How to Read a Map
Global Positioning System, or GPS, has made travel from one spot to another a breeze. Everyone should still know how to read a map, however. You can't always rely on your GPS, especially if your unit's battery dies or it malfunctions in some way. Going back to the basics and learning how to read a map makes sure nobody gets lost no matter where they are.
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Instructions
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Open up your map. On one side of the map there is the drawing of the area; on the other side of the map there is a list of streets in alphabetical order. Locate the street you are leaving from in the street index.
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Notate the letter and number alongside your street name. It should look something like: B12 or 5R. Flip the map over to the map side. Along one edge of the map is numbers; the other side, letters. Using your fingers, follow the number and letter until they cross. You should land on the street that you are on.
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Use the same step above to find the street you are going to. Once you have found it, plot the streets that you need to take to get from your starting point to your destination. Grab a pen or pencil and a piece of paper and write down the streets, figuring out the right or left turns onto each street as you go along.
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Use the directions and proceed to where you are going. If you get lost or make a wrong turn, go back to the map to find out where you are and how to get back on track.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice helps to make it easier.
Do not try to read a map and drive at the same time.
References
- Photo Credit Paul Tearle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
