Reading Rick's Maps

north?

Yes, that is a "north" arrow, and yes, they do not always point "up", I think they usually do, just depends on how the map fits the page.

Thanks guys. I figured as much, but since it doesn't look like a traditional compass rose, I thought I'd check before I start hiking off in the wrong direction!

Awesome post so I can ask my dumb question! I'm awful when it come to maps and nort, west, south, east. For me up is always north, right is always west, no matter where I am which of course that is wrong 90% of the times, so if I'm reading Rick's little maps in the books where the n is that is north or whrere the N arrow is pointing towards that is north or really what is in the upper part of the map is north?

Gaby: Paul has it right. Up on maps is often north, but not always and not always with Rick's "sketch" maps in his books. His sketch maps will almost always have an arrow, labeled "N" indicating approximate north (emphasis on approximate). Some folks buy the small $10 compasses and, if they have a map which indicates N, then they just match the map to the compass. And some people save the $10 bucks and the hassle of a map and just "enjoy" (or so they say) getting lost.

Not if you use a mirror or flipped-around tracing paper. .......Actually, I like the RS sketch maps since they do a good job of perpetuating the flat-earth theory.