How to Read a Map

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If your GPS is on the fritz and you need to know how to get from point A to point B without getting lost, there’s no need to admit defeat by stopping to ask for directions. Just pull out your trusty map! Whether you’re hiking the Swiss Alps or planning a cross country road trip , knowing how to read a map is practical skill that everyone should possess. And contrary to popular belief, it isn’t particularly difficult. Once you understand what key markers like scale, longitude and latitude , and topographical lines mean, you’ll be able to travel just about anywhere with a few quick calculations.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Understanding the Map's Layout

PDF download Download Article
  1. Different kinds of maps exist for different uses. Before you can use a map to help you find your way, you’ll need to make sure you’re equipped with one that’s suitable for the type of traveling you’re doing. [1]
    • For example, there are road maps to help drivers navigate back roads and interstate highways, topographical maps telling campers how to reach campsites and lodging areas, and even tourist maps highlighting famous landmarks for sightseers.
    • Maps can be found just about anywhere, from gas stations and visitor centers to restaurants and popular attractions.
  2. Open up the map and take a moment to double check that you’re examining it from the correct perspective. Most maps feature a “compass rose” in one corner that shows which directions are indicated by the various markers. Unless otherwise specified, the top of the map will always correspond with North. [2]
    • North is considered a “neutral” orientation which provides a reference for the other directions. It can be used to help travelers get their bearings.
    Advertisement
  3. In addition to a compass rose, many maps also contain a legend, or chart that explains the scientific methods used to draw up the map and lists what important symbols mean. Familiarizing yourself with the legend is key to comprehending the way the map displays information. [3]
    • Here you’ll find symbols representing roadways, town and city limits, and prominent landmarks, as well as color-coded environmental features like mountains, forests, and bodies of water. [4]
    • These elements are designed to educate travelers on how to interpret and safely traverse their surroundings.
  4. Make a note of the longitude and latitude . A Meridian of Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface, relative to the Prime Meridian. Meridians of Longitude (these "Long" lines) run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole (or vice-versa, South to North). Parallels of Latitude run parallel to the Equator (the "waist line" of the globe) horizontally, and show distance north or south of the Equator. The numbers at the sides and top or bottom of the map track the degrees of Longitude and Latitude. Each degree represents 60 "minutes" (which describes fractions of distance, not travel time); 1 degree of latitude represents 60 nautical mile or 111.12 Km (roughly 69 land miles).
    • The Equator and the Prime Meridian were chosen as handy reference points because they’re located roughly in the center of the globe.
    • If you’re just making a trip to the next town over, longitude and latitude won’t come into play. For long-distance journeys, however, they’ll be invaluable for coordinating your positions.
  5. A map’s scale provides a ratio of map distance to actual distance. This will give you an idea of just how far you have to go. The scale will differ from map to map, but will typically be presented as a number ratio, like “1 : 100,000.” This ratio simply means that 1 unit of distance on the map is equal to 100,000 units in real life. [5]
    • You’ll usually be able to find the scale at the bottom or off to one side of the map.
    • Depending on the type of map you’re using, the scale will be adjusted accordingly. For instance, an explorer map (used for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and similar short-range activities) will have a scale around 1 : 25,000, while the average driving map will be closer to 1 : 50,000. [6]
    • On a roadmap with a scale of 1 : 100,000, for example, 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space on the map will be equal to 1.578 miles (2.540 km).
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Using a Map to Get Where You're Going

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re on the road, the simplest way to do this is to observe nearby street signs or highway markers and cross-reference them on the map. If you’re stranded someplace with no way of telling where you are, try to match up what you see in real life with what you see on the map. From there, mark your position so you can get yourself pointed in the right direction. [7]
    • Some common features that can help you identify your location include outstanding natural features, like rivers and mountains.
    • One useful trick for establishing your whereabouts is to start with two landmarks within seeing distance (for example, a water tower and a small town) and draw a straight line between them. The point where they intersect is your rough location, give or take a mile or two. [8]
  2. Assuming that you're using a compass to aid in navigation, it will be important to calibrate it so that it's correctly oriented with your immediate surroundings, taking into account possible variations in magnetic attraction (if abnormalities exist, they will ordinarily be noted somewhere on the legend). This step is sometimes known as “declination.” It will be much easier to get a sense of where you’re going when you can simply turn your head.
    • It’s a good idea to keep a compass in your vehicle or gear bag whenever you embark on an expedition where becoming lost is a distinct possibility.
    • Nowadays, most smartphones have compass apps that are remarkably accurate and don’t need to be connected to the internet to function.
  3. Circle the place where you want to end up on the map and look at how much distance lies between your start and endpoints. Once you’ve done this, you can zoom in and the identify which avenues will allow you to arrive at your destination in the shortest amount of time possible.
    • Calculating the distance to scale will help you to track your movements more precisely.
  4. From here, it’s simply a matter of choosing which roads or paths you want to take to get from Point A to Point B. Keep in mind that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Consequently, it’s usually best to stick to a direct route with a minimal number of branches or detours. [9]
    • Remember, interstate systems are most often laid out left to right and south to north, while city streets are arranged in a grid pattern for more efficient navigation. [10]
    • One shortcoming of traditional maps is that they won’t be able to alert you to road closings, construction work, renamed streets, and other potential obstacles.
  5. Now that all the details have been worked out, you can focus on the journey itself. Roam confidently and watch the miles tick off, glancing back at the map as often as you need. Be careful not to deviate from your course unless you’ve figured out a different route in advance.
    • The exact course you take will largely be a matter of preference—in some cases, you may be pushing it to get to your destination on time, while in others you might be traveling at a leisurely pace and want to make the occasional stop to do some sightseeing.
    • If you’re traveling with someone else, assign the navigating duties to one person so there won’t be any dispute or confusion over how to interpret the map.
  6. As you move along, keep track of your progress using a pencil or other writing utensil. Draw a dot, star, or some other symbol whenever you come to a notable landmark. That way, you’ll be able to refer to the last checkpoint you passed should you happen to get turned around.
    • Every time you stop, record how far you’ve come, and work out how much distance you still have ahead of you.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I get clarification about the scaling of the map?
    Community Answer
    A scale is the ratio between the distance on the map and the real distance on the ground.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 39 Helpful 135
  • Question
    What's the difference between magnetic north and grid north?
    Community Answer
    Magnetic north is where your compass points and grid north are where the vertical lines on your map point to.map makers dont make maps to where your compass points because it isnt a fixed place and moves slightly every year.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 42 Helpful 87
  • Question
    What are some features that every map has in common?
    Community Answer
    Most maps have a key. For example, the capital city might be indicated by a star, and the key would tell you that. The main cities or towns in the state usually have medium-sized dots. Lots of them have lines marking the roads as well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 56
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Make sure you keep your map where it can easily be accessed at all times.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      • You can also use a compass to navigate your way.
        Thanks
        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
      • Pick up a complete roadmap of your area before you set out on a road trip. One of these maps will contain the names and configurations of the interstate system and all major highways, and can come in handy if your GPS navigation goes out.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Avoid tearing, smudging or misplacing your map. Without it, you’ll really be in trouble!
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
      • Try to stay on marked roads and trails as much as possible. It may be tempting to find a shortcut or cut straight across open expanses, but the further you venture into uncharted territory, the harder it will be to find your way back.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Map
      • Pen or pencil
      • Compass (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Give Directions
      How to
      Determine Latitude and Longitude
      Find Latitude and Longitude in Google Maps: Mobile & Desktop
      How to
      Flatten a Rolled Map or Poster
      How to
      Read Latitude and Longitude on a Map
      How to
      Write Latitude & Longitude in Degrees, Minutes, Seconds, & Decimals
      Using Latitude & Longitude Coordinates to Find an Address
      How to
      Read a Nautical Chart
      How to
      Make a School Map (for a Class Project)
      How to
      Measure Distance on a Map
      How to
      Read Topographic Maps
      How to
      Fold a Map
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://jalopnik.com/5329157/how-to-read-a-paper-map-like-an-old-timer/
      2. ↑ https://blog.geogarage.com/2016/12/map-orientation-north-is-not-always-up.html
      3. ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/2202086/how-read-map
      4. ↑ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/homework-help/article/how-to-read-map-symbols
      5. ↑ http://www.gaorienteering.org/Education/BeginnerGuide/map_reading.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkzXYWDm9OE&feature=youtu.be&t=26
      7. ↑ http://www.compassdude.com/compass-triangulation.php
      8. ↑ https://gizmodo.com/how-to-use-a-map-and-compass-1680534317
      9. ↑ https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/file/preK_6_MapActivitiesSummary.pdf
      1. ↑ https://jalopnik.com/5329157/how-to-read-a-paper-map-like-an-old-timer/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To read a map, start by looking at the compass rose on the top of the map to make sure you are holding the map correctly. The top of the map should be North. Then, determine what direction you are facing by using a compass or your GPS. Once you are oriented, circle where you are and where you'd like to go on the map. Use those 2 points to plot out a course, making note of any turns or changes in direction that you will need to take. You can determine how far you need to go by looking at the map's scale. To learn how to read a map's key and determine longitude and latitude, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 712,226 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Agniva Chowdhury

        Jun 16, 2019

        "I am doing an important project on the topic of maps. I was not able to find satisfactory results. My eyes then ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement