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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rugerr on August 20, 2009, 10:40:17 AM

Title: Best place to learn how to read topo maps!
Post by: rugerr on August 20, 2009, 10:40:17 AM
Hi, I just had a friend download my state map on my Garmin Etrex Vista and was wondering where I could go for tips on learining how to read a topo map??  Thanks!!
Title: Re: Best place to learn how to read topo maps!
Post by: Cuchillo on August 20, 2009, 11:19:06 AM
Try here:
http://geology.isu.edu/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/index.htm

And here:
http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/

And here:
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/mapcompass.shtml

And also:
http://education.usgs.gov/common/secondary.htm#topographic

That should get you started. 8)
Title: Re: Best place to learn how to read topo maps!
Post by: Indrid Cold on August 20, 2009, 06:27:52 PM
For a map legend for TOPO maps on your GPS, here's Garmin's page:
http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/mapLegend.html
Title: Re: Best place to learn how to read topo maps!
Post by: rugerr on August 21, 2009, 11:48:38 AM
Thanks guys, much appreciated!!
Title: Re: Best place to learn how to read topo maps!
Post by: Indrid Cold on September 03, 2009, 12:19:30 AM
That should keep you busy reading for a while ;) Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Title: Re: Best place to learn how to read topo maps!
Post by: margo on October 07, 2009, 07:12:29 AM
Well I appreciate the links too.  :)  Knowing the basics is good but knowing some more tips and tricks is better. I have friends that have handheld GPSr's and don't know how to save a track. Basically all they know how to do is look at the map page and watch the active track. Does it work for them, yes. If they know more could it work better, yes.