Reflecting on a past hike and making a map.

This morning I was re-reading about expository mapping in one of  Mark Monmonier’s books, Mapping it Out. 

Yesterday, while making a video, I wanted to explain how important it is to write out what you think you are making a map of. 

This was a hike to Mount Temple, which is south of Lake Louise.

If I was to make a map of this picture, it would show the area relative to Lake Louise and the Trans Canada Highway. The map would show our route and convey a sense of the mountains.

I decided to make the map, and it looks like this. I didn’t bother to show the proximity to Calgary or even Philadelphia. In the end I got to think about the friends I made on this trip between Banff and Jasper and what we learned about glaciers. 

Earlier on the hike, we passed by a hiker who was having a difficult time and needed emergency help. The hiker’s friend said they didn’t need help. But our guides were concerned and stayed back to help and get an evacuation.