Select the regional map where your destination is located. Broad regions of the United States include Southeast Southwest, Northeast, Northwest, Midwest and West.
Narrow down the search to the state to which you are traveling. A regional map divides the states with border lines and the names of the states in an extra large font.
Single out colors for certain places on the map. Large green areas are forest areas, while blue indicates bodies of water such as lakes or rivers. This helps you easily identify certain locations. If you know your location is within a forest area or near a specific river, finding these areas first helps you narrow down your search.
Look for the names of large cities. Large or significant cities, such as capitals, are printed in a larger font on maps than other towns, making them easy to find. If your destination isn't a large city, knowing the ones nearby helps determine an approximate location.
Slowly look over the map in the narrowed down area. Read all names of towns you come across until you discover the town name to which you plan to travel.
Look up the name of the place in the index and remember the code next to the name. Maps with an index are divided into grids with letters and numbers running along the side and top. This allows you to skip the hunt for places. For example a map might have letters down the side and numbers across the top. Locate the number and letter in your code, and then use your fingers to draw a line over the map until they meet. The place you are looking for should be in the area where letter row and number column intersect.
