Topographic Maps Tutorial

Introduction & Materials

What is a Map?

Using Topo Maps

Map Scale

Reference Datum

Map Projections

Distortions

Grid Systems

Geographic

UTM

State Plane

Public Land Survey

Vertical Scale

Creating Profiles

Vertical Exaggeration

Calculating Slope

Using a Compass

Magnetic Declination

Get a Bearing

Go from A to B

Find Self on a Map

Topographic Maps Field Exercises

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

GeoSTAC Home

Field Exercises

geostac@gmail.com

April 7, 2008

Using a Compass with a Map

Pictured below are two different types of compasses. The compass at left is a Brunton compass used by geologists and others for many specialized mapping purposes. On the right is a more common type of compass used for general orienteering and some mapping purposes.

The features of a compass that you need to understand are found on both types of compass (and most others as well). This section will give an overview of how to use a compass with a topographic map to locate yourself on the map and how to get from one point on the map to another.

Continue to ... Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) ...