I don't ever venture off the pavement without my topographical map and compass. Let's say that an urban disaster strikes and you have to evacuate your home. How do you get to safety? Don't rely solely on your GPS. Their batteries are only as reliable and frequent use can cause them to become powerless. Any electronic device can also break or stop working.
A good compass is a must for your navigation plans. A compass that can be used on maps is my preference. Make sure you get a quality one that has declination settings and then learn how it works. Compasses smaller than those included in survival kits are useful for backup and to give you an idea of where you should be. Here is a list with a variety of bug out maps.
City Map
This map will be used to help you evacuate your home. If bridges or overpasses are closed, this map will help you find alternative routes. Gridlock on major freeways and highways is common, so it might be necessary to plan a route around them.
Topographical Chart
Topo maps are three-dimensional views of an area. It can give you an idea of the terrain. This is a great description.
The Geospatial Analysis Cooperative at Idaho State University says that the concept of a topographic mapping is simple on the surface. The contour lines on the map indicate lines that are equal in elevation above or below a reference datum.
Imagine a mountain or other topographic feature and then imagine cutting through it with a horizontal, flat piece of glass. The intersection of the glass and the mountain is a line of constant elevation. It could be used on a map to indicate the elevation of the slice. This allows me to make a map that corresponds to my exact location.
I use the National Geographic mapping software in Oregon. I then create a topo map for each outing. These maps are printed on legal-sized or standard letter-sized paper. These sizes fold in half nicely and fit into a Ziploc plastic bag. The bag fits in my BDU pants' thigh pocket. It is very easy to find the map and check it, so you will have it.
You might have to cross the country through a park or open area to avoid people or other dangers during an urban evacuation. Although the city map might show street details, it may not include water obstacles or other physical barriers. You should be able plot a course with your topo and compass.
State Highway Map
This shows the whole picture. It gives you general directions and shows major roads. It can be used to help you find your way out of the city.
Forest Service Map
This map is what I keep in my car in central Oregon. This map is commonly known as a fire roadmap. It provides a comprehensive overview of all national forests and public lands. It also shows logging and fire roads. It doesn't indicate if roads have been improved, so it's not a reliable way to determine if you are able to drive on them. Sometimes, roads can become trails due to overgrowth. In the summer you may be able hike, ATV, or snowshoe them.
These maps are especially useful for big-game hunters. If you kill an animal, you will need to find the closest road or trail so that you can extract the meat. This map can help you find alternative routes through wilderness areas. A good compass, the map, and the appropriate topos are worth the effort once you reach the wilderness or rural areas.
These maps will help you to get out of your town. These maps could be helpful as well:
Historical maps
Combining my history and map obsessions, I buy every historical map that I find. Some maps, like the Oregon Trail and Lewis and Clark maps, show historical figures' routes. Although the trails are not well-known, it doesn't mean that they aren't valuable. Because wagons and pack trains could cover them, overland pioneer routes were created. These trails may be useful at one point.
River charts: These charts combine my love of fishing with my passion for maps. Each navigable river in America has detailed maps showing the river terrain, danger areas and topography. These charts can be used to help plan an evacuation or trip along the river. On my 1980 end-to-end trip, I had a set Mississippi River charts with me. It was simple to plan overnight stops and decide where to pull off.
Maps can be used to show landing points and dangers on smaller rivers like the Deschutes River or Oregon's John Day.
Hunting Maps
These can be obtained from your state's fish and wildlife department. They are very useful for anyone who visits wilderness areas. To see the boundaries of my hunting area, road closures, and the terrain, I have one.
If you don't know how read and use these maps, none of them will be of any real value. You could do a training activity that involves some practice, such as taking your compass and maps and creating an evacuation scenario. Then, you can practice navigation using alternate routes, streets, and cross-country travel.
Check out these maps and practice using your compass. Also, think about how you could get out of town, if necessary.
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By: Doomsday Prep
Title: 6 Types of Bug Out Maps for Urban Evacuation
Sourced From: www.doomsdayprep.com/6-types-bug-out-maps-urban-evacuation/
Published Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 19:59:05 +0000