Since there are many types of cards, it is necessary to learn to differentiate between different types of cards and to understand the basics of each one.
The different types of cards
Start by learning the main differences between maps, as there are as many types of maps as there are places to map, starting with a park map to the complicated map that details the topography of a terrain.
The topographic map
You use them to find out the specific peculiarities of an area, its elevation, its geographic details to scale, and longitude and latitude landmarks. These are the most accurate map variants. They are generally used by hikers, survivors, and the military. To use them, you must turn to a compass.
Road maps or road atlas
These are detailed maps that are used to show roads, country roads, and other highways at a certain location. You can find road maps that show the scale of a city, or more, to explore the entire country. It is more convenient to travel using a road map.
Two-dimensional areas and specific purpose maps
These are maps used for theme parks, hiking guides, sightseeing tours, and other types of events that don’t require knowing the exact distance. For example, this type of map can be a sketch of a fishing area.
Use the legend to correctly display a map
On one of the edges of a map, you need to precisely find north and south, to get a general idea of the direction to go and use the map correctly. Therefore, it will be difficult for you to know whether to go to the right or to the left on a road map if you are not even holding it correctly.
Read the map scale
On detailed maps such as road maps and topographic maps, the scale is mentioned somewhere so that you understand how the distance between the points is represented. For example, 2.5 cm can be equal to 1.5 km, or another unit of measurement, more precisely a distance. Thus, to know the distance between two points, you can measure on the map and do the calculation, to give you an idea of the distance and the time needed to reach the arrival point.
Use the legend to understand the relevant information
The meaning of the information on the card, such as the different colors used, symbols and the like, must be mentioned on the cards. Thus, if a map has areas colored in red with the symbol of a wave inside, the legend will allow you to verify that it is a beach with high tides. Also, on hiking maps, a dotted line means that a trail is not paved. On other maps, however, this dotted line may mark a boundary or a location. The legend will be of great help to you to effectively break the different symbols.
