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Wilderness Navigation: How to Read Maps and Compasses
Exploring the wilderness is an incredible experience — the fresh air, the quiet trails, and the sense of freedom that comes from being surrounded by nature. But adventure can quickly turn risky if you lose your way. GPS devices and smartphones are useful, but batteries die and signals fade. That’s why learning to read maps and compasses is still one of the most valuable outdoor skills anyone can have.
Understanding the Basics of a Map
A map is more than just lines and symbols — it’s a story of the landscape. Topographic maps, which show elevation, terrain features, and landmarks, are especially useful for hikers and explorers. The first step is understanding the legend, which explains what each symbol or color means. For example, blue often represents water, green shows vegetation, and brown contour lines indicate elevation changes. The closer those contour…


