Hiking map

Introduction

Hiking maps are different from other kinds of maps (e.g. tourist or street maps). Unless there is well maintained trail indication and markup system like in Switzerland one usually needs maps with the following features

• 1:25000 resolution (4 cm / kilometer)
• all trails included and (optionally) the "best" hiking trails in a different color
• precision (in particular in mountain areas) and up-to-date (in many countries trails disappear due to the lack of maintenance and the fact that the locals no longer use the trails)
• Several coordinate systems (at least the national one plus the "standard" GPS coordinates)
• topographical contours

Digital hiking maps by countries

Digital hiking maps usually can be bought as DVDs or CDs (and sometimes online). However, for some countries at least, there are possibilities to get free printouts for selected areas.