Map Reading

Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

Maps• 2D representation of the ground, showing

recognisable features and contour lines.

Types of Maps• Orienteering, topographical, park, track & aerial

maps.

Map Reading – Map Keys• Most maps use

symbols to represent certain types of features – eg a little fir tree symbol to indicate a forest.

• So that everyone can read the map, there must be a “key” which explains what each symbol means.

Margin Information

• Includes when the map was printed & by whom etc

Map Information

• Includes keys, scales, North line, Major lines, Minor lines, Point features etc

Map Features: ColoursBrown – landformsBlue – waterBlack – man-made Green – vegetationWhite – open land

Map Features: Contours• Contour lines join all land formations at the same

level• Closer together contour lines, the steeper the slope• Follow the contour line – you won’t be going up or

down-hill

Map Features: Thumbing• It may help you to mark the map periodically with

your current position • You can do this by making a mark with your thumb

Map Orientation• Orientate the map to the land when you read

it – everything on the map goes the same way as on the ground

• Map pointer – use a blade of grass on the map to show your current position or intended the direction

Map Features: Thumbing• It may help you to mark the map periodically with

your current position • You can do this by making a mark with your thumb

Grid References• Used to pinpoint exact locations within a grid

square. Eg square 4531 45 46 32

x

31

X is midway between 45 & 46 455 31 & 32 315

Grid reference is 455315