Significance

• Topographic maps show specific landscape areas, lines and points that refer to the structures and bridges that will guide them. Areas are typically color coordinated, and a map key is located at the bottom of the map to help the user identify the specific areas on the map. By mapping an area's features, the topographic map identifies mountains, rivers, highways, historical locations, railroads, national parks and buildings that one may come across while traveling.
  
  

Function

• Topographic maps are typically used in combination with a road map especially when traveling to locations that are unknown to the traveler--this allows for accurate distance measuring with the road map and then easier visual navigation with the topographic map by pointing out structures and objects not visible on the road map. Topographic maps are created for areas all over the world, but maps derived from sources such as the U.S. Geological Survey feature carefully analyzed data that is accurate and updated monthly to keep up with structural and landscape changes.
  
  

Features

• Some of the main features of a topographic map include the symbols that are found on the map representing rivers, lakes, canals, bogs, levees, pipelines, vegetation, roads, caves, railroads, glaciers and buildings. Most of the symbols consist of lines that are dots, dashes, solid, curved or straight. Contours and land grids show different levels of planes and the general densities between land surfaces, mountain heights and water tables. Not every symbol is the same or can be found on every topographic map. For example, areas where there is no water or mountains--those symbols would be omitted from the map. Symbols can be created in different colors to represent an easy visual for the map user but not all topographic maps utilize color.
  
  

Size

• Topographic maps can vary greatly in size. Many can focus tightly on a single square mile or even a town or location which is then blown up for easy reading. Other topographic maps may cover a large area or county in which the locations are in smaller print. Topographic maps can be found online at cartographic.com or can be easily available free of charge at a local library in their resource room.
  
  

Benefits

• The benefits to utilizing what a topographic map shows is to be able to approach a hiking trip, day trip or camping excursion with safety and peace of mind. Purchasing a topographic map that is up to date and accurate will guide the explorer in the right direction. By learning how to read a topographic map and understanding the map's symbols will make for ease of use and the ability to recognize features and obstacles along the way.