Topographic Maps 101Written by Will Robertson
The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling, even frustrating, if you are learning while out in backcountry. But once you get familiar with markings and symbols, reading maps will become a friendly aid, rather than a dreaded assignment. Topographic Maps Grid System Lines of latitude run parallel to equator (east and west), and lines of longitude run perpendicular to equator (north and south). These lines form a pattern of squares across surface of earth like a checker board. One square, formed by lines of longitude and latitude, measures 90 degrees x 90 degrees. Degrees are further subdivided into minutes and seconds. • 1 degree = 60 minutes • 1 minute = 60 seconds The important thing to understand, when we look for a topographic map for our hiking adventures, is that it will be located within this larger context of degrees, minutes, and seconds. Fortunately, it will also, usually, be identified with a place name. An alternative method of notation within Geographic Coordinate System is decimal degree system. In decimal degree system, minutes and seconds are replaced by a percentage of a degree, expressed as a decimal up to four places long. It is often used for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, Topographic Maps Scale Explained A topographic map lists its scale in margin or legend. The scale is relationship between distances on a map and corresponding distance on ground. For example, a map with a scale of 1:50,000 means that 1 unit of measurement on map equals 50,000 equivalent units on ground. Units can be in inches, feet, centimeters, or meters, depending on what scale map you are looking at and what measuring system country uses. Most USGS maps are 1:24,000, also known as 7 ½ minute maps. On this map, 1 inch = 24,000 inches on ground. In Canada, most hiking maps are 1:50,000 scale, where 1 cm = 50,000 cm on ground. A small scale map (ex. 1:100,000) covers a large area; it shows less detail with fewer features. A large scale map (ex. 1:10,000) covers a small area; it shows great detail and small features. A 1:2,500, large scale map would show individual houses and street lights. Topographic Maps Symbols and Colors The symbols and colors used on Topographic maps are fairly straight forward: • Black - man-made, “cultural,” features such as roads, buildings, etc. It is also used to show geographical names (toponymy), certain symbols, geographic coordinates, precise elevations, border information and surround information.
| | Themeparks around Benidorm SpainWritten by Robert Carlton
Benidorm, which is located just 20 minutes north of city of Alicanteon Costa Blanca coast Spain, is such as action-packed city. Even thoughit has a beautiful stretch of soft sandy beaches, we should leave this leisureactivity for end because there are so many kinds of tourist parks to visitaround Benidorm. The biggest Attraction around Benidorm: Terra Mitica This park in English is called ´Mythical Land´, because it isa theme park which takes us back to ancient civilizations of Rome, Egyptand Greece, all of which were Mediterranean civilizations. As we all know,the heroes from those times were very brave, not letting anything or anyonefrighten them. Do you think you will be like them after having ridden on thetopsy turvy roller coaster? Or controlling your heartbeat after riding on manyof other attractions especially set up for you? Maybe you think you willrecover a little after watching one of gladiator shows? Your adrenalinwill be pumping fast with all professional actors making ancient life comeso close to you. There is also a part of this park for adventurous kids too.Terra Mitica is open all year round; from November to April it is only openat weekends and on Spanish holidays. The entrance fee is approximately40 euros but if you go in groups consult prices. Terra Mitica is found just five minutes north of Benidorm, easily accessible by bus or car. Aqualandia Water Amusement Park So you want to cool down a little but beach is not your cup of tea? Hereat Aqualandia you can enjoy a days outing with whole family. The childrencan slide down all water slides as many times as they wish, always beingwell cared for by lifeguards on duty. There are water shutes of every size,diving board areas, rapidly moving waters and even a black hole. For sunbeauties like mum and grandma, you can lay around on comfortable hammocks andenjoy a picnic lunch in shaded areas. It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is located on north entrance hillside to Benidorm. Another view on Costa Blanca at Terra Natura Park This is not like any other wildlife park. Here, there are four theme areasand a water park. 1.500 animals of over 200 species, 50 of which are in dangerof extinction. What a privilege to be lucky ones to see these living specimensup close! And not only these animals but their natural habitats and fauna whichmakes their living quarters appropriate for them. As you enter park, thefirst area to visit is Pangea, taking you back in time to hen there wererivers petrified from hot burning lava, abundant vegetation hiding giganticinsects and many other surprises. To left you are carried away to America,discovering an old mine converted into a tropical farm. The colorful macawsare found in dove cove and later on old joins new in colonialtown of Copaltenango. In center is Asia. As you stroll through naturalreserve of Kaziranga, you are able to see rhinoceros, buffalos and templeof wildcats. In this section there is a marvelous park for children toplay in. And last, but of course not least, is Europe. In town of Kalicameni,white-washed and full of comedians and natives singing their local songs. Allthis may sound tiring, but there are many a new food to be tried and a thirst-quenchingdrink to be had at any of fabulous restaurants. And for those who needan extra thrill, in Mare Nostrum waterway, you are fully equipped to havesplash with live sharks! Terra Natura is open all year round, offering specialpasses for those who know how to appreciate a good opportunity and to take advantage of it as often as possible.
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