Chapter 5: Outdoor Safety
Topographic
Maps and Compasses
Whenever you're in a remote or unfamiliar area, a
topographic map and compass are a must.
Topographic maps are created from aerial photographs
and reveal the contours of the land, including hills, ridges,
and valleys, as well as lakes, rivers, creeks, trails, and
roads:
- Contour lines show the elevation of the ground.
- Contour
intervals reveal how much vertical distance there is between
each contour line—closely spaced contour
lines indicate very steep slopes.
- Contour lines that are
sharply tapered indicate an uphill direction.
- Rounded
contour lines typically indicate a downhill direction.
Topographic Maps
Topographic maps are available
at many outdoor stores. They also
may be ordered by going to the U.S.
Geological Survey website,
or by ordering from:
U.S. Geological
Survey
Branch of Distribution
P.O. Box 25286
Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
National Forest Service Travel Maps, available
from the U.S. Forest Service, show forest road networks
and restrictions.
State Game Lands Maps may be ordered
on the Pennsylvania Game Commission
website.
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