Yes to all. The map is a projection of your surroundings. You just need to "map" what you see to the map to be able to see where you are and where north is. I guess contour plots is a tad more advanced since it's trying to represent the z axis on a flat sheet of paper.
I'm not trying to be obtuse, I genuinely don't see how it is difficult to read a map.
> You just need to "map" what you see to the map to be able to see where you are and where north is.
Well, you have provided a neat definition of map reading. :)
I know lol that's why I'm not sure how it is difficult or something to learn really.
I guess your mention of representation of elevation made me realize that you at least need to learn the conventions and the key to a map.
>I know lol that's why I'm not sure how it is difficult or something to learn really.
Imagine how easy recursion is to grok for most of us and absurdly painful for most people trying to learn programming.
How about planning a route from contour plots?
Or maybe figure out which direction you should go without a digital compass?