MAP READING AND LAND NAVIGATION

Map according to SCALE

1. Small
2. Medium
3. Large

SMALL

Maps at scales of 1:500,000 and smaller are used for general planning and for strategical studies at the high echelons.

The standard scale is 1:1,000,000

MEDIUM

Maps at scales larger than 1:600,000 but smaller than 1:75,000 are used for planning operations, including the movement and concentration of troops and supplies.

The standard scale map is 1:250,000.

LARGE

Maps scales of 1:75,000 and larger are used to meet tactical, technical, and administrative needs of field units.

The standard scale is 1:50,000

Map according to TYPE

1. Planimetric map
2. Topographic map
3. Photomap
4. Joint Operations Graphics
5. Photomosaic
6. Terrain Model
7. Military City map
8. Special maps

PLANIMETRIC MAP

This is a map that represents only the horizontal positions of the features presented. It is distinguished from a topographic map by the omission of relief, normally presented by contour lines.

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

This is a map that portrays terrain features in a measurable way (usually through use of contour lines), as well as the horizontal positions of the features represented.

The vertical positions, or relief, are normally represented by **contour lines** on military topographic maps.

On maps showing relief, the elevations and contours are measured from a specific vertical datum plane, usually mean sea level.

PHOTOMAP

This is a reproduction of an aerial photograph upon which grid lines, marginal data, place names, route numbers, important elevations, boundaries, and approximate scale and direction have been added.

JOINT OPERATIONS GRAPHICS

These are the series of 1:1,250,000 scale military maos designed for joint ground and air operations.

PHOTOMOSAIC

This is an assembly of aerial photographs that is commonly called a mosaic in topographic usage.

TERRAIN MODEL

This is a scale model of the terrain showing features, and in large-scale models showing industrial and cultural shapes.

MILITARY CITY MAP

This is topographic map usually 1:2500 scale of city delineating streets and showing street names, important buildings and other urban elements of military importance which are compatible with the scale of the map.

SPECIAL MAPS

These are maps for special purposes, such as trafficability, communications, and assault maps.

SHEET NAME

is found in two places, the center of the upper margin or either the right or left.

SHEET NUMBER

Is found in two places, the upper right margin and the lower right margin.

It is used as number for that map sheet.

SERIES NUMBER

Is found in both the upper right margin and lower lower left margin.

It is expressed either as a four-digit numeral or as a letter follower by a three or four digit numerals.

EDITION NUMBER

Is found in the upper margin and in the lower left margin.

Ir represents the age of the map in relation to other editions of the same map.

INDEX TO BOUNDERIES

Appears in the lower or right margin of all sheets. This diagram, which is a miniature of the map, shows the boundaries that occur within the map area, such as county lines and state boundaries.

ADJOINING SHEET DIAGRAM

Maps at all standard scales contain a diagram that illustrates the adjoining sheets.

ELEVATION GUIDE

Normally found in the lower right margin.

It is a miniature characterization of the terrain shown.

BAR SCALES

Are found in the center of the lower margin.

They are rulers used to convert map distance to ground distance.

CONTOUR INTERVAL NOTE

Found in the center of the lower margin normally below the bar scales.

It states the vertical distance between adjacent contour lines of the map.

BLACK

Indicates cultural (man-made) features such as buildings railroads and bridges.

REDISH BROWN

The colors red and brown are combined to identify cultural features, all relief features, and elevation, such as contour lines on red-light readable maps.

BLUE

Identifies hydrography or water features such as lakes, swamps, rivers, and drainage.

GREEN

Identifies vegetation with military significance, such as woods, orchards, and vineyards.

RED

Classifies cultural features, such as populated areas, main roads, and boundaries, on older maps

THE RIDGELINE

All terrain featuresare derived from complex landmass.

THE VALLEY

Stretched-out groove on the land, usually formed by streams or rivers.

THE SPURS

Short, continous sloping line of higher ground, normally jutting out from the side of a ridge.

THE SADDLE

Dip or lowpoint between to areas of higher ground.

Is no neccessary if the lower ground is between two hilltops.

THE DRAW

Less-developed stream course than a valley. Essentially no level ground, therefore little or no maneuver room within its confines.

THE CLIFF

Vertical or near-vertical feature. It is an abrupt change of land.

When the slope is so deep that the contour lines converge into one carrying contour of contours, these last contour lines have tick marks pointing towards low ground.

THE RIDGE

Sloping line of high ground.

GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATE

One of the oldest systemaatic methods of location; based upon the geographic coordinate system by drawing a set of east-west (latitude) and north-south (longitude)

MILITARY GRID SYSTEM

This is a network of squares formed by north-south and east-west grid line placed on a map.

The distance between the grid lines represents 1000 or 10,000 meters depending on the scale of the map.

GRID LINES

Identified by specific numbers printed on the margin opposite the line it indicates.

GRID SQUARE

North-south and east-west grid line intersect at 90 degrees, forming grid squares.

THREE BASE DIRECTION

1. True North
2. Magnetic North
3. The Grid North

ORIENTATION OF A MAP

a. Orientation by compass

b. Orientation by inspection

LAND NAVIGATION

Is a movmeent between two points on the ground where an individual using terrain figures to guide upon knows his map and ground location throughout the movement.

5 NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

1. Tactical map (scale 1:50,000)
2. Lensatic compass
3. Protractor
4. Ruler
5. Ballpen/pencil

AZIMUTH

The angle formed by an object as reckoned from the magnetic north.

BACK AZIMUTH

Direction directly opposite the magnetic azimuth. Thus they differ exactly 180 degrees.

RESECTION METHOD

Methos used to locate your exact postion on the map by the use of two prominent features.

INTERSECTION METHOD

There may be an instance that you know your exact position in the map and you want to pinpoint the location of a visible distant object.

TYPES OF MARCHES

1. Tactical marches
2. Administrative marches
3. Force marches

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD MARCHER

1. Troops arrive at their destination at a prescribed time.
2. The troops are still in a condition to execute their mission.

CONSIDERATION DURING MOVEMENT

1. Lenght of marches
2. Security
3. Halts