![]() ![]() Larger circles - which can cover several maps - indicate valleys or prairies. Small circles appear near the tops of hills and mountains. Rule 2: Every contour line forms a circle. Note how close together the contour lines of Baldy Mountain are on the map and how steep it is in the photo. The closer the lines are to each other, the steeper the hill. You go uphill or downhill when you travel from one line to another. Rule 1: Lines connect points of equal elevation. Contour lines look complex, but they’re not - if you know the rules. They show the shape of the land and its height above sea level. Look at the map of Baldy Mountain at Philmont Scout Ranch. It takes four 1:62,500 maps (where one inch equals about one mile) to cover the same ground as a 1:250,000 map (one inch equals about four miles). They are easier to read than small-scale maps, but they cover less area. Large-scale maps (typically 1:10,000 or 1:24,000) are best for hiking and canoeing, when you don’t cover much distance. The smaller the scale, the less detail on the map. The larger the second number, the smaller the scale. It’s a ratio, like 1:24,000 - which means one inch on the map equals 24,000 inches (2,000 feet) on the ground. ![]() Scale is the relationship between distance on a map and distance on the ground. Learning to read topo maps takes a little practice. ![]() Topographic maps give a three-dimensional view of the trail, showing hills and valleys, cliffs and clearings. They show you the shape of the land.Ĭommon road maps simply pinpoint location. You’ll also need to know if you’ll have to climb hills and what kind of terrain you’ll be traveling. When you plan a hike, the distance you will walk is only half the story.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |