Topographic Maps Can Aid Travelers
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RESTON, Va. — Travelers bent on back-country adventure this winter can get an idea of where they are going and what they will find there with U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps.
The charts show shapes and elevations of the landscape, and identify roads, trails, streams, lakes, campsites, abandoned buildings, logging roads, firebreaks and other features.
Map information can help cross-country skiers and snowmobilers plan their routes, alert travelers to potential avalanche areas, and guide ice fishers to prime angling spots, according to the Survey, which operates as part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Guides to the maps, the most popular of which are 7.5- and 15-minute quadrangle charts, are available from the National Cartographic Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 507 National Center, Reston, Va. 22092. Phone: (703) 860-6045.
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