Map Reading
Why Contour Lines Gather Where the Ground Gets Steep
Learn why contour lines gather on steep ground and spread across gentle slopes, so you can read a map’s relief and…
The map cabinet
All articles
Browse explorations of map reading, navigation, landforms, route planning and the changing ways people have represented place.
Route Planning
Paper Map or Digital Map for Planning a Walking Route?
Compare paper and digital maps for planning a walking route, so you can judge terrain, detail and alternatives before…
Map History
When North Was Not Always at the Top
Map orientation has never had one fixed rule. Learn why maps put different directions at the top and how to read an…
Landforms
The Shortcut That Looks Short on the Map
A shortcut that looks short on the map can still demand awkward crossings or uncertain access. Compare the whole route…
Navigation
A Familiar Neighbourhood, Drawn from Memory
A neighbourhood map drawn from memory reveals what you notice and what you miss, then a map comparison helps you…