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Map Reading

Map Reading

Legends, Grids, Contours and Scales

This module will help you to

  • Obtain and use a variety of maps
  • Interpret and extract information from map legends
  • Recognise different grid systems and references
  • Use the map scale to measure walk distances
  • Use map contours to picture gradients and the shape of the ground
  • Use a map for detailed routes and distances
  • Recognise the use of paper and electronic maps

Resources

For group sessions

  • presentation icon_PINK

    PowerPoint presentation

Slides: Map legends and topography (PPT, 6.5MB)
Slides: Grid references, distances, scale (PPT, 5.2MB)

  • presentation icon_PINK

    Presenters' notes

Presenting the topic: Map reading (PDF, 166KB)

Note: you may customise the material to reflect your particular club circumstances, with permission from and acknowledgement of Bushwalking Victoria.

For participants and individual leaders

  • Printed information

Handbook: Map reading (PDF, 174KB)
Guide to Estimating total ascent (PDF, 1.6MB)
Guide to Obtaining maps through Vicmap (PDF, 158KB)

  • Bushwalking Manual online reference

Printed maps explanation of scales and sources of topographical maps
Map apps use and comparison to paper maps

  • Useful external links

Contour lines for beginners from Ordnance Survey UK
Interpreting Map Features from the National Parks Association of NSW. This gives illustrations of various contour features next to an image of the actual topography.
Map reading guide from Geoscience Australia. A very detailed resource. Website gives the abstract, and links to download the full document.

Learning Activities

Learning Activities can help develop your skills and understanding. In a face-to-face situation, you can do these in groups using screens if available, or using physical resources provided by the presenter. If you are working on your own, these online activities provide a way to become engaged in the learning process. They work better on a laptop or tablet but they can run on a phone.

Identifying map features using contour lines

A section of a contour map is shown, together with several feature labels. The features are identified by a letter code. Enter the correct letter for each feature label. Note that the area around each feature will expand to allow a better view as you select the letter.

Using a map to determine route distance, elevation and surrounding features for a proposed walk

A map section shows a proposed walking track. For each stage of the walk there is a multiple-choice question about what you should expect to see around you.

Key Points

  • It is easier to read and interpret maps than many beginning walkers realise. This ability can increase your enjoyment of a walk as well as enable more variety in the walks you plan to lead.
  • For leaders of easier walks on well-marked tracks it is helpful to use a topographical map to give you an overview of the walk region (especially in case you miss a turning and wander off the marked route).
  • For leaders of more difficult walks, it is essential to have access to a good topographical map, preferably in both paper and electronic forms, to cope with all eventualities.