How to Read a Topographic Map

This is a quick tutorial on how to read topographic maps, which is an essential skill for wilderness travel. For some people, these maps represent the primary limitation for going off grid.

We will start with a very simple hand-drawn topographic map illustrated below (A).

The hand-drawn topo map is 2 dimensional while map (B) is a 3-D model of the 2D topo map. It shows how the contour lines represent levels in elevation.

The next image is detailing the cliff area of the mountain to the south of the lake (looking south). Notice how the contour lines on both the 3-D map and 2-D map are converging. Contour lines that are very close together represent either cliffs or very steep terrain.

Imagine that the contour lines are steps. Easier elevation gains are done where the steps are far apart while much more difficult elevation gains are evident where the steps are very close together - more like a ladder.

Now look at the illustration below. Notice how the stream flows down the south side of the mountain. Contour lines that form a V shape (marking ravines or stream beds) always point up hill.

Here are a few questions to see if you can now read this simple topo map.

1. If the base of the mountain is at sea-level, how high is the very top of the mountain (each contour line represents 100 feet in this model)?

2. How high is the plataeu to the north?

3. How high is the plateau to the south east?

4. What is the easiest route to the top of the mountain?

Answers:

1. 900'

2. 400'

3. 100'

4. Approach from the north-northwest ridge and follow the ridge almost directly south to the top (avoiding the cliff just to the east). You could also get to the top several other ways, but this appears to be the easiest on your knees.

This should help to get you well on your way to being able to read and understand topo maps.