Open the map and locate the map key. The map key is the list of cities or places located on the map. It is usually located on the side or bottom of the map.
Find your location in the map key. Next to the location will be a letter and a number. This letter and number are coordinates that correspond to the place you are trying to locate on the map.
Place your index finger on the letter. The letters are found on the top of the map.
Place your other finger on the number. The numbers are found listed vertically on the side of the map.
Move each finger inward until they meet. Look closely at this point. You should find your location near here. Remember this location.
Repeat steps 1-5 for each location on your trip.
Connect the locations using streets on the map.
Look at the map legend to see what type of road you will be using on your travels. The map legend is a box with symbols and their descriptions. Using the map key, you can determine if you are traveling primarily on Interstate highways, state highways, scenic drives or even dirt roads. Based on the map legend, you may want to select an out-of-the-way, but faster route on Interstates instead of two-lane roads.
Calculate the distance you will travel using the map scale. The map scale is a line showing how many miles you will travel per inch of map. The map scale is usually located near the map legend.
Pinch your two fingers on each side of the scale, then move those fingers to the map. Use the space between your fingers to measure the distances between locations.
