How to use a map and a compass in the mountains


There are many people who when they take a Map You have no idea how to interpret it to be able to orient yourself, and much more than if you have to guide yourself with a compass it is likely that he will never be able to reach his destination. Of course, that is not a bad thing, but it is advisable to know how to use both, especially maps, as much as there are new technologies, whenever you go on a trip you will have to review one.

A map is a symbolic representation of the terrain that shows, be it a large city, a small town, a Montana or even an amusement park. A sheet of paper on which any place will appear perfectly captured.

How to read a map

Your reading is very simple And you only need to have a couple of knowledge on the subject to be able to orient yourself with any map without any problem. Now terms such as latitude and longitude may sound Chinese to you, but as soon as you know what it is and how to interpret it, you will have mastered it, and that is that they are two essential notions to be able to interpret a map, especially if it is a mountain one since it does not you will find no one to ask.


The latitude and the length They are the main geographical coordinates of any place, regardless of whether it is a big city or a forest in the middle of nowhere. Both data give you the exact position of a point, and all topographic maps bring that data so that you can locate yourself anywhere on the planet. All the maps are to scale, and the basic ones used are at 1: 25,000 and at 1: 50,000, especially those that are for mountain orientation.

The 1: 25,000 scale equals 4 centimeters of map representing one kilometer of terrain. To guide you with it, the first thing will be to know where the destination place, and then put the map in the same situation as the terrain to know the route you must follow, matching the elements on the same path (for example, a source).

How to use a compass

Its use is very simple, and it is an element that will make it much easier interpretation of the map since it will indicate you where each cardinal point is, with which you will know much better where to go. Currently there are many compasses with all kinds of information that practically take you alone to your destination, while the simplest only have a needle that shows you the way. In any case, the classic ones are still the most used.

Although all compasses aim guide you, it must be said that depending on the activity you are going to do, it will be better to buy one or the other. If it is for excursions in the mountains in your leisure time, a light compass will suffice, while the newest ones are already for the use of professionals or people who spend many hours in the mountains.

How to Use a Compass || REI (March 2024)


  • compasses, maps
  • 1,230