Navigate using contour lines

The Map Reading Company
The Map Reading Company
19,768
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Published 2023-10-05
Contour lines are really useful to anyone going out into the hills who uses a map to navigate as they’ll give you lots of information about the ground you’ll be walking over. Being able to visualise the terrain from the information on a map is one of the most useful skills to have before you set off for the hills.

With a little practice you’ll be able to imagine what the ground will be like and use that information to make an informed decision about your route choice.

Link to the history of contour lines which was mentioned in the video:
   • A brief history of contour lines  
All Comments (21)
  • @astrecks
    OS used to sell 1-inch to 1-mile shaded relief tourist maps, which fascinated me as a child and interested me in maps and navigation.
  • @clintwelch9843
    Just found your channel and burned through 5 videos in a row. Excellent content and excellent delivery. Greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work. Quality.
  • @alabamatechwriter6959
    Great job! I like your rope contour lines, laminated heights, ball analogy, etc. It was all compact enough to fit in a pack, light enough to carry into the field for a quick lesson, and intuitive enough with familiar items for students to easily grasp.
  • @kennethswann6458
    This is the first video that's actually explained it your mixture of talking but also showing with the 3D maps and the actual contour line Maps and help so much can't wait to go through the rest of your stuff
  • @anthonyharris7780
    Thanks for taking the time to do all these videos. Always useful to have another take on it and usually there is extra data that firms up existing knowledge 😊
  • @stpetie7686
    Thanks again for the video. I always appreciate the info and the waffle's. Keep 'em both coming.
  • @SureGT21
    I have to re-watch this a few times but I am learning more from you than I ever did before. Thank you sir.
  • @donloughrey1615
    I use them to plan our route to new areas while prospecting in the Mojave. They are quite necessary to avoid hiking up dead end canyon carrying all of our gear and having to back track. Also while canoeing in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota planning portages. Thank you for great videos .
  • @simongee8928
    Very clearly explained Wayne. Several points new to me. Thanks - ! 😊
  • @mickarmstrong633
    Always wondered why I meet a steep hill Contour lines very important Thanks Wayne very well explained
  • @joopterwijn
    Well you just changed my look at a map, well done sir!
  • @petegillespie6978
    Great video. Very informative, well demonstrated and great presentation.😊
  • @James_Egan
    Good video and interesting and informative. Keep 'em coming!
  • @user-yq4bi3wk7v
    Your comment at 6.52 re the rock face is a point I bring up in every class, sudden changes in height of the land between contour lines are not shown so don't rely totally on the contour lines to determine a safe course.