MAP - is a graphic representation of the earth’s surface or part of it drawn into scales

as seen from above

CARTOGRAPHY - is the art and science of expressing the physical features of the
ground graphically by maps or charts.
MAP READING - is the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret topographic
symbols found on the map and translate them to actual ground

IMPORTANCE OF MAP
When used correctly, maps can give accurate information on factors such as distance,
location, heights, best routes, key terrain features, concealment, and cover. With
combat elements widely dispersed in an area that might be in any part of the world, it
becomes more and more necessary to rely on maps. An adequate supply of maps is a
major requirement in any operation but maps are worthless unless the holder knows
how to read them

CATEGORIES AND USES OF MAPS ACCORDING TO SCALE

Scale- expressed as a fraction and gives the ratio of map distance to the ground
distance.

a. Small scale - maps at scales of 1:600,000 and smaller. They are used for general
planning and for strategic studies at high echelons. The standard small scale is
1:1,000,000.

b. Medium Scale - 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 medium scale is 1:250,000.

c. Large Scale - maps at scales of 1:75,000 and larger are used to meet the tactical,
technical, and administrative needs of field units. The standard large scale is 1:50,000.
MARGINAL INFORMATION
- information contained in the margin of a map that gives details of a technical nature
that must be considered if the map is to be used correctly.
a. Sheet name - A map is named after the most prominent cultural or geographical
feature. Found at the upper center margin.
b. Sheet number - used as reference number for the map sheet. Found at the upper
right margin.

c. Series name - Map series usually includes a group of similar maps at the same scale
and on the same sheet lines or format designed to cover a particular geographic area.
Found in the upper left margin.
d. Scale - the scale note is a representative fraction that gives the ratio of the map
distance to the corresponding distance on the earth’s surface.
e. Series number -Ussed as reference to link specific map. Found in the upper right
and lower left margins.
f. Edition number – it represents the edge of the map in relation to other editions of the
same map. Found in the upper and lower margin.
g. Index to boundaries - the diagram which is a miniature map shows the boundaries
that occur within the map area, such as political boundaries.
h. Adjoining sheet diagram - all maps at standard scale contain a diagram that
illustrates the adjoining sheet. The diagram usually contains nine rectangles, but the
number may vary depending on the location of the adjoining sheets. All represented
sheets are identified by their sheet numbers. Sheets of an adjoining series that
are at the same scale are represented by dashed lines. The series number of the
adjoining series is indicated along appropriate side division line between the series.
i. Elevation Guide - normally found in the lower right margin. It is a miniature
characterization of the terrain shown. The terrain is represented by bands of elevation,
spot elevations, and major drainage features. The elevation guide provides the map
reader with a means of rapid recognition of major landforms.
j. Declination Diagram - located in the lower margin of large scale maps and indicates
the angular relationships of true north, grid north, and magnetic north.
k. Bar Scale - located in the center of the lower margin. They are rulers used to convert
map distance to ground distance. Maps have three or more bar scales, each in a
different unit of measure.
l. Contour Interval Note - states the vertical distance between adjacent contour
lines on the map. When supplementary contours are used, the interval is given in
meters instead of feet.
m. Spheroid Note - indicates the spheroid on which the map is based.
n. Projection Note - the projection system is the framework of the map. For military
maps, this framework is of the conformal types that is the small areas of the surface of
the earth retain their true shapes on the projection. The projection note is located in the
center of the lower margin. It is either Traverse Mercator Projection, Lambert Conformal
Conic Projection, or Polar Stereographic Projection.
o. Legends – it illustrates and identifies the topographic symbol used to depict some of
the more prominent features of the map. Found in the lower left margin
MAPS SIGNS AND SYMBOLS:
Map Symbol – it was a sign composed of a diagram number, letters, abbreviation, color
or combination thereof, which is used to identify and distinguish a particular place or
area.
A. Purpose:
1. To visualize an area of the earth's surface with pertinent feature planning.
2. To represent the natural and manmade features.
B. Classification:
1. Topographic Symbols – are standard drawing of map features and organized by
their colors.
Topographic colors:
1) Black – all manmade features, such as buildings, roads not shown in red, etc.
2) Blue – all water features, such as lakes, rivers, swamps, streams, etc.
3) Brown – all land forms, such contours, cuts, fills, etc.
5) Green – all vegetation, such as forest, orchid, hide grass, jungles, etc.
6) Red – main roads, built-up areas, and special info.
2. Military Symbols – a symbol used by the map user when he wants to show the
disposition of troops and overlaying of military installation.
a. Military Colors:
1) Blue – all friendly forces, installations, activities and firepower.
2) Red – all enemy forces, installation and activities (double lines means enemy).
3) Yellow – shows grassed or contaminated areas maybe the result of either friendly or
enemy actions.
4) Green – indicates friendly or enemy demolition, minefield and manmade obstacles.
5) Spare Colors – use for classification and accompanied by legend.

b. Types of Military Symbols:

1) Troops Unit Symbols – are shown by rectangle. (Basic symbols for military unit and
activities).
2) Branch Arm of Service and Type – Organization Symbol – used in conjunction
either other symbols to signify a military unit activity or installation.
3) Size of Unit – used to identify the size of a unit or installation.

GRID COORDINATES
In map reading, you must know the cardinal rule in using a map “READ, RIGHT, UP”.
The vertical lines with numbers are the first ones to read before the horizontal lines.
a. Grid Square - the north, south, east, and west gridlines intersect at 90 degrees
forming a grid square. Normally the size of these squares on a large scale is 1,000
meters (1 kilometer).
b. Grid Coordinate scales - the primary tool for plotting grid coordinates is the grid
coordinate scale map.
c. Determining grids - based on the military principles for reading maps (right and up)
location on the map can be determined by grid coordinates. The number of digits
represents the degree of precision to which a point has been located and measured on
a map. The more digits, the more precise the measurements.
d. Precision - The precision of a point reference is shown by the number of digits in the
coordinates. The more digits, the more precise the location.
Four Digits 1828 = 1,000 meters
Six Digits 187285 = 100 meters
Eight Digits 18782853 = 10 meters
Base Lines
1) True North. A line from any point on the earth’s surface to the north pole. All lines of
longitudes are true north lines. True north is symbolized by a star.
2) Magnetic North. The direction to the North magnetic pole is indicated by the north-
seeking needle of a magnetic instrument. Magnetic north is usually symbolized by a
half-arrowhead.
3) Grid North. The north is established by the vertical grid lines on the map. Grid North
may be
symbolized by the letters GN or letter Y.

e. Azimuths - an azimuth is a horizontal angle, measured in a clockwise manner from a

north baseline.

Method of Locating Points

1) Intersection. Method of locating an unknown point by occupying at least two

(preferably three) known
positions on the ground and map sighting on the unknown location. It is used to locate
distant or inaccessible points or objects,
such as enemy targets, danger areas, and so forth.

2) Resection. Method of locating unknown position by sighting two or more known

features and getting their back azimuth.

3) Polar Plot. Method of locating or plotting an unknown point by giving a direction and
distance along that direction line.

4) Modified Resection. The method of locating one’s position on the map when you are
located on a liner feature on the ground such as a road, river, canal, coastline, etc. by
sighting one known feature and getting their back azimuth.