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minutes, and are called "15' quads." 1:100,000 maps represent 1/2 degree of latitude by 1 degree longitude. The 1:250,000 maps represent 1 degree latitude by 2 degrees longitude, or the entire initial grid box.

The vast majority of the country has been mapped at the 7.5' scale. This scale can show trails, footbridges, and buildings; so it is very useful for hikers. However, if you are hiking a long distance, you might need several of these maps to track your journey. Also, your trail could cross the border into another map for a few miles, which forces you to bring a map that you will only need for an hour of your trip. Trying to track your progress can be an extended affair of spreading out and overlapping your maps, unless you buy custom maps for your trip. Many hikers like this scale because it provides all the details needed to be confident that they are on the right track. Beginner backpackers or those new to way-finding should use this scale or larger. It's much easier to locate yourself on these maps, and most natural features are clearly depicted.

The next size up is the 15' map, at the 1:62,500 scale. Many long distance hikers are a fan of this standard scale and also the slightly larger 1:50,000 scale used by many private mapping companies. Maps at this scale have less detail than the 7.5' quads, but can still help you stay on the trail, and show enough smaller landscape features for way-finding. One reason hikers like this scale is that it reduces the number of maps needed for a long trip, reducing pack weight. Also, an experienced way-finder can keep track of his or her location with a map at this somewhat smaller scale.

Any scale smaller than 1:62,000 starts to approach useless territory for hikers. You need to be able to find smaller landforms and follow the twists and turns of streams to track your progress along the trail. A 1:100,000 scale map would probably be good for getting an idea of how the general region of your hike looks, but you shouldn't rely on a small scale map for your navigation on the ground.

Finally, a word to the wise: any time a map changes in physical size, the scale ratio is changed. So if you reduce or enlarge a section of a map, the scale ratio no longer applies. Navigating with an altered map means that you must use the graphical bar scale to estimate distances on your map. If you are printing maps out at home, make sure that your printed maps are the same size as the dimensions of the digital map.

Picking a map at the right scale for your trip is an important step toward being able to plan a successful trip and navigate difficult terrain in the wilderness. Seriously consider how much detail you need in a map, and choose your map scale wisely, because you don't want to regret your choice when you are miles away from civilization.

Learn more about this author, Jody Barnes.
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