As you drive across the country, you will find that there is a map for everything from towns to states to entire regions. What level of detail is right for you, which maps should you buy, and which maps can you find for free? Consider this section as Map Skills 101: designed to help figure out what you must know about maps.

Topics

Map Reading Basics (Survival Skills) Deciding on your Scale Generally, it is a good idea to have... Is it free, or is it not? Overkill... you really don't need that much! Some Recommended Maps

Deciding on your scale

An easy way to think about the scale of your map is how much you detail you will see. The maps scale is usually referenced on the bottom or in the corners of your map and probably contains both a visual version as well as numerical version. The larger the scale (e.g.. 1:300,000 ... or once inch on your map is actually 300,000 (~4.75 miles) inches on the real world), the less detail you will see as more area that will be "squeezed" onto your map. The smaller the scale (e.g.. 1:24,000 ... or one inch on your map is actually equal to 24,000 inches (~.38 miles) on the real world), the more detail you will see on the map as it will encompass less area. So, how do you decide what you want: a large or a small scale? Well it depends on what you want to use the map for. The following chart may help you decide on the appropriate scale for your specific use.

Generally, it is a good idea to have...

There are some essential maps which everyone should bring on their roadtrip. The following list attempts to summarize many of the map types with "must-have maps" indicated with ***. The list goes in order of increased detail and decreased scale. Different activities require different maps.

***National Road Atlas***:These atlases tend to cover the entirety of the US and Canada. They also include moderately scaled maps of each state. The atlas is good enough to get you through a state, but not enough to help you find the hidden gems. For that, you needed a better map~ Regional Maps:Great for getting an overview, but not essential. These maps are helpful when deciding on interstate routes, but tend to fail when you wish to travel on local roads. ***State Maps***:A must for every state that you intend to do more than just pass through. The details on this type of map are good enough for you to be able to identify parks and attractions, but still not close up enough to find the true hidden gems. State Atlas:There are a number of state atlases on the market, however, purchasing one for every state can get mighty expensive. CollegeRoadTrip.com recommends purchasing these atlases for states that you plan to visit for extended periods of time and wish to discover in detail. These atlases tend to show every road available, including the dirt roads, making them great sources for finding hidden places, curvy roads and must see attractions. BLM & Forest Maps:This varied and large series maps are specifically catered to outdoors, geology, off-roading and other specific interests. They are available at Ranger Stations and BLM offices and are useful if you are planing an extended trip or stay within the bounds of these national lands. The maps are great for off-roading but leave something to be desired if you are planning on hiking. USGS 1:24000 Quads:These extremely detailed maps show many if not all existing features from contour lines (elevation levels) to houses. They are the perfect level of detail if you plan on hiking or biking and even canoeing but are too much if you are driving through the area (unless you are off-roading).

Yes, there is such a thing as a free map, you just have to know where to find it. Preparing in advance can save you money and time when you are looking for a specific map! Check out CollegeRoadTrip.com's Map Link Section for information on where to purchase specific maps.

***National Road Atlas***:These atlases tend to run somewhere between $10 and $20. They are well worth shelling out the cash though, as they help save time and money and ensure that you won't get really lost~ Regional Maps:Some membership organizations (AAA) distribute regional maps free to members, otherwise expect to pay $2 to $4 a piece ***State Maps***:By contacting each state or stopping into travel / tourism offices, you can get decent state maps for free. Some membership organizations (AAA) distribute state maps free to members which is a great opportunity as they are laid out uniformly, otherwise expect to pay $2 to $5 a piece State Atlas:These are a bit costly. Expect to pay $14-$22 a piece (per state). Delorme makes a wonderful Atlas & Gazetteer Series which is extremely helpful. BLM & Forest Maps:Some Forest Service and BLM offices offer some less detailed maps for free. Otherwise expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $8 for these maps depending on the maps' content, size and detail. USGS 1:24000 Quads:These maps are available from many locations across the country and run anywhere from $2 to $5 depending on your location.

What should you buy? Well, to start with you should definitely have a North American Road Atlas containing individual state and provincial maps as well as maps of Canada, the US and Mexico. Regional maps are a plus as they provide added detail when deciding on which route to take... they give the big, but not too big picture. Definitely get state maps for those states you want to do more in that just pass through. Those are your essentials!

If know you want to spend more time in some states and feel you need detailed information, go ahead and purchase the detailed state atlases, as they can only help and not hinder. These maps are truly wonderful and it is really fun to follow along in them as your drive your route. The more detailed maps (Forest, BLM and USGS, etc.) are great to get in advance, but not necessary. If you are planning an extended back country trip where you must ration food and have everything planned in advance, go ahead and purchase a number of these detailed maps to help your planning and provide guidance along the way.

	Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer Series This series is perfect for finding hidden roads, attractions and other gems all across the country. Follow our link to Amazon.com to check out the New Mexico edition. You will find links there to the rest of the series.
	Rand McNally 2001 Road Atlas A comprehensive USA Road Atlas, including Canada and Mexico. Click the link to go to Amazon.com
	AAA North American Road Atlas 2001 Another comprehensive Road Atlas, including the USA, Canada and Mexico. Click the link to go to Amazon.com
	1:24000 US Geological Survey Quadrangles These extremely detailed maps show contour lines (elevation levels), bodies of water, terrain features such as swamps, woods, grassy areas, roads, trails, buildings, and more. They are the perfect level of detail if you plan on hiking, biking, or even canoeing, but are overkill for merely driving through the area (unless you are off-roading). The link takes you to the US Geological Survey's helpful map finding tool where you can find and purchase the maps that you need.
	National Forest Service Maps Direct from the National Forest Service website: These Forest Service maps provide many of the same features found on the USGS maps, with additional information on recreational uses, local plants and wildlife, trails, roads, streams, lakes, visitors centers, facilities available, campgrounds and picnic areas. The maps also display color photographs of points of interest and activities. Each map covers all or part of one national forest, and the scale is ½ inch per mile (1:126,720).
	Bureau of Land Management Maps BLM maps are equivalent to National Forest Service Maps. We are sorry to report that at this time there is no single source to purchase all BLM land maps. You must contact each BLM state office individually to purchase maps of that state. Follow our links to access individual BLM state office web sites.