How To Read Topo Maps: The First Step to Become a Better Deer Hunter in Hill Country скачать в хорошем качестве

How To Read Topo Maps: The First Step to Become a Better Deer Hunter in Hill Country

Topo maps have a variety of applications, but when talked about in the hunting community it's generally related to scouting where folks are using them to identify key terrain features. Whether you're a new hunter or you have a few seasons under your belt, topo maps can seem a bit more intimidating than satellite imagery. However, if you want to hunt whitetail deer in hill country being able to read topo maps is a necessity. Once the very basics are understood it actually becomes quite easy to pick apart key topo features and really get solid visuals of what the real-life ground actually looks like. Once you can visualize, your digital scouting efforts will become much more cohesive with time spent burning boot leather. MAP BASICS One of the very basics to reading any map is orientation. This topic is fairly controversial amongst my peer group and has caused more than it fair share of needless miles. Personally, I like to keep my North orientation on all maps facing up. It's just the way I was taught as a kid, what I've seen most often throughout my career in construction, surveying, and has just been the norm throughout my circle of influence. This "North" orientation concept comes from the invention of the compass and understanding of magnetic north from early Europeans. Keeping a North orientation is probably most common. So what is a topo map? A topographic map or sometimes referred to as an elevation map is simply a detailed two-dimensional representation of the Earth's surface shown as a series of contour lines with each line having a different elevation. The association of elevation with the contour lines allows the reader to interpret the three-dimensional lay and vertical scale of the land. Contour lines show elevation change and are used to measure the steepness/grade of terrain. Contour lines also signify key terrain features which will always be represented in a consistent manner. Understanding some steadfast rules of contour lines can help you become very efficient at digital scouting topo maps and provide insightful knowledge on how an animal may traverse the topography. 10 RULES OF CONTOUR LINES Every specific point on a contour line has the same EXACT elevation. Contour lines separate downhill from uphill. Contour lines do not touch EXCEPT at a vertical edge or cliff. Because each line carries a different elevation it is impossible to have two lines at one elevation. -Every 5th line is darker in color and/or thicker. This is known as an INDEX line. Also, INDEX lines will usually carry an elevation number. -Contour lines get closer together in steep terrain and farther apart on flat terrain. This is specifically important when looking for bench-type features in the hill country. Contour lines that close or form circles represent a hilltop or a depression. Closed depressions with no outlet have HACHURE marks on the downhill sides of the contour lines. Contour lines will make a V shape when crossing a valley or drainage. The V will always point uphill. Contour lines will make a V or U shape when coming off a ridge top. The V or U will always point downhill. Often times creating a what people refer to as a point and/or spur. Contour lines on the opposite sides of a ridge or valley occur in pairs. SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/2AO8zqM Discover our Trail Cameras backed by our 5 Year Warranty & Theft Protection: The Exodus Render - http://bit.ly/exodusrender The Exodus Lift II - http://bit.ly/2JWbXqz The Exodus Trek - http://bit.ly/exodustrek Connect with Exodus Trail Cameras: TRAIL CAM RADIO PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/t... FACEBOOK:   / exodusoutdoo.  . TWITTER:   / exodustrailcams   INSTAGRAM:   / exodustrail.  . WEBSITE: http://www.exodusoutdoorgear.com/ Want to be featured on Whitetail Cribs? Reach out here: http://bit.ly/applyWTC