How to Read a Map 1

How to Read a Map (backpack bags)

1  Pick the right map. A map is a navigation aid. A wide variety of maps are available for a wide variety of uses. For example, there are road maps (for drivers; with all the roads available) or tourist maps (for tourist, usually available at Tourism Boards of the locality and have areas of interest clearly labeled on the maps). So figure out what you want to do and pick the correct map. A good general free online map for certain parts of the world is google maps


2 Figure out where you are. You have your map and you are ready to use it. Now you need to figure out where you are on it before you can plot your route. You can do so by matching what you can see in real life with what is on the map. Common features that help identify your location on a map includes road names, landmarks and prominent natural features, like rivers.


3 Find the location you want go. Now it's time to figure out where you want to go. If you just want to go from one place to another, all you need to do is to plot that single route out. However, if there are several places you intend to go to, you need to plan your route in such a way that you visit all the places in the shortest possible manner. You can do so by going to the nearest places first after which you will go to the further places.


4 Use a map's index. Some maps have indexes stating the location of certain places on a map. This location could be grid numbers or pages. You should take note of a map's scale (distances between points) so that you can estimate your travel time and if you are taking longer then you expected, you should stop to recheck your map. You should also take note of a map's legend, this will let you know what you are looking at


5 Plot the route out in your mind or with a pen. Now you have figured out where you want to go, plot the route for your first journey in your mind. You could also draw out your route with a pen, but that would be permanently imprinted on the map

For example, in the picture, you intend to walk from Point 1 to Point 3.So in your mind, you should think, "I will walk down, make a left followed by a right.I will then come to the this one way road, Opal Cres,where I will make a left and follow it as it turns right, to get to Point 3"

6 Travel to the desired spot with the map. Here is where you need to ensure you are 'On Course' as plotted. If you miss out this step, you may be seriously off course before you realise it. You can check you are on course by counter-checking landmarks or road that are on the map on on-route when you actually pass them. Refer to the pictures and example below to get an idea on how to do this. 

In the same example, it would be wise to check and ensure you are on track.As shown in the photograph,the sign stating 'Opal Cres' confirms you need to make the left turn as you had plotted.The No Entry sign double confirms as the map shows Opal Cres is a one-way street.

Go to How to Read a Map 2

Thanks : http://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Map