Topo Map

Expert’s Picks: Topo Map

Topographical Map Making

Hiking in a new area? Can't get hold of a topographical map? Making your own will be challenging for the first few steps and then it will all come together. You will be amazed at how taking a little time to do it right can give you a reasonably accurate map. A topographic map gives a 3-D representation of the land in a two-dimensional format. Topo maps, as t… read more
How to Use a Landform Map

Topographic or landform maps, which represent elevations and physical features of a given swath of the Earth, are immensely useful cartographic tools. Backpackers use them to plan cross-country treks, hunters and fishers to stalk remote drainages, developers to incorporate natural hazards into planning. These maps may be two- or three-dimensional. read more
How to Use TOPO Maps

A topo map, short for topographical map, can be intimidating upon first glance. These maps contain a wealth of information about the land features of a particular area. Thanks to contour lines, which show elevation, a flat topo map gives you a "three-dimensional" look of the area. With a little planning, a hiker can plan a route to his destination and use a… read more
How to Auto Route Trails on the Garmin TOPO Map 60CSX

Hansel and Gretel may have made it out of the woods with no hassles if they had GPS technology instead of breadcrumbs. Garmin, a maker of GPS units, uses many different technologies to ensure you get to your destination, or back home, safely. One of these features is auto routing. This function automatically drops electronic breadcrumbs into the GPS unit's m… read more
How do I Autoroute Trails with the Garmin TOPO Map 60CSX?

Garmin Electronics makes products ranging from fish and depth finders to handheld GPS units like the 60 CSx. One function of particular use to backcountry explorers and adventurers is the auto route. This feature drops electronic waypoints in its map memory so you can use the track to find your way home. It is possible to set it to drop these signals in vary… read more

Related Topo Map Articles & Videos

How to Use GPS to Navigate While Hiking

A thousand years ago, people navigated using the position of the sun and the north star. Five hundred years ago, they used compasses and astrolabes. Twenty years ago, hikers used compasses and topo maps. About 10 years ago, people sta… read more
Backpacking for Beginners

When you feel the call of the wild and want to answer it, backpacking is a fun and adventurous way to do so. If backpacking is new to you, however, there are some things you should consider before heading into the backcountry. Followin… read more
Preparing for a Hike Using a Topographic Map

If you're interested in exploring areas of wilderness off the beaten path, or perhaps with no path at all, then you will need topographic maps to guide you. These maps offer highly detailed depictions of terrain by creating a three-dim… read more
How to Draw a Topographical Map

It's late July and you are getting ready for antelope season in the Eastern plains of Colorado. Suddenly, you find signs of a big herd and then stumble upon a trophy buck. There are no trails, trees or water to reference, so how are… read more
Survival Gear

Those who enjoy back country recreation try to plan thoroughly and avoid danger, but life-threatening situations can still occur in the wilderness. One or two simple things go wrong, and suddenly you're in serious trouble. Given this u… read more
How to Use a Topographic Map

Being able to read a topographical map (one that depicts the shape of the Earth's surface) means you will have the knowledge to navigate a world of off-trail areas and backcountry wilderness. Using a topographical map is indispensable… read more
Finding the Best Route on a Topography Map

Topography---or "topo"---maps are high-scale maps showing terrain features and elevation change. They offer the best insight into the terrain you want to cover and provide essential information about relief and slopes. Topo maps use c… read more
Youth Camping Activities

Camping with kids, whether in a family or with a youth group, can be an exciting, rewarding and often daunting task. To avoid unwanted and unnecessary stress it is essential to have a good game plan before venturing off to the woods. B… read more
Backpacking GPS Review

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How to Make a Topographical Map

Topographical maps are invaluable to outdoor enthusiasts of all sort. Not only do they indicate the locations of mountains, rivers and other major geographical features, but they provide a detailed picture of the contours and elevation… read more
How to Find Lost Hikers

Searching for lost hikers should always be undertaken with proper organization and, ideally, the support of professionals. Trained search-and-rescue workers know wilderness navigation, survival techniques, first-aid response and the ps… read more
How to Climb Devils Tower

Located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, adjacent to the Black Hills of South Dakota, Devils Tower was proclaimed the country's first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It rises 867 feet high, and is made… read more
How to Create a Topographic Map

Whether you are planning a mountain climbing expedition, an extended backwoods hiking trip or just a relaxing afternoon walk in the woods with your family, a topographic map can help you prepare. Topographical maps show you natural fea… read more
Classic Ski Tours in Stowe, Vermont

East Coast skiing isn't just icy mountains with rules, regulations and boundaries. Grab your backcountry skis and prepare yourself for a ski touring adventure in Vermont. Stowe, an East Coast ski destination, has many trails and routes… read more
Kayak Orienteering Tips

Sea kayakers make frequent use of the boat to get out and explore new areas, waters and islands. Fog, marine layers and other visual impediments keep the paddler from navigating by site, necessitating the need for alternate methods of… read more

Topo Map Photos

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
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Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
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Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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