How to Read a Map
Technology has a casualty for about every convenience it offers. Map reading, for instance, has taken a back seat to
GPS devices, Google Maps, and about a million little
smartphone apps, which lets you get detailed directions on how to get from Point A to Point B without ever unfolding a map. However, this means that when you do have cause to use one, while on a hike, taking mass transit, or when you're lost and have no signal, you won't necessarily have the skills required to understand one. Being able to read a map is still a pretty important skill, even if it's only to be used as a backup.
Conveniences of a Map
* No WiFi necessary. Just unfold and go. Or roll down and ponder at, as the case may be.
* No fees for use. You have something real and solid in your hands and nobody can take that away from you once you've paid for it. Except maybe a strong breeze.
* Maps challenge spatial thinking. Figuring out where "Here" is on a map of the mall, and how to get from there to Lady Footlocker is a nice little workout for your brain.
* They're gorgeous. You can't hang an app on your wall the way you can
photomaps, just to name a few. Below are some types you're likely to encounter at some point in your life.
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Using Maps for Travel
Using a map to get from place to place isn't terribly difficult. Even the busiest, most information-packed map is decipherable if you take a deep breath and carefully examine it.
* First, unfold or unroll the map completely. Obscured information is useless to you. If you're looking at a
wall map, just try to get the best view of it you possibly can.
* Now, focus in on the legend and quickly learn what each symbol indicates. Legend symbols are not universal, so be sure to do this every time you consult a new map.
** For example, sometimes a dotted line means a border, other times it means a railroad. Or shaded brown can mean a desert with minimal vegetation or a mountainous area. These variations will affect how you travel.
* Take a careful look at the space between Point A and Point B and try to figure out the best way for you to travel between them. Trace different routes with your finger until you find the best one for you.
** You can take the scenic route if you're open to a little
road trip adventure, or the shortest route if you'd rather save time and gas money.
*** Use scale to help you with the distance. If your map is on a
1:25,000 scale, then every inch on the map is, in reality, 25,000 inches.
** Always take into account any physical obstructions that could present delays or force you to change your route.
Other Map Features
Some times reading a map is more about getting information about an area than it is about traveling within it. You can use maps to observe the spread of the
South America.
Map Accessories
Maps can be made easier to access or read with the help of a few accessories, like the ones below.
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