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Maps & layers

Read contours, slope and aspect

Turn terrain colors and lines into useful scouting context.

4 minute guide4 stepsScout and Apex
Where to start in the appLayers → Terrain & Elevation
  1. 01

    Start with terrain shape

    Use Hillshade, USGS Topo or Aerial + Topo to see the shape of ridges, drainage and openings. Choose one primary terrain surface before adding more detail.

  2. 02

    Add Contours

    Turn on Contours and zoom until the lines are readable. Closely spaced contours indicate a steeper change in elevation; widely spaced contours indicate gentler ground.

  3. 03

    Read Slope in degrees

    Enable Slope and open its key. The colors represent degrees above level ground. Compare the legend with the terrain rather than treating any one color as an access recommendation.

  4. 04

    Read Aspect as hillside direction

    Enable Aspect and use its direction key. North means north-facing ground, not wind blowing north. Flat ground may have no clear aspect. Compare the hillside with cover, sun exposure and the season.

    Read aspect colors as the direction a slope faces downhill, not wind direction. Flat ground has its own gray key.

KEEP EXPLORING

Back to all field guidesGet help with this feature
Read contours, slope and aspect | VENATRIQ guide | VENATRIQ