MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Map Reading
Review
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Learning Objectives
❑ Identify the marginal information and topographic
symbols on a military map
❑ Distinguish between the five major, three minor
and two supplemental terrain features on a map
❑ Determine grid coordinates on a map
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Marginal Information (1 of 4)
❑ Sheet Name
❑ Sheet Number
❑ Adjoining Map
Sheets Diagram
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Marginal Information (2 of 4)
❑ Special Notes
❑ Declination Diagram
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Marginal Information (3 of 4)
❑ Scales
❑ Contour Interval
Notes
❑ Grid Reference Box
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Elevation and Contour Lines
CONTOUR INTERVAL 10 METERS
SUPPLEMENTARY CONTOURS 5 METERS
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Marginal Information (4 of 4)
Legend
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Colors used on a Military Map
❑ Black: Man-made features
❑ Blue: Water features
❑ Brown: Relief features and elevation on older or red-light readable
maps
❑ Green: Vegetation
❑ Red: Man-made features
❑ Red-Brown: Cultural features and non-surveyed spot elevations
❑ Other: Occasionally other colors may be used to show special
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Terrain Features
Five Major Three Minor
❑ Hill ❑ Draw
❑ Valley ❑ Spur
❑ Ridge ❑ Cliff
❑ Saddle
❑ Depression Two Supplemental
❑ Cut
❑ Fill
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Hill
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Valley
X
X
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Ridge
X
GE
RI D
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Ridgeline
RIDGELINE RIDGELINE
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Ridgeline
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Saddle
X X
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Depression
X
X
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Spur
X X X
X
X X
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Draw
X X X
X
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Cliff
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Cut and Fill
X
X
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
How to Remember
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Protractor
(GTA 5-2-12)
Mils
0-6400
Map Scales
1/ 25,000 Degrees
1/ 50,000 0-360
1/ 100,000
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Four-Digit Grid Coordinates
16S FG 05 80
1) Identify the 100,000
Square Identification
Letters (in the Grid
Reference Box).
2) Read Right to the last
north-south grid before
your point.
Then Up 3) Read Up to the last
Read Right
east-west grid below or
before your point.
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
‘Zero (0) Mark’
❑ Select the correct scale on the protractor.
16S FG 05 80
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000
Place the
horizontal
scale on the
1000 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
grid line with
the ‘zero (0)
mark’ at the
lower
left-hand
corner of the
grid square.
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Six-Digit Grid Coordinates
16S FG 055 804
❑ Slide scale right
.
into until the
vertical scale
intersects the
center of your
plot point.
❑ Grid coordinates
are determined to
the nearest 100m
(six digits)
❑ Read right, then
read up
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Eight-Digit Grid Coordinates
16S FG 0557 8046
❑ Slide scale right
.
into until the
vertical scale
intersects the
center of your
plot point.
❑ Grid coordinates
are determined to
the nearest 10m
(eight digits)
❑ Read right, then
read up
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Map Reading
Practical Exercise
❑ Utilizing the Ft. Knox Map, provide a six digit grid for the
following terrain features:
❑ Hill
❑ Valley
❑ Ridge
❑ Saddle
❑ Depression
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Land Navigation
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Learning Objectives
❑ Determine azimuths using a military map and
protractor
❑ Convert magnetic azimuth to a grid azimuth and grid
azimuth to a magnetic azimuth using the G/M angle
❑ Calculate a back azimuth
❑ Locate an unknown point on a map and on the ground
by intersection
❑ Locate an unknown point on a map and on the ground
by resection
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Determining Azimuths
Mils Scale Degrees Scale
45°
225° 120°
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Determining a Grid Azimuth
03
y
02
01
00 57°
99 x
98
97
09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Base Lines - the Three Norths
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Declination Diagrams
Figure 6-8. Declination diagrams.
FM 3-25.26
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Magnetic Declination in the United States
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Converting Azimuths
Tenino Map Sheet Sample (Michigan – South
Easterly Declination Carolina)
Westerly Declination
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Back Azimuths
If original azimuth is less than 180° then ADD
If original azimuth is more than 180° SUBTRACT
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is the grid azimuth from Hill 141 to Hill 144?
48 degrees
What is the
back azimuth
for 48 degrees?
228 degrees
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is the magnetic azimuth from Hill 141 to Hill 144?
48
21
48
- 21
27 degrees
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is the grid azimuth from Highway 507 to Hill 141?
21 Hill 141
254
254
+ 21
275 degrees
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Intersection
❑ Locating an unknown point by at least
two known points
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is the location of an unknown point visible from Hill 141 & Hill 144?
11
1
Hill 141 – 111 + 21 = 132
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is the location of an unknown point visible from Hill 141 & Hill 144?
174
Hill 141 – 111 + 21 = 132
Hill 144 – 174 + 21 = 195
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is the location of an unknown point visible from Hill 141 & Hill 144?
Hill 141 – 111 + 21 = 132
Hill 144 – 174 + 21 = 195
10T EG 0646 7965
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Resection
❑ Locating one’s position on a map by determining the
grid azimuth to at least two well-defined locations that
can be pinpointed on a map, and then shooting
intersecting back-azimuths
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is my unknown location using Hill 141 and Hill 144?
Hill 141 – 291 + 21 = 312291
312 - 180 = 132
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is my unknown location using Hill 141 and Hill 144?
Hill 141 – 291 + 21 = 312
312 - 180 = 132 0
Hill 144 – 0 + 21 = 21
21 + 180 = 201
Ikaika Imua !! UNCLASSIFIED // FOUO
MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is my unknown location using Hill 141 and Hill 144?
Hill 141 – 291 + 21 = 312
312 - 180 = 132
Hill 144 – 0 + 21 = 21
21 + 180 = 201
10T EG 0629 7980
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
Modified Resection
❑ Locating one’s position on the map when the person is located on a linear feature on the ground,
such as a road, canal, or stream
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is my unknown location along Highway 507 with Hill 141 visible?
291
Hill 141 – 291 + 21 = 312
312 - 180 = 132
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Land Navigation
What is my unknown location along Highway 507 with Hill 141 visible?
Hill 141-291- 180 =
111
111 + 21 = 132
10T EG 0610 7997
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Navigational Methods
and Route Planning
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Learning Objectives
❑ Classify the Four Steps of Land Navigation
❑ Calculate Straight and Curved Line Distance on a Map
❑ Select the Best Land Navigation Technique to Apply to
a Scenario
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Land Navigation Steps
❑ Know where you are
❑ Plan the route
❑ Stay on the route
❑ Recognize the objective
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Know Where You Are
❑ Knowing your initial location (start point) on the ground
and map at all times
❑ Determine distance and direction to your objective
❑ Terrain and other features such as danger areas, the
enemy, impassable terrain and/or man-made obstacles
present both advantages and disadvantages along the
route to the objective
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Plan the Route
❑ Use OAKOC to analyze the terrain’s tactical aspect of both you
and the enemy
■ Observation and Fields of Fire
■ Avenues of Approach
■ Key Terrain
■ Obstacles
■ Cover* and Concealment*
❑ Availability of control and coordination features
❑ Availability of reliable checkpoint features and steering marks*
*Three route selection criteria important to small-unit movements
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Stay on the Route
❑ Use dead reckoning (compass reading)
❑ Use terrain association (landmarks)
❑ Use a combination of both
■ Plot azimuth and distance to or from a checkpoint
or steering feature
■ Use resection or intersection to verify your location
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Recognize the Objective
❑ Destinations are often hard to recognize
❑ Use Attack Points: A final checkpoint from which you
can use dead reckoning to your objective
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Land Navigation Techniques
Successful Land Navigation in combat depends on
❑ Effective use of detailed map information
❑ Keen analysis of terrain while on the move
Accomplished by the use of either or both navigation
techniques:
Dead Reckoning Terrain Association
■ Compass ■ Handrails
■ Pace Count ■ Catching Features
■ Steering Marks ■ Attack Points
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Dead Reckoning
❑ Plot your position & destination,
determine your direction & distance
❑ Use compass and means of
measuring distance to apply on the
ground
❑ Terrain Considerations
■ Tactical Aspects
■ Navigational Aspects
■ Enemy Situation
■ Obstacles (Natural/Man-made)
■ Time & Safety
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Steering Marks
❑ Prominent landmarks on your
azimuth of travel
❑ Select steering marks as you
travel
❑ Uniquely shaped trees, rocks,
hilltops, posts, towers, and
buildings
❑ Must be clearly visible when
used at night
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Pace Count
❑ Pace = one natural step
❑ Count as foot strikes ground
■ Every Step or
■ Every Other Step
❑ Track distance with knots, pebbles,
or tick marks
❑ Pace count affected by
■ Slopes
■ Winds
■ Surfaces
■ Elements
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MSL 301, Lesson 04: Navigational Methods and Route Planning
Terrain Association
❑ Identify and locate selected
features
❑ Use handrails, catching features
and attack points
❑ Recognize the limitations of
terrain association
❑ Selectively combine terrain
association with dead reckoning
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Closeout
Admin Notes:
- Scholarship Election Forms
- Keep filling out your information on TBB
- Golf Tournament
Next Lesson:
▪ Diamondhead, Land Nav PE
Cadet Due Outs:
▪ Read ATP 3-21.8 para 1-10 (p. 1-4) – METT-TC
▪ Read ATP 3-21.8 para 2-191 thru 2-194 (p. 2-69 to 2-70) - Rehearsals
Questions:
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