Quick Answer
To effectively use landmarks on paper maps, identify recognizable terrain features such as mountains, rivers, and valleys, and use them to triangulate your location. Look for distinctive formations like ridges, saddles, and meanders. Compare your surroundings to the map.
Understanding Map Features
When navigating with a paper map, familiarize yourself with the symbology used to represent terrain features. Pay attention to contour lines, which indicate elevation changes, and use them to identify hills, valleys, and ridges. A contour interval of 20-30 feet is commonly used, but this can vary depending on the map scale. Recognize that contour lines are usually drawn at a 45-degree angle to show the direction of slope.
Identifying Landmarks
Look for distinctive landmarks on the map, such as prominent peaks, valleys, or water sources. Use these features to establish a mental map of your surroundings and compare them to the map. For example, if you’re near a river on the map, look for a similar meandering course in the terrain. When navigating through dense forests, use the map to identify stand of trees or clearings, which can be used as landmarks.
Triangulating Your Location
To pinpoint your location using landmarks, use the process of triangulation. Identify at least two recognizable landmarks on the map and verify their presence in the terrain. Use a compass to take bearings on each landmark and compare them to the map. By intersecting the bearing lines on the map, you can estimate your location. For example, if you’re using two landmarks, make sure the bearing lines on the map form a clear “X” or “X” pattern, indicating your location.
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