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Step 1
Start with the title. The title of the map gives you information as to the exact location that the map outlines. The title will likely tell you the state and local area of the map. Next to the title is likely to be a slanted or small print name of another location. This indicates the next mapped location to the northeast of the one you are using.
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Step 2
Check latitude and longitude. Along the border of your topographical map are latitude and longitude coordinates. These coordinates are crucial to keeping yourself oriented and informing others of you position if you need to. You will also find smaller numbers in bold that run along the edges of the map. These represent the Universal Transverse Mercator, which is a location system used by the military and certain research disciplines.
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Step 3
Read the contour lines. The most noticeable feature of a topographical map are the contour lines. These wavy lines represent altitude. The lines map out elevation by an amount specified by the map's key. The lines draw closer together as a mountain or hill gets steeper. "V" shapes indicate valleys or stream beds, with the point of the "V" facing upstream.
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Step 4
Use the scale and symbols. The scale of the map tells you what one inch or centimeter of distance on the map equates to in reality. On a topographical map you will also see the contour interval that indicates how many feet of altitude increase is represented by a contour line. In addition to this, the map provides a legend, a key to other symbols that are marked on the map. These symbols indicate natural or man-made features of the terrain, such as railroad crossings.
