Learning how to read Topographic maps? Courses?

**newhunter2012** · July 17th, 2012, 05:22 PM

Hi.

Does anyone have any advice for learning how to read a topographic map for scouting purposes and, perhaps even more important, for use in conjunction with a compass so that one doesn't get lost in the woods?

Furthermore, are there any courses that you'd recommend that would teach such skills?

Any info or help in this regard would be most appreciated it.

Thanks in advance.

**KBliz** · July 17th, 2012, 05:34 PM

This may be too far from you, but REI has a basic map course, they have one on July 27. This one is in Marlton, they have them in Conshohocken periodically.
http://www.rei.com/stores/37

**KBliz** · July 17th, 2012, 05:35 PM

This may be too far from you, but REI has a basic map course, they have one on July 27. This one is in Marlton, they have them in Conshohocken periodically.
http://www.rei.com/stores/37

**KBliz** · July 17th, 2012, 05:35 PM

Darn double post!

**USMC3531** · July 17th, 2012, 05:36 PM

Look for the boyscout course on orienteering. that will teach the basics. then you could get a field manual for more info.

**rgkitchen** · July 17th, 2012, 11:52 PM

I work with topo maps almost daily, and can go over the basics with you. The best way would be to do it in the field with a map and compass. You can learn what the symbols mean, and how to follow grade, from a book, but you don't get the connection between the map and the real world when working from a book. I'm in Harrisburg and work in Hershey, so PM me if you are interested.

**PA Rifleman** · July 18th, 2012, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by newhunter2012

Hi.

Does anyone have any advice for learning how to read a topographic map for scouting purposes and, perhaps even more important, for use in conjunction with a compass so that one doesn't get lost in the woods?

Furthermore, are there any courses that you'd recommend that would teach such skills?

Any info or help in this regard would be most appreciated it.

Thanks in advance.

Boy Scout field handbook
Google "Orienteering" (link)

Don't use cheap (read: low quality) stuff, *especially* compasses.

**RugerNiner** · July 18th, 2012, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by rgkitchen

I work with topo maps almost daily, and can go over the basics with you. The best way would be to do it in the field with a map and compass. You can learn what the symbols mean, and how to follow grade, from a book, but you don't get the connection between the map and the real world when working from a book. I'm in Harrisburg and work in Hershey, so PM me if you are interested.

I'd be willing to pay you for that privilege.
Clay book store has all PA topo maps in stock 1:24000 scale.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clay-B...19897971355531

**rgkitchen** · July 19th, 2012, 09:23 AM

I have my topo maps on my laptop. I am not officially associated with MapTech, but I use their product . . . .

http://maptech.mytopo.com/land/terra...TOKEN=15241663

I guess you could call it cheating, but I can connect the topo maps on my laptop to a USB GPS unit to get real-time tracking. Even without the GPS, I can find my way around a USGS Quad. I have no desire to make this a second vocation, but I am willing to help out a few members. I am a member of Harrisburg Hunters & Anglers, and I can ask them if a class could be conducted at their facilities.

**RugerNiner** · July 19th, 2012, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by rgkitchen

I have my topo maps on my laptop. I am not officially associated with MapTech, but I use their product . . . .

http://maptech.mytopo.com/land/terra...TOKEN=15241663

I guess you could call it cheating, but I can connect the topo maps on my laptop to a USB GPS unit to get real-time tracking. Even without the GPS, I can find my way around a USGS Quad. I have no desire to make this a second vocation, but I am willing to help out a few members. I am a member of Harrisburg Hunters & Anglers, and I can ask them if a class could be conducted at their facilities.

I would definitely be interested. I would buy the topo for the area that you wanted to teach or use one of my hunting maps.
I have a few Silva Ranger compasses to loan out to others.