Orientation with a map

A map is simply a picture to scale of what exists on the ground. Water courses, roads, wadis, mountains, desert, power lines and other structures are represented by lines and symbols which will be defined, along with the scale, on the map. Vertical relief (ie the contours of wadis and ridges) is defined by contour lines. All that’s required to develop adequate skill in interpreting these symbols, particularly the contour lines, is practice in the field. The writer finds it useful to orient the map so that details coincide with the landscape. Then stand on whichever side of the map lets you look out over it to the features of the landscape you wish to identity.

Also, keep the scale in mind. If a feature is clearly many miles away, it’s going to be some distance away on the map too. Make the best estimate you can and then search in the right direction at that distance on the map, according to the scale.