THIS is how to read a map - very simple, by The Map Reading Company on YouTube. 40 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 40 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Spread your map out and ask the first question: which way do I go from here? Find your starting point, such as a car park or junction, and the track you plan to take.
Orient the map so it matches the ground. Turn the map until the tracks and features line up with what you see around you, or use a compass to point the map north.
Pick a map at a scale that suits your walk. Use 1:25,000 for detailed paths and small features, or 1:50,000 for longer routes where less detail is fine.
Choose a track that matches your ability and time. Measure the distance with the scale bar, then allow extra time for hills, gates and rough ground.
Read the contour lines to see the shape of the land. Lines close together mean a steep slope, lines far apart mean gentle ground, and a V pointing uphill marks a re-entrant.
Use handrailing to keep yourself on course. Follow a path, wall, river or fence line that runs in your direction of travel so you do not need to check the compass constantly.
Note collecting and catching features along the way. A collecting feature gathers you toward a point, like a track junction, and a catching feature stops you if you overshoot, like a road or stream.
Match the map symbols to the real world as you walk. Compare buildings, woods, bridges and bends in the path to confirm where you are on the map.
Plan the full route back to your start before you set off. Mark the turns, the features you expect to pass and the point where you will leave the main track.
Follow the route step by step and check your position at each feature. If the ground does not match the map, stop and reorient before carrying on.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the map oriented as you walk so left and right on the map match left and right on the ground.
Check the scale before you measure distance, because the same gap on a 1:50,000 map is twice as far as on a 1:25,000 map.
Carry a compass and a waterproof map case, and tell someone your route before heading into hills.
In poor visibility, slow down and use handrails and catching features instead of trying to cut across open ground.
Questions
Do I need a compass to read a map?
No, you can orient a map by matching tracks and features to the ground. A compass makes it quicker and more reliable, especially in poor visibility or open ground.
Which map scale should a beginner buy?
A 1:25,000 map is easiest for learning because paths, walls and buildings are clear. Use 1:50,000 for longer walks once you are comfortable with the basics.
What is a catching feature?
It is a clear feature beyond your target, such as a road or river, that tells you if you have gone too far. It acts as a safety net for your navigation.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
