How to Read a Travel Map

You may be relying on a travel map to get you to your destination, but if you are unfamiliar with the map, you may encounter difficulties with reading it. However, you can learn to read a map and make your trip much easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Orient yourself with the map. You may be able match up north on the map, which is usually towards the top of the page, and real north, but you may need to rely on locating an intersection or other landmark and orienting your travel map from there. Most maps will note the direction of north by including an arrow pointing towards north in the legend.
2. Determine the scale of your map. In order to read a map, you need to be able to tell how the distance of a route on a map compares to the actual distance. Most maps include a scale notation, such as 1:10, which is often to the side or in the corner of the map. This scale notation of 1:10 means that 1 inch (or other unit) on the map is equal to 10 miles (or other units) in the real world.
3. Spot differences between route markings. You do not need to recognize every symbol on a travel route, but it can be important to realize when a road has unusual markings, because these symbols can designate changes in the road or problems with the route. For instance, a map might use a thick line to note an interstate highway and a thinner line to note a state highway. Other lines can also have meaning: blue lines can mean rivers and dashed lines can be state borders. Most maps include legends or keys to the meanings of various symbols if you are unsure of the meanings of certain symbols.
4. Match details on your travel map to information on road signs as you travel, in order to keep yourself on track. Beyond looking for your planned turn off, road signs can help you orient yourself with your map and mark your progress.
5. Locate landmarks on your map with the grid system. A typical map's index will list a location, with a number-letter combination. You will be able to locate that point on your map by determining where on the grid that letter and number meet.
6. Mark your route and destination on your map ahead of time. This information will make it easier for you to find your route while you are driving. You can also mark places that you intend to stop along the way, whether you are stopping for gas, food or sightseeing.

Tips & Warnings

• Very few travel maps note information about elevation. It can be difficult to read where steep hills or other changes in elevation will occur.
• While many websites allow you to print out driving directions with a small map, these maps do not contain as much information as a road map or other maps intended for traveling. It's worthwhile to bring along a real map, as well as your driving directions.