Paper and topographic maps seem to be old-school things that aren't in common use anymore. But just because we all use our smartphone maps, it doesn't mean that a good old paper map can't be of great use especially in situations when you can't rely on your phone (hiking, hunting, gold prospecting in areas with no service) or when you're building a house. If you live in Australia and want to have precise insight into the area where you want to go on an adventure or build a property, it's time to start looking for maps of Australia for sale.
What is a Topographic Map?
A topographic map is a detailed and precise illustration of man-made and natural features on the ground such as elevations, rivers, lakes, roads, railways, power transmission lines, and geographical names. Topographic maps are a two-dimensional representation of the Earth’s three-dimensional landscape. And while nowadays we mostly rely on Google Maps, topographic maps aren't still completely out of use.
Topographic Map Info
These maps identify various ground features that can be grouped into several categories:
Relief - mountains, slopes, valleys and depressions (defined by contours)
Hydrography - lakes, rivers, swamps, streams, falls
Vegetation - wooded areas
Transportation - roads, bridges, trails, railways
Airports, airfields, seaplane anchorages
Is a Topographic Map Similar to a Road Map?
Checking maps of Australia for sale can be confusing because you'll probably come across both options. If you want to buy a map of Australia or a specific area of the country, you probably wonder which type of map would serve you better. Both show roads, water features, parks and cities, but that's all when it comes to similarities.
Topographic maps show contours, elevations, forest covers, swamps, pipelines, power transmission lines, buildings and other types of boundary lines (international, provincial and administrative). These maps also show a universal transverse Mercator (UTM) grid, allowing you toget precise positions. Topographic maps allow you to see a three-dimensional landscape on a two-dimensional surface.
How to Determine Where You Are on a Map Without a GPS?
If you have a GPS receiver, your location can be quickly determined; this system displays a position in terms of latitude, longitude, and height, giving you with precise coordinates for map reference. Some GPS systems will also provide direct conversion of position to a selected map grid such as UTM. This way you can use the geographic or UTM grid reference system on the map to determine where you are.
What do the Colours Mean?
There are many colours on a map, each relating to different features. The black shows cultural features (buildings, railways), blue is for water features, green is for forests, and yellow is for deserts or depressions.
How to Find a Location on a Topographic Map?
Finding locations on a topographic map is done by using geographic coordinates (longitude, latitude) or with UTM grid coordinates (easting, northing). Geographic coordinates are expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds and you can determine them on the map by using the longitude and latitude graticules set along the edges of the map.
Latitude graticules are set with the east and west edges of the map and longitude graticules are on the north and south edges of the map. The longitude and latitude of your location can be determined by projecting your location to the map edges and then by reading the corresponding latitude and longitude values. UTM grid coordinates are expressed in metres and you can select them on the map by using the UTM grid lines.
How to Measure Distance on a Map?
If you're checking maps of Australia for sale for whatever reason (camping, hiking, hunting, getting info about land, gold prospecting, etc.) you should be able to measure the distance. To do this use the scale bar (you'll find it at the bottom of every NRCan topographic map) to determine distances between points or along lines. There's a secondary division on the left of the scale bar; use it for measuring fractions of a kilometre.
Orienting the Map
You can easily do this with a little practice. Start learning how to match the landscape features. This way you can determine your current location on the map. You can also use a compass or a GPS, but you can also learn how to do it by matching the terrain features you can see with the contour lines shown on your map.
Which Map Sheet Do You Need?
This depends on your needs mainly. First, determine the area of Australia you're in. This way you won't have to buy a map of the entire country. Instead, get one with the said area, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, etc. An area map will give you a more detailed, more precise and better view of the area you want to observe or orient in.
Topographical Maps for Custom Home Building
You don't have to be a hiker or a camper to get a map. Maybe you're building a home or other object, so a map will be of great service. It can help you understand better the area around your land, learn about nearby roads, railroads, bridges, rivers, lakes, etc. A topographical map for your property is detailed info on the land where you want to build. Besides your construction firm, you should also own one so you can be sure and learn better that the terrain is suitable for building.
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