Can You Read a Map?
Did you even know that Map Reading Week was a thing? Well, it is! Until the end of the week, map reading is going to be all of the rage (so we’re told, anyway). The art of map reading is slowly (or rather quickly) fading away, and studies are showing that only 1 in 3 young people can read a road map. With technology ever increasing, and Siri telling people where to go, and how to reach their destination - it would seem that maps are becoming a thing of the past. As your favorite car dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks, we don’t want to see anyone get lost, so we thought it would be a good idea to show you how beneficial a map can still be when stored in the glovebox for an emergency. Here are a few fun and random facts about maps, as well as a few tips for reading them (for you younguns out there!).
Sales: 573.317.4191
How to Read a Road Map
This skill was passed down from generation to generation, that is until the smartphone came into play. While reading a map may not be on the top of your priority list anymore, there are still a few great reasons to keep one in your car and know how to read it. Why? Batteries die, chargers get lost, and sometimes you just want to look like a hipster with a vintage map and a lost look in your eye. Here are a few things you need to know about map reading.The Index
This is where you will find the names of all of the cities listed on a particular map. They will be in alphabetical order along with the corresponding location of each listing. The location will be represented by which section of a grid system that city appears in. The sections are generally labeled A, B, C, and so on across the bottom of the map. On the left side, you should see that the grids are most likely labeled numerically. If a town is located on B4 of the index, you’ll follow B down to 4 to find the town.The Legend
You’ll generally find this at the bottom or on the back of a map. The legend is a small box that shows examples of the types of roadways that are listed on the map. It will show what color or style of line represents particular roadways (highways, insterstates, etc).
The Compass Rose
Most maps will contain a small compass rose. This may seem like ancient technology to you - but if you notice, even smartphones have a compass app installed (wink). Being able to turn the map in the direction that you are facing is extremely helpful when you want to get where you need to go. If you are currently going North on a specific highway, you can use the map’s compass rose to make sure that you are following the same interstate highway on the map.Route Plotting
There’s something nostalgic about picking a place on the map and then getting there without the help of your smart phone. If you’ll be taking a longer trip and going a larger distance, you can find routes that use major highways or interstates. If you are just staying in a metropolitan area, you can use city streets. They are oriented like a grid, and one-way roads should be labeled.The Scale
The scale of a map gives you a rough estimate of the distance between one place on the map and another. You should find the scale near the legend most likely or near the compass rose. It looks like a small line labeled with distances. You can use yoru finger or a small scrap of paper to measure how many times the length of the scale will fit on your chose route. Multiply this number by the distance that the scale represents and you should get an approximate distance.Look for Landmarks
Finally, many major landmarks are noted on roadmaps. As you drive, you can have a passenger follow your progress on the map by looking for these places. This will ensure that you’ve gone the correct way and your road trip is going accordingly.
Every Roadtrip Needs a Good Vehicle
If you need a trustworthy vehicle to start traveling in, Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC is proud to provide the best new and preowned vehicles at the Lake of the Ozarks. From comfortable sedans to large SUVs for the whole family, we’ve got everything. Looking for a new work truck at the Lake of the Ozarks? We have those too! Visit our website to check out the new vehicles in Camdenton, MO, or stop by. We would love to show you around and help you test drive a few. A road trip is only as good as the car you’re driving and the map you’re following. If you haven’t tried a map in a while, now may be the perfect time to pull it out and follow it for a bit. Happy Map Reading Week!
Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC - That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
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