We all know when a curve becomes a turn when we drive down the road, but when does it happen on a map? When should you switch from following your compass to following the lines on the map? This article will answer that question and more as we explore some of the basics of map reading.
The first thing we need to when we start reading a map is to look for the orientation: north, south, east, or west. This will tell us where on the map north is and in what direction things are going when they head off of the edge of our paper map.
Next, it’s time to learn how to read slope lines and contour lines so that you can identify when your bearing changes from something like “N 45° W” (which means go straight) into “S 30° NW” which reads as turn left at an angle of thirty degrees when facing North. The next important lesson has two parts: identifying true directions based on terrain features such as rivers, old buildings, or paths, and when to use your compass.
As we follow the flow of a river, for example, head downstream until it curves away from you and then start following that curve in order to stay on course.
If there is no terrain feature around when you are reading map-based navigation directions like “S 30° NW”, check your compass by taking a bearing (which is simply rotating your body so that North becomes fixed) and heading off according to as indicated by the direction indicator needle. The next part of this lesson deals with when not to rely on maps: when navigating over deep water or thick vegetation which could obscure landmarks where contour lines would be useful. The final takeaway points out how understanding slope changes can help identify when to switch from following contour lines (which when traveling uphill, for example) to parallel navigation.
What is a curve?
A “curve” in the context of map reading refers to small, gradual changes in elevation. If you notice when looking at your map that there are many tiny lines close together (indicating slight elevations) and then one noticeably larger line where the elevation drops significantly, this would be considered a curve. When is it not a turn?
When going downhill on an unpaved road or when rolling down from a hilltop onto flat ground, curves can take on exaggerated proportions. The descent may seem much steeper when traveling over rocky terrain than when driving smoothly paved highways; however, if you look below the word “turns” on your map legend these will be marked as dips. These dips and curves are marked on your map to help you when navigating potentially hazardous terrain.
A “turn” in the context of map reading refers to a change in direction or elevation that is sharper than a curve, but not as sharp as a corner. In other words, it is when something changes without warning (or when there’s no gradual adjustment). This may be due to navigation errors when following unmarked roads or non-paved paths for instance – this article will cover some tips for spotting these turn signs before they happen so that you can avoid driving off course!
The turns included below your legend would include any sudden change including corners, junctions at intersections, steep inclines/declines such as hillsides and cliffs… anything with a sharp change in elevation, as long it’s not a curve.
Notice the arrows and words that correspond to when these turns happen on your map:
Arrows point out when this type of turn is coming up ahead (such as when there’s no gradual adjustment), which will stay red until you’re past them – so if the arrow suddenly disappears or changes direction, then you know that it was warning about an upcoming turn
Words are used when necessary for clarity; they may refer to places other than where you’re currently located, such as “dirt path,” “street”, etc. For example “- dirt” refers to a location at which someone should be aware of steep descents (perhaps even more significant than what would constitute just a turn), and “- curve” refers to when a route turns.
The word “turn” itself is used when referring to when you need to actually make the turn (and not just when there’s an upcoming one).
you’ve been alerted about these changes ahead of time, you can prepare for them in advance by making any necessary adjustments to your speed or direction
If, on the other hand, they’re sudden (‘suddenly’ means that it happens while the arrow is still visible) then this type of change will be difficult for anyone driving at highway speeds; abrupt curves are often so sharp that even people who take their foot off of the gas pedal won’t have enough distance traveled before coming around either side of the bend.
