Map Skills
Scale
Direct Statement Scale
Example: 1 cm = 100 km
words describe relationships between distance on map and distance on the earths surface
Linear Scale
Example:
Special kind of ruler that is decided into units of distance
Representative Fraction Scale (Ratio)
Example: 1 : 500 000
Shows units on map in relation to units on earth using ratios
Direction
Compass with Bearings In degrees
Compass points
N, E, S, W = Cardinal points
NE, SE, SW, NW = Ordinal points
NNE, ENE, ESE, SSE, SSW, WSW, WNW, NNW = Half-winds
bearings
The bearings are counted in degrees
Topographic Maps
Military Grid
6 Figure Grid References
Exact coordinates
4 Figure Grid Reference
Less exact. wide area
Northings & Eastings
Rules
1. The answer is always a 4 or 6 digit #
2. Read the Eastings first
3. Read the Northings second
4. Think decimals, but don't write them
Steps to using a military grid
1. Find the last easting before the point and write it down
2. Break up the distance between eastings into 10 decimals with you're eye or roamer
3. Calculate the exact location
4. Find the last northing before the point and write it down
5. Break up the distance between Northings into 10 decimals with your eye or a roamer
6. Calculate the exact location
7. Write the easting and northing exact numbers straight in a row and that is your answer
Topographic Map
Latitude & Longitude
latitude
horizontal/ East-West direction
middle is equator
longitude
vertical/North-South direction
middle is prime Meridian
All connect to North pole and South pole
Latitude & Longitude
Contour Lines
Relief Profiles
Shows elevation
steep slopes are shown when contour lines are close together
gradual slope shown when contour lines are far apart
hill shown when lines form circle, or enclosed shape
change in elevation from 1 line to next is called contour intervals
Rules
1. Every point of a contour line has the same as elevation
2. Contour lines separate uphill from downhill
3. Contour lines close to form circles (or go off the map) and the inside of the circle is the top of a hill.
4. Contours are close together in steep terrain, and far apart in flat areas.
5. Contour lines create a "V" pattern when they cross a stream valley. The tip of the "V" points uphill.
6. Contour lines on opposite sides of a valley or ridge always occur in pairs.
7. Contour lines do not touch each other or cross each other (Except at a vertical wall or cave)
8. Closed depressions have hachure marks on the downhill side.
Contour Lines