Kind of makes you think you want to have a couple of topo maps if you're walking around near the edge of the single one you've got. Besides, if you have one, you might want to LOOK at it occasionally. Before you're lost.
Yup, for sure the easiest way not to get lost is to "stay found".
When I was taught orienteering, you kept the map in your hand with your thumb on your location. You checked it every so often, and moved that thumb. It was pretty hard to get too far from a known good location.
I can't say that I do that as often now for on trail hiking, but, my map is always folded so that the section I'm in is already on the outside when I pull it out of my pocket. I check it anytime there's a trail fork certainly, or a major landmark, elevation change, etc. It seems like I probably glance at least every 10-15 minutes. Maybe that's overkill, but, I haven't been "lost" in many years. Having a compass in a pouch on your shoulder strap with a lanyard makes it easy to take a quick bearing too.
How do other folks use trail and topo maps when hiking? How often do you take a glance and make sure you're "still found"?
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