reading a map

glad that is an example, far from being the shortest. lol.

 

Use this site to get directions between 2 points . http://truckmiles.com/
Then get your atlas out and follow the routes given . In the back of atlases and on the side of maps there is an index of cities and states . They will give the map location of cities with a letter and number . Find the letter and number on the side of the map and run straight lines up and across the map from them . The city you are looking for will be close to where those lines intersect .

 

Best routing site I've seen on the web so far! Thanks RickG!

 

So provide the shortest route for the OP.. in detail.

 

You will never find Pittsburg,PA on any map. You will however find PittsburgH, PA on every map. We have an H at the end.

 

Back when I first started driving we had no Qualcomm, no pre-defined directions, no GPS/onboard mapping devices, no cell phones, so we actually accumulated city maps and actually used them to find shipper/consignees. I had 2 brief cases full of city maps that got stolen out of my pickup one day while on home-time. Talk about being pissed and lost and out a bunch of money and wealth of maps. My how times have changed.

 

Reading Mile Markers on the Interstate system is real helpful. Mile markers numbers go up as you travel North or East. They go down as you travel South or West.

You can easily tell by addition or subtraction of mile marker numbers just how far you have to go till youve reached your Exit. *Couple of states are exceptions to this rule.

Even number Interstates indicate a East or West direction of travel. Odd numbers designate North or South.

Always know what Mile Marker your at. Your trainer will ask from time to time what MM your at. You better know. If you witness a wreck, 911 will ask you what the nearest MM is and your direction of travel.

Wanna feel like a real A Hole? Witness a wreck where lives are depending on receiving quick help from EMS, and send the ambulance the wrong direction because you didnt know the mile marker. I came on an accident scene once, and we could hear the ambulance going the wrong direction because some ### hat gave the wrong info. Not cool!

If you buy the more expensive maps with the laminated pages you can use a dry erase marker to pre-plan your trips. You can even cheat a little and write those highway numbers and direction of travel on your windshield.

 

Not always...there are a couple that don't use the "common, regular" direction for mile markers.

I'm thinking Georgia is backwards...increasing as you go South and West. It's one of those southern states!

And if the atlas is old enough...PA on I-80 numbered the exits not by miles but by "first one, second, third" exit 3 was about 40 miles in!

Sorry...didn't see you mentioned that in your post already.....HEY I'm in WA....stress is a killer you know!

Oh yeah....to the OP....plan your trips at 50 mph, or 2 hours to drive 100 miles. It will leave you "adjust time" for p/u and delivery schedules!

 

and a whooooole lotta H all through it too.

 

Cell phones have gps tracking when you call 911, so they will know your location.