METHODS OF MAP MAKING 113 



SECTION VII 



METHODS OF MAP MAKING 



1. INTRODUCTORY 



There is a well defined call at the present time for good 

 maps of small forest areas maps which show topo- 

 graphic features and record essential facts about timber 

 stand. With the consolidation of large forest properties 

 and their more careful and foresighted management, the 

 need is felt for good maps of these as well, and it is certain 

 that this demand will increase. 



The maps of the past are of all grades of accuracy and 

 utility. A checkerboard of lot lines, with the waters 

 roughly laid down, and estimates of the stand of timber, is 

 the utmost that many lumber companies can command. 

 Some improve this by hatching to represent mountains and 

 divides, and by going more carefully into water lines and 

 areas. 



Hatched Maps. The accompanying map represents part 

 of a township owned by a Maine lumber company, and is a 

 good example of a class of maps now having wide use. For 

 the purposes of the map and of administration, the township 

 was divided into sections, and as the lines were run, chain- 

 age was taken at the crossings of streams and main divides. 

 In addition, some cruising was done within the lots, 

 chiefly to ascertain the amount of timber. On this basis 

 the map was drawn. The course of streams is shown 

 approximately. Mountains and prominent ridges are 

 hatched in. Main existing roads may be put in roughly. 



A map like this, with lines on the ground to correspond 

 with it, is of great service in the management of forest 

 property. Logging contracts can be let with clearly 

 defined boundaries; distance to haul is approximately 

 known ; in a rough way the nature of the ground is repre- 

 sented. It has, however, very evident limitations. Off 

 the section lines, it is all judgment or guesswork, and the 

 details of the country, such as have a very material effect 



