|
2torial #0652:
Learn2 Fold a Map
Don't worry, it's not an origami lesson!
Fold a map?!? Isn't that like learning to
breathe? If you think map-folding is too simple to
teach, check out the nearest glove compartment and
see how the maps are mashed together a different
way each time they're closed. This presents a
couple of problems: since the map doesn't fold
neatly on its original creases, it occupies more
room than it should; and since it has creases
running every which way through it, it's harder to
read. Folding a map properly lets you access the
necessary part of the map easily, and also lets you
fold away unnecessary parts which might otherwise
distract you. This is particularly useful when
reading a map outside in high winds (outdoors
enthusiasts take note).
And for folks who use topographical maps for
navigating in the backcountry or on water, careful
map folding is invaluable. Topo maps are often sold
in flat, unfolded sheets, and doing a careful job
the first time around will make for greater and
readability for its whole life.
If you take care of a map, it'll remain easier
to fold and easier to read (and last longer). Don't
force any folds, and try to avoid making
unnecessary creases.
In this 2torial, we're asking you to clear off
and wipe down a large flat area where you can do
the folding--a desk, a kitchen counter, or even a
clean floor will work well. You should also arrange
to have good light to work in, so that you can see
the straightness of the folds. We know that these
aren't the real-world circumstances under which
most maps are folded...but consider this the
"laboratory," in which you'll get the hang of
things. A little practice and you'll be able to
maintain fold formality while in the car, almost
without thinking.
Start by orienting the map so that the long
sides extend towards your left and right sides (and
not straight away from you). And if it's possible,
orient the map so that the title section is in the
lower left hand corner--it's fine if the title
section is upside down.
In this process you'll do two types of folds:
folds to the left and to the right. Make sure the
folds are perpendicular to the sides of the map. If
you do this carefully, the folds will represent the
four directions on many maps.
With every fold of a new map, proceed carefully.
Line up the edges of the fold before actually
pressing down to make the fold. Use your thumb and
forefinger of one hand to pinch the open edges that
are lined up together, and with the other hand,
pinch down the line of the fold, making sure that
the open edges aren't slipping around (which would
change the angle of the fold).
And after completing a fold, you need to crease
it. Turn your thumb so that it's face down a map
fold, and draw your thumb towards you, applying
pressure as you go so that you finish with a clean,
sharp crease. Sharp creases make for easy
refolding.
- Bring it over: Take the right edge of
the map and bring it to the left edge, making
the first fold towards the left. This fold
divides the map in half.
- Divide and conquer: Open that fold,
and again take the right edge of the map. This
time, bring it to the crease of the first fold.
This starts the division of the map into
quarters. Crease the second fold.
- Line em' up: Take the right edge of
the map a third time--but this time fold it to
the right. Line up the right edge with the
crease of the second fold, make the fold, and
crease it. This starts the division of the map
into eighths.
Holding those three folded sections together,
you should see them all line up at the first fold
of the map. Now begins an accordion-type folding
pattern that will apply to most of the remainder of
the map.
- M patterns: Take those three folds,
flip the map onto the backside, and line up
those sections with the crease of the first
fold. And then fold to the right and crease.
Take a side-view look at the map to see what
you've just done: you should see a M-pattern of
folds. If you see a spiral-shape that folds into
itself, you've done this last fold incorrectly,
so try folding it the opposite way.
Continue with this way of folding--gathering all
of the folded sections together, flip the map over
to the other side, and make a fold that's the width
of the other folded sections (which are 1/8 of the
map each).
- Thirds: All that remains is to fold
these 1/8 strips into thirds, along their width.
Start with the title section facing down and
nearest to you. Make the first 1/3 fold by
taking the edge nearest you and lining it up so
that it creates two sections of equal length.
And then fold and crease.
- Fold and crease: Open that fold and
flip the map to the other side so that the title
section faces up. Then take the crease of the
most recent fold, and line it up with the far
edge of the map. Fold and crease, and you're
left with a neat little bundle of map, title
section up.
Refold a pre-folded
map
There's also an art to refolding a pre-folded
map. Here are some tips to get a map folded away
neat and flat for easy storage.
- Always keep an eye out for the opening
section of map--the section that has the
title, price, publishing information, etc. Any
fold you make should not bury that section from
view. As soon as you make any fold that folds
that section away, then undo the fold you just
did, and look for another option.
- Look at the map--there are only two
kinds of folds, those that go lengthwise, and
those that go across the width. In most maps,
you fold up all the folds going one way (say,
lengthwise) before you start folding it the
other way. If you can't remember which way goes
first, try doing all the lengthwise folds, and
see what happens. If you lose sight of the title
section of the map, you know you've made an
error and should try it the other way.
-end-
Learn More!
|
