Topo Maps 101..

[Steel Pan]

Do you really know how to read the info on a topo map?

Well, here's how.

www.ghosttowns.com/topotmaps.html

[Steel Pan]

Oh ya, ya might want to use this too. Convert from decimal to deg, min., sec.

Here's How:
The whole units of degrees will remain the same (i.e. in 121.135° longitude, start with 121°).
Multiply the decimal by 60 (i.e. .135 * 60 = 8.1).
The whole number becomes the minutes (8').
Take the remaining decimal and multiply by 60. (i.e. .1 * 60 = 6).
The resulting number becomes the seconds (6"). Seconds can remain as a decimal.
Take your three sets of numbers and put them together, using the symbols for degrees (°), minutes (‘), and seconds (") (i.e. 121°8'6" longitude)

[goldcam]

Everyone should go to this link if they would like to increase their Topo Map Reading Skills, including myself....and I did. Just takes about 10 minutes to look over. Thanks for this link Steelpan. ~goldcam

[Smithsgold]

Now I know why I always have the map !!!! LOL

[Steel Pan]

I almost forgot, to bring it all together you need to know the "declination" for a point of interest.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_north

Here's how to get that.

www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomagmodels/Declination.jsp

[goldcam]

This topic will make a good show segment. I did one similar to this topic with GPAA How to use your Mining Guide DVD that had some of this information. Would like to go over it again for Prospecting Channel.com Joey

[Steel Pan]

Jun 29, 2009 1:12:09 GMT -5 goldcam said:

This topic will make a good show segment. I did one similar to this topic with GPAA How to use your Mining Guide DVD that had some of this information. Would like to go over it again for Prospecting Channel.com Joey

Might I suggest that you include compass reading.
Dif types of compasses and specific applications.
Air, land, and sea.
For example, the one I have will also give you * of grade.

Don't just brush the subject, teach substance.
Take up a whole episode, or 3.

Jus' my .02.