Smart phones and online maps can only get you so far as they are often inaccurate, outdated, and only reliable when you’ve got access to electricity. Real-world survival shouldn’t be left up to whether you’ve got a fully charged cellphone battery or not… it should be something that you can count on at all times… regardless of the wifi networks and cell towers in the area.
Utilizing printed maps during an evacuation, bug out, or supply run, can greatly increase your chances of survival. And a well marked map, in the right set of hands, can easily lead you to to salvation from the Zombie hordes. Local and surrounding area maps can be found at most gas stations, some bookstores, and many libraries… but taking the time to augment and customize the map to your needs is what really makes a difference.
What you need – Local area map and surrounding city/area maps, colored markers, and a waterproof bag or map case.
CREATE A KEY: Simple color codes or symbols based keys, like the ones seen below, can make a big difference when it comes to reading a map in low-light or high stress situations like a Zombie attack, or other major disaster.
Red = Medical Supplies
Green = Food / Water
Blue = Gear
Black = Danger
H = Hospital / Medical
F = Food
W = Water
G = Gear
S = Safe House
Add and adjust colors and abbreviations as you see fit, but remember that the more complicated you make it, the harder it will be to read. Once you’ve created the key, take the time to memorize it and don’t forget to always keep it with your Survival Map… just like a lock, a map isn’t any good without a key.
WHAT TO MARK: Clearly mark your home base, workplace, and other locations that you frequent for long periods of time such as school or friends and family members homes. Work your way outward in a 1-mile radius from your home, marking important landmarks and locations as you go.
Primary Locations -
Hospitals and Pharmacies
Fire / Police Stations
Grocery Stores, Farmers Markets, and other small markets
Gas Stations
Department Stores and Sporting goods stores
Hardware Stores
Potential Safe houses
Airports / Train Stations / Harbors
Secondary Locations -
Tattoo Parlors (Medical Supplies)
Veterinary Clinics (Medical Supplies)
Pawn Shops (Misc. Gear)
Restaurants (Food, Water, possible Gear)
Junk Yards / Recycling Centers (Building Materials and Supplies)
Storage Facilities (Gear, Supplies, Misc)
Car Lots (Vehicles)
Military Depots and Bases (Weapons, Medical, Food, Water, Vehicles)
Supply depots, dangerous areas, and possible routes in and out of town are necessary for any good Survival Map, as well as potential bug out locations and check points for meeting up with friends and family. Only mark locations that are both viable and valuable options, there’s no need to complicate your map with a bunch of useless information… like where the nearest candy store is. Once you’ve completed a 1-mile radius, add another, and another, until you have a completed Survival Map of your surrounding area and cities.
EQUIP: Protect your Survival Map from damage by laminating it or storing it in a waterproof bag or map case. Use clear containers that are easily secured and accessible. Equip your BOB, E-kit, and EDC, with a copy of your Survival Map, they don’t do any good left at home in a drawer.
MAINTAIN: Routes and important locations can change, so make sure to routinely update and check your Survival Map for accuracy. Make adjustments as you need. Practice using your Survival Map on a regular basis, testing travel times and looking for improvements and new locations to mark… it’s an on-going, but important process.
A Survival Map can be as detailed or lack-luster as you want it to be, it all depends on how much time and effort you put into it. But when it comes to the basics of survival, knowing where you are is one of the most important things you can do. We recommend that anyone that can read, takes the time to make a custom Survival Map… it really could mean the difference between life and death or easy living in an apocalyptic world.
