Being able to read a map and use a compass are essential skills to have if you are going to spend some significant time outdoors. Making your own maps however is something very different. Recently my brother and I spoke about mapping some trails in the woods near the house we grew up in, a conversation we have had many times. We know these particular trails like the back of our hands, and to our knowledge they have never been mapped.
I was thumbing through some books I have on mapping and cam across this one which I had picked up at a yard sale somewhere and never really looked at. The book describes some great techniques for mapping including how to use your body as a measuring device.
Also included are some great diagrams like these with ideas for marking different conditions for when you are in the field sketching. Might have to finally map those childhood woods come this spring.
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Beautiful images. It looks like this was a book used by Boy Scouts of America. I found what appears to be a scanned and OCR’d version here, but it’s hard to tell if it’s complete.
http://www.thedump.scoutscan.com/surveying.pdf
Comment by Brad January 18, 2011 @ 11:11 amBrad, oh yeah that is definitely the same book just a different cover. You have an awesome collection of online books at your site btw.
Comment by nbolton January 18, 2011 @ 7:37 pmGreat looking book. I might map some trails too. Good luck!
Comment by Angelo R. January 24, 2011 @ 4:20 pm