Topographic Maps Articles & Videos

• 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 features… read more

• The Definition of a Topographic Map

  A topographic map (along with a compass) is an essential tool for orienteering, or navigating cross country in the wilderness. Even if you never plan to leave the trail, a topographical map allows you to read the landscape and know whether… read more

• Three Types of Contour Lines Found on a Topographical Map

  A topographical map depicts change in elevation and the shape of landforms through the creation of contour lines. A contour line is a continuous line drawn at precisely the same elevation above sea level (i.e. 1,000 feet in elevation). Ofte… read more

• What Is a Topographical Map?

  Topographic maps are a type of map established and maintained by the United States Geology Society and other private educational establishments worldwide. Topographic maps differ slightly from standard maps and can be found on the USGS webs… read more

• What is Meant by the Contour Interval on a Topographical Map?

  A topographical map shows the land features of a set area, including bodies of water, forest cover and elevation. Because a map is two-dimensional, topographical maps illustrate elevation with contour intervals, or lines that connect point… read more

• What Is a Topographic Map?

  A topographical map is a detailed map designed to show land features that help with navigating undeveloped terrain. The United States Geologic Survey is the main producer of "topo" maps in the US. read more

• How to Make Topographical Relief Maps

  A topographical relief map is halfway between a map and a model. Instead of using contour lines to show elevation changes, a relief map actually has raised and lowered sections to model mountains, valleys, rivers and other features. A well-… 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 dra… read more

• 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 chan… read more

• How to Make a Topographic Map

  Topographical maps show changes in elevation. They show the shape of major features like mountains and rivers, and provide invaluable information to hikers, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts. A topographic map will help you evaluate th… read more

• How to Read Topographical Maps

  Topographical maps display surface features of the Earth. In addition to bodies of water, roads, buildings and rail lines, they use contour lines to describe elevation. There are two distinct parts of a topographical map: the map face which… read more

• How to Calculate Travel Distances Between Cities

  Accurately determining the distance along an overland route is an integral part of trip planning. The most usable representation of the surface of the Earth is a map. Maps are planar projections of the curved surface of the Earth. This dist… read more

• How to Read a Topographic Map

  United States Geological Survey topographic maps contain information about the terrain and land features of a particular area. Understanding how to interpret a topographical map can provide important information for hikers, hunters or anyon… read more

• What Is Meant by a Contour Interval on a Topographic Map?

  A contour line represents a specific elevation above sea level. The interval between contour lines represents the difference in elevation between the two. Many different features in the land can be shown by the representation of contour lin… read more

• Uses of Topographical Maps

  Topographic maps, which are two-dimensional representations of landforms and geographic features, are invaluable for landscape study --- and often attractive works of art. What follows is a survey of some of the major uses of these cartogra… read more

• Definition of a Topographic Map

  Topographic maps show two-dimensional surfaces of man-made and natural features. Using contour lines, names, shapes and shading; the topographic map is an essential tool for those making their way through the outdoors. 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 even… read more

• 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 reason… 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 you g… read more

• What do Topographic Maps Show

  Topographic maps give a reader much more detail about terrain than other maps, which is one reason why they are growing in popularity. Unlike a regular map, a topographic (or "topo," for short) map can show features on the ground, both manm… read more

• What Are Topographic Maps?

  A topographic map is a type of map that shows the contours of an area in great detail. The map also graphically represents the terrain--such as rivers, roads and types of vegetation--via marks or symbols. Topographic maps also show manmade… read more

• How to Read Topographic Maps

  Sometimes using topographic maps is far superior to standard maps. These maps do not show you the locations of towns and other points of interest, they show you the topography of the landscape. What that means is that these maps show you wh… read more

• What Are Topographic Maps Used For?

  Topographic maps display different areas of the Earth's surface. These maps focus on using contour lines rather than other squared off designs to distinguish elevation changes and the shape of the terrain. What is beneficial with topographi… read more

• Finding the Best Route on a Topographic Map

  Interpreting a topographic map for the purposes of planning a hike is essential for longer-distance or cross-country expeditions. In this article, learn some general approaches to orienting your upcoming trek. read more

• How to Read a Topographical Map on a Hiking Trip

  Learning to read a topographical map is essential to remaining on the right path and preventing yourself from veering off course while hiking. Learn more in this free video series. read more