Topographical Maps ?

A topographical map is similar to any other map in that it is a two dimensional drawing of what is actually on the ground. As opposed to a street map it shows the contours of the ground rather than streets and can be used to find things on the ground where there are no streets. This is done by orienting yourself to geographical features rather than streets.
The first thing you have to do with any map is orient it so you know where you are on it. With a topo map that is best done with a compass and recognizable features such as mountain tops, lakes, roads, etc. Use the compass to find magnetic north and align the compas with the magnetic north arrow on the map. When the map is oriented correctly to the earth, getting a compass bearing to any other two features and drawing those lines on the map will show you exactly where you are on the map.
Once you find yourself on the map and have it set out so you know which direction you are looking you can begin to use it to navigate.
Other information you need to find on the individual topo map to effecively use it is the scale of miles, the interval between grid lines which will tell you how steep the ground is between you and where you are going, giving you a hint about the best way to travel across the country.
Many topo maps were drawn many years ago so are also good sources of information about old houses, roads and trails, mines, springs, etc.
I hope this helps.