How To Fold A Map

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How To Fold A Map

By John D. McCann

During our three day Map & Compass course, we always teach how to fold a map. However, when we give shortened classes, we don't always have time to show our students. We often receive emails or questions on facebook about providing a tutorial on How To Fold A Map. You may want to practice with a blank sheet of paper the first time around, before using a new map. So here it is, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!.

The first thing you do is lay your map down on a flat surface.

Now fold the map from top to bottom, creasing it well in the center.

When you unfold the map so that it is again flat, you should clearly see the center crease.

Now fold the bottom half up to the center crease.

Now fold one half of the side, which you just folded to the center crease, back on itself.

Next, you fold the last three layered fold under to the center crease. This sounds more confusing than it is. You should now have four thicknesses of map, with three under the map.

Now do the same with the top half of the map, starting by folding the top down to the center crease. Then follow the same procedure as used above.

When you are finished, the map should look like an accordion with all printed portions facing up.

Now lay the map down with the bottom facing up (this is the portion that has the name of the map on the right bottom and the scale and contour interval information in the center.

Now fold the map sideways in thirds, so that the name of the map appears on top.

You will now be able to open the map like an accordion and chose the section you want to use. Fold the rest of the map back around that portion and you have just the section you need.

Now you can keep all your maps stacked in a small package and select the map, or maps that you want to take with you. When you get in the field you can unfold the section of the map you need and keep the rest folded up!

We hope this photo tutorial has helped you learn how to fold a map, and as always, be prepared to survive!

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