Map Reading

A map is basically a piece of paper with a bunch of brown squiggly lines mixed in with a few colors.

The Brown Lines represent the elevation at that point on the map.  Understanding how to read these lines will allow you to visualize the shape of the land scape.

Blue usually represents water features - such as lakes, creeks and rivers.

Black usually represents man made objects such as roads, trails and buildings. 

Green usually represents forest areas. 

White areas are usually open and unforested.