Conquering the Paper Map

For those RVers whose vehicles do not sport the electronic navigation systems now in vogue, the old-fashioned paper map is a crucial guide. While it's easy for some people to follow a map, it's panic time for many of us. Here are tips to simplify using a map.

Unfold the map and look at its borders. Letters of the alphabet line both sides and numbers race across the top and bottom. Notice the dividing lines between the letters and numbers. On most maps, north is toward the top. Look for the north arrow to be sure.

Look closely at the map's legend (a small box somewhere on the map). It contains all the information you need to understand and use the map. You'll see road classifications and symbols that identify them on the map. The legend also may have symbols for rest areas, interchanges, campgrounds and other landmarks. Legends usually show (1) U.S. interstate highway numbers in a colored shield, (2) U.S. (federal) highways with numbers in a white shield and (3) state highway numbers in a white circle or oval.

To find your destination, look for its name in the map's index. Beside your destination's listing is its location on the map, such as G-2. Look again at the borders of the map. When you find G and 2, trace with your fingers a horizontal and vertical path to see where they come together. Your destination is in that area. Highlight the destination with a marker to make it easier to find later.

Next, figure out your route and highlight it with a marker. A quick way to estimate the driving distance is to use the scale provided in the legend.

Now you're ready for the road. As you drive, look for route numbers on overhead guide signs and those posted on the right side of the road. Overhead guide signs are green with white letters. They show information such as the distance to the next exit, route and exit numbers, travel direction and which traffic lanes exit the highway.

Also, look for route markers at the roadside. They confirm the route on which you are traveling. The guide signs and roadside markers are your route directors when you're on the road.

Interstate highways are numbered with one or two digits. Odd-numbered interstates run north and south; even-numbered ones run east and west. When interstates join with a beltway around a city, the number temporarily becomes three digits.

Two main numbering systems exist for interstate interchange exits. (1) The consecutive numbering system starts at the most western or southern point within a state with exit number 1. The next exit is number 2 and so on. (2) Most states already use or are converting to the milepost number system. Mileposts are little green signs on the roadside. Placed at one-mile intervals, they begin at the most western or southern point in that state. If the first interchange exit is between mileposts 2.0 and 3.0, the interchange exit is number 2. This system lets you estimate the number of miles to a particular interchange.

California uses a post mile system in which miles are numbered within counties rather than within the whole state. It does not have interstate interchange numbers.

As for how to fold a map, don't fight the folds--let them guide you. Notice the accordion fold as you open a map. Then fold the map any way to show the area needed when driving. To refold it, first open it flat; then simply start at either side of the map and refold according to the creases, right to left or left to right. End with the outside flap (or title of the map) on top of the folds. Once you have the accordion strip in front of you, follow its folds to re-create the original shape of the map.

Using a map as your navigation system doesn't guarantee that you'll never get lost, but when you know how to read and use it, you'll feel a lot more confident as you travel. In time, you'll conquer the road map and successfully reach your destination!