How To Read a Topographic Map

In the old days of hiking, everyone learned how to read a topographic map because it was the only option to navigate a hike. Today we have handheld GPS units, GPS watches, and smartphones with GPS. Most new hikers can power their phone on, look at a dot on the map, and figure out their position in a second. And that's great. Until your device doesn't work, and that's where (paper) topographic maps come in. And I know that topographic maps and non-digital navigation can be intimidating, especially for those who never used them. So in this guide, I'm going to focus on the basics of the topographic map so that you can look at one and make sense of it. I'll dive into the deeper subjects of navigation, map & compass, and overland routes in other guides.

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[amybertrand]

Thanks for vid. I now understand topo maps a lot better as a 40-year-old college student 🙂 i just in general need to learn maps for the field I want to go into after I graduate

[Michael-uitp]

This is hands down, the absolute best video I have ever watched to help facilitate understanding of reading a topographic map. I cannot wait to watch more videos. I always found myself having trouble reading the map and being able to visualize what the actual terrain will look like based off the map. This will help me I have no doubt! Thank you!

[myadventureoutdoors]

Best topo map tutorial I’ve ever seen.

[joeparkhurst]

Thank you for making this video!!!! It's three years old and it's the best that exists. I will be telling people to come check out your video.

[nlee]

This demo is friggin AMAZING!!! BY FAR, the best learning experience, I’ve seen!

[ramongodinez]

great job. i am 65 of age and just started to explore the hiking experience . watching the tutorial was very informative and making me or at ease. and gives me the opportunity to learn to use topo and google earth. thank you greatly

[concerned]

I'm old school and this is what I use due to being an Eagle Scout. Cell phones don't work where I hike much of the time and even satellite doesn't work because you can be on the wrong side of the mountain. I use and prefer topo maps so I guess I am a "map geek". Great video Cris, thank you...

[yogamare]

Easily the best visualization and explanation of how to read topo I've ever seen. Wonderful work and thank you so much for sharing. Off to spend hours on Google earth with my routes!

[curtismorrison]

This was very informative for my newbie journey to know and understand what a Topographic Map is and how to read it. Thank you.

[JM-gzej]

Thank you so much for this very educational presentation

[brucenunez]

Thank you so much for explaining it with the 3d perspective. It makes so easy to understand. Much appreciated.

[hakanurludag]

Thank you so much for your time to create this excellent tutorial. This is the best one ever :) . All the best, take care. Also hello from Sydney Australia :) .

[kentmcfeely]

Very helpful explanation of topo maps, thanks.

[ganaanabderoof]

Thank you! Im using this in my lessons in class

[thathikingguy]

Dude this is awesome and very informative. Thanks so much for covering this subject. Even those of us who have been hiking for awhile can always learn new things. I appreciate it

[HuskyMike]

Amazing information. I used google earth for some hike research in the past. Crazy how much detail you can see from it. Adding the topo map layer of your hiking area really brings it all together.

[amandaahringer]

Wow, exceptionally helpful, thank you!! 🙏🏻

[ccabral]

Thanks Hiking Guy. I needed this to know how to read too maps

[rommelnavarrette]

Great information. I learned a ton today. I never took a topo map but will start now

[theociba]

Excellent overview - I wanted to meter understand the basics and you've conveyed this in an informative, simple manner.