The following tutorials and guides will help you to read a map and navigate to a place on the map. Sometimes in our digital world, we need to remember that there is more to finding remote places than having access to a cell phone and GPS coordinates.

Topographic Map Symbols - A USGS Guide to Reading Topo Maps

Topographic maps include symbols that represent such features as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation. This document gives us the legend for USGS topographic maps, showing us what each symbol refers to.

Map Scales - A USGS Fact Sheet

Map scale is the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground. This quick guide explains the various scales used on USGS topographic maps.

The Universal Transverse Mercator(UTM) Grid - A USGS Fact Sheet

This Fact Sheet quickly explains the history and usage of the UTM grid system. It shows you how to determine the Grid value at any map point on a USGS quad.

Finding Your Way with Map and Compass - A USGS Fact Sheet

This fact sheet explains the basics of navigation using a topo map and a compass. A quick tutorial for an important skill.

Map Projections - A Working Manual
USGS Professional Paper 1395

This is an in depth report on map projections. You will learn the differences between map projections and why and how to choose the right one for your map. Everything you need to know about map projections with a very clear presentation.

Map Reading and Land Navigation
US Department of the Army Field Manual No 21-26

A very thorough and practical guide to map reading, grid systems, scale, plotting distance, direction and compass navigation. Written for the military, but very useful for anyone navigating unfamiliar territory.