Phrases › Reading Signs and Maps › Dove compro una cartina topografica?

Dove compro una cartina topografica?

Where do I buy a topographic map?

Pronunciation

'Topografica' — to-po-GRA-fi-ca. Five syllables; stress on the third. Hard 'c' at the end.

When to use it

Ask at a newsstand, bookshop, or outdoor sports shop before hiking or cycling in unfamiliar Italian terrain. Standard tourist maps are insufficient for trails.

What it means

'Cartina' is the diminutive of 'carta' (paper/map) — a small or folded map. 'Topografica' means topographic, showing elevation contours. 'Dove compro' is the simple present used to ask where to make a purchase. The IGM (Istituto Geografico Militare) produces Italy's official topographic maps.

Variations

Hanno mappe IGM qui?

Do they have IGM maps here?

IGM maps are the gold standard for Italian hiking.

C'è una libreria qui vicino?

Is there a bookshop nearby?

Bookshops and outdoor shops sell topographic maps.

Posso scaricare la mappa offline?

Can I download the map offline?

Apps like CompeGPS or AllTrails offer offline Italian maps.

Mini Dialogue

— Dove compro una cartina topografica della zona? — In edicola o al negozio di outdoor qui in paese. — Scale 1:25000? — Sì, quelle IGM le trovi lì di sicuro.

— Where do I buy a topographic map of the area? — At the newsstand or the outdoor shop here in town. — Scale 1:25000? — Yes, you'll definitely find the IGM ones there.

Cultural Note

The IGM (Istituto Geografico Militare) in Florence produces official topographic maps of all of Italy at scales 1:50,000 and 1:25,000. These are the standard for serious hiking and are available at specialist outdoor shops (negozi di outdoor) and some newsstands near hiking areas.

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