HEADQUARTERS
Department of Military Science and Tactics
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY, ROTC UNIT
203rd (NVz) Community Defense Center, 2RCDG, RESCOM
Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya
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Basic
MAP READING
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WHAT IS MAP?
is a graphical representation of the earth’s surface or it, drawn or formed
to scale on plane. Man-made and natural features are depicted by symbols;
lines, colors, and forms.
When used correctly, a map can give accurate information on such
factors as distance, locations, heights, best routes, key terrain features,
concealment and cover. With combat elements widely dispersed in an area,
which might be in any part of the world, it becomes more necessary to reply
upon maps. Combat operation in modern warfare must be concerned not only
with our own familiar areas but also the far-flung theaters of the world. Vast
amounts of materials must be procured, transported, scored and phased into the
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the proper place in overall plan. By necessity, much of this planning be
done on maps. It is readily apparent that a major requirement for any operation
is an adequate supply of maps. Equally apparent is the fact that the finest maps
made are worthless unless the maps user knows how to read them.
Reading a Map: READ RIGHT UP
Orienting a Map
- Map is oriented in horizontal position with each north and south
corresponding to the north and south on the ground.
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the proper place in overall plan. By necessity, much of this planning be done on maps. It is readily
apparent that a major requirement for any operation is an adequate supply of maps. Equally apparent
is the fact that the finest maps made are worthless unless the maps user knows how to read them.
Reading a Map: READ RIGHT UP
Presentations are communication tools that can be used as demonstrations.
Orienting a Map
- Map is oriented in horizontal position with each north and south corresponding to the north
and south on the ground.
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CATEGORIES AND USES OF MILITARY MAPS
-The term military maps include all maps designed for use by the
Department of Defense expect aeronautic and hydrographic charts. Military
maps are usually identified according to scale and type.
SCALE- expressed as fraction and gives the ratio of map distance to ground
distances. Numbers must be viewed as fractions. When read that way, it quickly
becomes apparent that 1: 600,000 of something is smaller than 1: 75,000 of the
same thing. Hence, the larger after 1: the smaller the scale of the map.
a. Small scale
-Maps at scale of 1:600,000 and smaller are used for general
planning and for strategical studies at the high echelons.
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b. Medium scale
-Maps at scale 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.
c. Larger scale
- Maps at scale of 1:75:000 and larger are used to meet tactical,
technical and administrative needs of field units.
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TYPE of MAP
a. Planimetric map – shows only the horizontal (flat) position of features.
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b. Topographic map – a two-dimensional map which presents the horizontal
(flat) and vertical (relief) positions of features represented
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c. Plastic relief map – a topographic map printed in plastic and molded into
a three-dimensional form.
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d. Photo map – A map reproduction of photograph or photo mosaic upon
which grid lines, marginal data, place names and boundaries may be
added.
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e. Joint operation graphics- these are based on the format of a standard 1:25,000 medium
scale military topographic maps, but they contain additional information needed in joint
operations. Along the north and east edges of the graphic, detail is extended beyond the
standard map sheet to provide overlap with adjacent sheets.
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f. Plastic relief photomap – A photomap printed in plastic and molded into
a three-dimensional form.
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g. Photomosaic – An assembly of aerial photographs to form a composite
picture.
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h. Military City maps – A large scale of
topographic map of a city usually at
scale1:12,500.
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i. Special maps – Maps for special purpose such as traficability maps,
transportation maps, boundary maps, etc.
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j. Terrain Model – A three-dimensional representation of an area, mold plaster, rubber of other
materials. It is distinguished from the other maps in that it shows some cultural and terrain features
realistically instead of symbolically.
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MARGINAL INFORMATION AND SYMBOLS
A map could be compared to any equipment, in that before it is
placed into operation the user must read the instruction. These
instructions are placed around the edge of the map and are known as the
marginal information. All maps are not the same so it becomes necessary
every time a different map is used is used to examine the marginal
information carefully.
1. Sheet name
– found in two places; the center of the upper margin and the
right side of the lower margin. Generally, a map is used after its
outstanding cultural or geographical feature. Whenever possible
the name of the largest City on the map is used.
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2. Sheet number
– found in the right margin of the map.
3. Series name and scale
– found in the upper left margin of the map.
4. Series number
– found in the upper right margin and in the lower left margin of the map.
a. The first entry of a series number may be either a numeral or letter. It is
a number it indicates a world series, and if a letter. It is a number it
indicates a world series, and if a letter, it indicates a geographical
regional area.
b. The second entry is always a number and indicates the scale group of
the map. 5 = 1:250,000 6 = 1:100,000 7 = 1:50,000
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c. The third entry is always a number and indicates the scale group of the
map.
d. The fourth entry identifies this series from others having the same
scale and area average.
5. Edition number
– found in the center of the lower margin. They are rulers used for the
determination of ground distance.
6. Bar scale
– located in the center of the lower margin. They are rulers used for the
determination of ground distance.
7. Index to adjoining sheets
– appears in the lower margin. It identifies the map sheet surrounding the
maps.
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8. Index to boundaries
– appears in the lower margin. It identifies the map sheet surrounding the
maps.
9. Grid reference box
– located in the lower margin and contains information or identifying the
grid zone and 100,000-meter square in which the area presented by the
map is located and instructions for giving grid reference on the map.
[Link]
– located in the lower left margin. It illustrates and identifies the topographic
symbols used in the maps.
[Link] diagram
– located in the lower margin and indicates the angular relationships of true
north, grid north and magnetic north.
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[Link] interval
– found in the center of the lower margin and state the vertical distance
between adjacent contour lines on the map.
[Link] Sheets Diagram
– Maps of all standard scales contain a diagram that illustrates the
adjoining sheets. All represented sheets are identified by their sheets
numbers.
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COLORS USED IN MILITARY MAP
To identify feature on the Map, it is being represented by different
colors. These colors may vary from map to map. On a standard large-scale
topographic map, the colors used and the features each are represented by:
a. Black - Indicates cultural (man-made) features, such as buildings and
roads.
b. Reddish-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.
c. Blue - Identify hydrograph or water features such as lake, swamps, rivers
and drainage
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d. Green - Identifies vegetation with military significance, such as woods,
orchards, and vineyards.
e. Brown - Identifies all relief features and elevation, such as contour on
older edition maps.
f. Red - Classifies cultural feature, such as populated areas, main roads, and
boundaries, on older map.
g. Other - Occasionally other colors may be used to show special
information. These are indicated in the marginal information as a rule.
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Grid coordinates
Division of the earth’s surface into 6-degree by 8-degree quadrangles, and
covered these with 100,000 meter squares. The military grid reference of a
point consists of the numbers and letters indicating in which of these areas
the point lies, plus the coordinates locating the point to the desired position
within the 100,000-meter square. The next step is to tie in the coordinates of
the point with the larger areas.
Grid lines
Division of the 100,000-meter square; the lines are spaced at 10,000 or
1,000 meter intervals. Each of these lines is labeled both ends of the map with its
false easting or false north value, showing its relation to the origin of the
zone.
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Grid coordinates scale
The primary tool for plotting grid coordinates is the grid coordinates scale.
The grid coordinates scale divides the grid square more accurately than can
be done by estimation and the result are more consistent. When used
correctly, it provides less chance of errors.
Scale and Distance
A map is scaled graphic representation of a portion of the earth’s surface.
The scale of the map permits the user to convert distance on the map to the
distance on the ground or vice versa. The ability to determine distance on a
map, as well as on the earth’s surface, is an important factor in planning and
executing military missions.
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Graphic (Bar) Scales
A graphic scale is a ruler printed on the map and is used to convert
distances on the map to actual ground distances. The graphic scale is divided
into two parts. To the right of the zero, the scale is marked in full units to
measure and is called the primary scale. To the left of the zero, the scale is
divided into tenths and is called the extension scale. Most map have three or
more graphic scales, each using a different unit of measurement. When using
the graphic scale, be sure to use the correct scale for the unit of measure
desired.
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Direction
Military personnel need a way of expressing direction that is accurate, is
adaptable to any part of the world, and has a common unit of measurement.
Directions are express as units of angular measurement.
a. Degree - The most common unit of measurement is the degree (*) with
its subdivision of minutes (‘) and seconds (“). 1 degree – 60 minutes
1 minutes – 60 seconds
b. Mil - Another unit of measurement, the mil (abbreviated m), is mainly used in
artillery, tank, and mortar gunnery. The mil express the size of an angle
formed when a circle is divided into 6,400 angles with the vertex of the
angles at the center of the circle. A relationship can be
established between degrees and mils. A circle equals 6,400 mils
divided by 360 degrees or 17.78 mils. To convert degrees to mils,
multiply degrees by 17.78
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c. Grad - The grad is a metric unit of measurement found on some
foreign maps. There are 400 grads in a circle (a90 degree
right angle equals 100 grad). The grad is divided into 100
centesimal minutes (centigrade) and the minute into 100
centesimal second (milligrads).
BASE LINES
In order to measure something, there must be a starting point or zero
measurement. To express direction as a unit of angular measure, there must be
starting point or zero measure and a point of reference. These two points
designates the base or reference line. There are three base lines – true north,
magnetic north, and commonly used are magnetic and grid.
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a. True North – less than 1 degree off true north and does not move from its place
because the axis of the earth is pointed toward it. The North Star is in the
group of star called the little dipper. It is the last star in the handle of the dipper.
Two stars in the big dipper are help in finding the North Star.
b. Magnetic North - The direction to the north indicated by the north seeking
needle of a Magnetic North is usually symbolized by an arrow head
c. Grid North - The north that is established on the grid lines by the map. The grid
north may be a GN or the letter y
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Azimuth
An azimuth is defined as the horizontal angle measured from a north base
line. This north base line it could be true north or grid north. The azimuth is the most
common direction. When using an azimuth, the point from which it originates is the
center of an imaginary circle and it is divided into 360 degrees.
a. Back azimuth
A back azimuth is the opposite direction of an azimuth. It is comparable to
doing “about face.” To obtain a back from azimuth, add 180 degrees if the azimuth
is 180 degrees or less; or subtract 180 degrees if the azimuth is 180 degrees 0
or more. The back azimuth may be stated as 0o or 360 degrees (Warning
converting azimuths into back azimuths extreme care should be exercised when
adding or subtracting the 180 degrees.A simple mathematical mistake could cause
disastrous consequences.
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b. Magnetic azimuth - The magnetic azimuth is determined by using magnetic
instruments, such as lensatic and M-2 compasses.
c. Field expedient methods - Several field expedient methods to determine
direction.
Grid Azimuth
When an azimuth is plotted on a map between two points. A (starting point)
and point B (ending point), the points are joined together by a straight line. A
protractor is used to measure the angle between grid north and the drawn
line, and this measured azimuth is the grid azimuth.
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Protractor
There are several types of protractors – full circle, half circle, square and
rectangular. All of them are divide the circle into units of angular measures,
and each has scale around the outer edge and an index mark. The index
mark is the center of the protractor circle from which all direction is measured.
Declination Diagram
Definitions
1. Declination – is the angular difference between true north and either
magnetic or grid north. There are two declinations, a magnetic
declination and a grid declination.
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2. Diagram – shows the angular relationship, represented by prongs,
among these three norths. The angles between the prongs, however,
are seldom plotted exactly to scale. The relative position of the
direction is obtained from the diagram, but the numerical value
should not be measured from it.
Location – a declination diagram is a part of the marginal information under the
lower margin on larger maps. On the medium scale maps, the declination
information is shown by a note in the map margins.
The grid magnetic angle -The G-M angle value is the angular size that exists
between grid north and magnetic north and the year it was prepared. It is an
arc indicated by a dashed line, which connects the grid north and magnetic
north prongs. This value is expressed to the nearest 1⁄2 degree, with mil
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mil equivalent shown to the nearest 10 mils. The G – M angle is important to
the map reader/land navigator because it will affect he accuracy of
navigation skills in the field.
Grid Convergence- An arc indicated by a dashed line connects the prongs for
true north and Grid north. The value of the angle for the center of the sheet is
given to the nearest full minute with its equivalent to the nearest mil. These
data are shown in the form of a grid-convergence note.
Conversion - There is an angular difference between the grid north and the
magnetic north that is caused by the attraction of the earth magnetic field
(Northern Canada) on all compasses. Since the location of these magnetic
field does not correspond exactly with the grid-north lines on the maps, a
conversion from magnetic to grid or vice versa.
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MEANS OF LOCATING POSITIONS ON MAP AND GROUND
Intersection
The location of an unknown point by successively occupying at least
two (preferably three) known positions on the ground and then map
sighting on the unknown locations. It is used to locate distant or
inaccessible points or objects, such as enemy targets, danger areas,
and so forth. There are two methods of intersection:
1. Map and compass method
a. Orient the map using the compass
b. Locate and mark using the compass
c. Determine the magnetic azimuth to the unknown position using the
compass
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d. convert the magnetic azimuth to grid azimuth.
e. Draw a line on the map from your position on this grid azimuth.
f. Move to a second known point and repeat steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
g. The location of the unknown position is where the lines cross on the map.
Determine eight digit-digit grid coordinates to the desired accuracy.
2. Straight edge or Ruler Method (when compass is not available)
a. Orient the map on a flat surface by the terrain association method
b. Locate and mark your position on the map.
c. Lay a straightedge on the map using a known position as a pivot point.
Rotate the straightedge until the known position on the map is aligned with
the known position on the ground.
d. Draw a line along a straightedge away from the known position on the
ground toward your position.
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Modified Resection
is the method of locating one’s position on the map when the person is
located on a linear feature on the ground, such as road, canal, stream, etc.
The steps are as follows.
1. Orient the map using a compass or by terrain association
2. Find a distant point that can be identified on the ground and on the map.
3. Determine the magnetic azimuth from your location to the distant known
point.
4. Convert the magnetic azimuth to a grid azimuth.
5. Convert the grid azimuth to a back azimuth. Using protractor, scale the
back azimuth on the map from the position back toward your unknown
position
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6. The location of the user is where the line crosses the linear features.
Determine the grid coordinates to the desired accuracy.
Polar Plot
Method of locating or plotting an unknown position from a known point by
giving a direction and a distant along that direction line is called a polar plot or
polar coordinates. Three elements must be present when using polar
coordinates.
1. Present known location on the map.
2. Azimuth (grid or magnetic)
3. Distance (normally in yards or meters).
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QUESTIONS?
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