digital version, so you will slowly get familiar with the analogical format and learn what to look for in print.

Using a foldable map is an excellent way to start, as you can fold it in a way that your hike and trail will always be on display and easily accessible.

Where to find topographic maps

The first step in looking for a printed or digital topographic map is to decide the region you are going to explore. Each country, state or territory has resources for people going on hikes.

Topo GPS offers maps for the UK, United States, Australia, Japan and some European countries. You can purchase a few according to your need, but it is important to note that rarely one single map will be enough.

Ordnance Survey has many different maps of the UK, including digital and personalized versions, allowing you to define your trail and buy a more precise map according to your purposes.

Harvey Maps is also a great source of maps for people exploring Ireland and the UK, providing printed and digital versions of maps according to purposes, such as hiking or cycling.

USGS is a great resource for maps of the United States. You can find the location you need, download it, print it or save it on your phone.

For trails in the United States, National Geographic also has foldable maps available for purchase.

When using resources online, be aware that digital topographic maps might present a challenge when it comes to scaling. Since they are adjustable – you can zoom in and out – it is hard to keep track of centimetres and what they represent.

One of the solutions to that is making your own topographic map on Google Earth.

How to create topographic maps using Google Earth

Google does not provide topographic maps, but it is possible to create your own by combining tools on Google Earth.

First, create a path using the path tool. The idea is to cover the entire area you want to explore.

Once your path is ready, save it and create a kmz file, keeping it on your desktop.

Go to GPS Visualizer and upload your file to create an elevation profile map. You can use this tool to practice interpreting and navigating terrains.

Conclusion

Topographic maps are great tools for people who love exploring the outdoors and don’t shy away from adventures. More reliable than digital versions printed versions will offer you an extra layer of safety in case of lack of service or a dead battery.

Before going out exploring, make sure you study the terrain you are visiting and identify the essential features of the location. This will help you locate yourself on the map and guide you when deciding where or what path to take.

Maps are essential companions in any outdoor activity, but topo maps especially will give you more details about the challenges and obstacles you might face. Learning to navigate and interpret a map is a crucial skill.

Do your research, practice, compare and, of course, explore! Living an adventure is exciting and magical, but it should also be a safe and pleasurable experience. You can ensure that you will only have fun and enjoy your hikes by preparing in advance.

How to Read Topographic Maps: Complete Guide