If you're a hunter or hiker it's important to understand how to read topographic maps.
While I think that reading topographic maps are a tool in the toolkit, they are not likely to be what separates you and a trophy buck.
First, let’s talk about what a topographic map is:
It is a map like any other, except for it has contour lines which show the topography of the landscape. Each separate line shows an increment of elevation. The increment is dependent upon the scale of the map. 40 meters of elevation per contour line is a standard scale. Each contour line is a closed circle and when you cross a circle you have either lost or gained an increment of elevation.
By interpreting a topographic map you will be able to build a mental image of what a landscape looks like. In fact, while I was taking a course on topographic maps the instructor would give the class a map and then would make a 2D drawing of what we saw. Then the instructor would post four landscape pictures on the classroom screen and ask which image represented the map, and further where was the picture taken from on the map. By studying topographic maps closely enough, you will build the skills to draw accurate mental maps of what a given landscape would look like.
Now in many hunting situations, a topographic map is not going to assist you in hunting deer. Thinking of any of the prairie states or provinces. Great hunting grounds and deer habitat but the landscape is flat. And that’s where the discussion ends.
Topographic maps are useful tools for exploring landscapes that have diverse topography. It can be a navigational tool either during an expedition or while planning out your hunt our scouting area in advance.
One thing that I do find useful I using topographic maps is plotting out a hiking route and then calculating the net elevation I will lose or gain while hiking. This allows me to think about how much travel time I need to account for. Naismith’s rule provides that you should allow for one hour for every 3 miles (5 km) forward, plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet (600 m) of gained elevation. So if there is a lot of elevation on your planned route, you need to allow for more travel time.
However, unless I am in remote landscapes, planning a strenuous trek and in an area that has diverse topography, I will do not find the need to use a topographic map while hunting or scouting. If you are in one of those areas, it will be useful to understand the principles of topographic map reading, but you would be much better served with a handheld GPS.
I actually find Google Earth Pro to be a useful tool to scout out a new hunting area before setting out. Instead of studying a topographic map to build a mental picture, get on google earth and look at an actual picture of the area. The topographic map can enhance your understanding of the area, by showing you just how high or low the peaks and valleys are. Ut in today’s age of technology, you do not need to rely on topographic maps alone (so long as you have access to the internet). You can even plot routes along Google Earth that will give you net elevation gain and distance. And google earth will allow you to see cover, potential food sources, water and trails. Overall, I would look at Google Earth before using a topographic map.
Topographic maps are really only necessary for exploring remote landscapes. And sometimes the best place to find a deer is in your local corn field.
16 апр 2019
