A map is an abstract image that reflects the entire surface of the earth in a reduced way. For those who know how to use it, it is the best accessory to use during a vacation in an unknown place, without using technologies. So how to read a map for your vacation?
How to read a road map?
So that you don't get lost when you go on a trip and arrive in a region you don't know, a card is the best solution. Some people prefer to ask a tour guide for help since he knows more about tourism, but others use the map, you just have to know how to read it and it's done. Here are some examples some advice to successfully read a map.
Choose a card that fits your needs
For coosing a card for a great vacationIt is important to take into account certain elements, namely:
- use of the card;
- its mode of travel ;
- activities to be done.
On the cover of the map, we already have the subject, the scale, the title... If, for example, we want to drive around France, we have to choose a map with a scale of 1 to 1000 000.
But for a hike, you need one from 1 to 25,000 that shows the nature, the details of the path, the waterways...
The orientation of his card
In order to use a map during your vacations, you must first know how to orientate it. The principle is simple, the north corresponds to the right or left side of the map, then, with the help of the needle of the compass, you can align a meridian on the map. Once you recognize your current position, you try to locate an easy point in space, such as a peak, a water tower, etc. You then rotate the map, aiming at this point. If you are afraid of not getting out of it, you can set another landmark to be comfortable.
Understanding the scale of the map
The scale is used to determine the relationship between the map representation and the actual terrain. On the map, we indicate the numerical scale in the form of a fraction, for example N or 1/N. There is also the graphical scale, which is a horizontal line used to establish an estimate between the distance on the map and the real distance. It is very simple to use, you don't need to do any calculations.
Recognize the reliefs
Even if the map is a flat sheet, it is possible to determine heights and slopes. For this purpose we use :
The level curve which is an imaginary line that connects all points at the same altitude. An orange line is used to highlight rocky areas.
Figurations to show the mountainous reliefs, notably points, figurations of rocks...
The points quoteds are complements of the contour lines. And finally the fading to reproduce the lighting effect that comes from the northwest.
How to choose a road map for the vacations?
A map is an important document to use when going on vacation in order not to get lost, and to find all the terrains and places you want to go to. In fact, to travel by car or on foot, the map is essential.
The choice of a map is made by taking into account the nature of its journey in addition to certain details, including the scale:
- A scale of 1:25,000 to 1:50,000 for people who go hiking, in addition to contour lines, and information necessary for their safety;
- A scale of 1/100,000 is intended for bicycle touring, what is certain is that all the maps have the same information with some additional details;
- A scale of 1/200.000 to 1/1.000.000 concerns the road maps used in regional, but also in national;
- A map with a scale of more than 1:2,000,000 allows you to prepare your trip, especially in distant countries.
