How to read a topographic map: an intro for hikers and backpackers, by Miss Adventure Pants on YouTube. 14 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Get a topographic map of the area you plan to hike. Print it from CalTopo or buy a USGS topo sheet, and check the date so the trails and roads are current.
Read the map legend first. It explains the symbols for trails, roads, streams, buildings and boundaries, and the USGS Topo Map Symbols guide covers anything unclear.
Find the scale bar and note the ratio, such as 1:24,000. Use the bar to measure real distances on the map, and remember that a larger ratio means less detail.
Study the contour lines. Each line joins points of equal elevation, and the interval is printed in the legend, often 40 feet on USGS maps.
Spot the shapes. Tightly packed lines mean steep ground, widely spaced lines mean gentle slopes, and closed circles mean hills or peaks.
Locate latitude and longitude or UTM grid lines along the map edges. Use them with your compass or GPS to pin down your position.
Orient the map to the ground. Turn it so north on the map points north, then match nearby ridges, streams and trails to the lines in front of you.
Mark your route and key waypoints with a pencil before you set off. Note water sources, junctions and campsites so you can check progress on the trail.
Tips and common mistakes
Fold the map so the section you need is on top, and keep it in a clear map case to protect it from rain.
Check the contour interval before you judge a slope, because it changes between map editions.
Practice at home by finding your own neighbourhood on the map before you rely on it in the backcountry.
Carry a compass and know how to use it with the map, since a map alone fails in fog or dense forest.
Questions
What do contour lines tell me?
They show elevation and slope. Lines close together mean a steep climb, while lines far apart mean flat or gently sloping ground.
Do I need a GPS if I have a paper map?
No, but a GPS or phone app helps confirm your position. Learn the map and compass first so you can navigate if the battery dies.
What map scale should I use for hiking?
A 1:24,000 scale map is the standard for hiking because it shows trails and terrain in good detail. Use 1:50,000 or smaller for broad trip planning.
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.
