MAP READING

I. DEFINITION OF TERMS

a. Map - is a graphical representation of the earth surface drawn to scale as seen from
above. Man-made and natural features are defected by symbols, colors, lines, and forms.
b. Map Reading - is the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret correctly and efficiently
map information.
c. Map Symbol - is a sign composed of diagram, number, letter, abbreviation, colors, or
combination thereof which is used to identify and distinguish a particular military unit, activity or
installation. Topographic Symbols are simple standard drawing by which terrain features.

II. IMPORTANCE OF MAPS:

A map provides information on the existence and location of and the distance between group
features such as populated place and routes of travel and communication. It also indicates variations
in terrain, heights of natural features and the extent of vegetation cover. It is necessary to rely on
maps to provide information to our combat elements and to resolve logistical operations far from our
shores. Troops and materials must be transported, stored, and place into operation at the proper
time and place. Therefore, any operations require the supply of maps; however, the finest maps
available are worthless unless the map user knows how to read them.

When used correctly a map can give accurate information on such factors as:

a. Distances b. Locations
c. Heights or Elevation d. Best Routes
e. Key Terrain Features f. Cover and Concealment

III. CARE OF MAP:

a. One of the first considerations in the care of maps is the proper folding of the map
itself.
b. Most maps are printed on paper and require protection from water, mud, and tearing.
c. Care must be exercised when using maps, as it may have to last for a long time. If it
becomes necessary to mark a map, apply light lines only.

IV. SECURITY OF MAPS:

a. Although not usually classified, a map may at times require special handling. Should
it fall into unauthorized hands, it could give an indication of future plans or areas of interest to the
enemy.
b. Should a map be in danger or capture or no longer needed, it must be destroyed or
turned-in.

V. CATEGORIES AND USES OF MILITARY MAPS:

The term military maps refer to all maps designed for use by the military forces and are
categorized according to:

a. SCALE - This is expressed as a fraction and gives the ratio of map distance to ground
distance.

1. SMALL SCALE MAP - maps at scales of 1: 600,000 and smaller are used for
general planning and strategically studies at higher echelon.
 2. MEDIUM SCALE MAP - maps at scales larger than 1 : 600,000 but smaller than
1 : 75,000 - are used for planning large scale operations and large movement and concentration of
troops and supplies.
3. LARGE SCALE MAP - maps at scales of 1 : 75,000 and larger are used to meet
the tactical requirement of field units.

b. TYPE:

1. PLANIMETRIC MAP - a map showing only the horizontal (flat) position of

features.
2. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - a two-dimensional map which presents the horizontal
(flat) and the vertical (relief) positions of the features represented.
3. PLASTIC RELIEF MAP - A topographic map printed on plastic and molded into
a three-dimensional form.
4. PHOTO MAP - A reproduction of a photograph or photomosaic upon which
grid lines, marginal data, place names and boundaries may be added.
5. TERRAIN MODEL - A three-dimensional representation of an area, modeled
in plaster, rubber, or other materials. It is distinguished from others maps showing some cultural
and terrain features realistically instead of symbolically.

VI. MARGINAL INFORMATION:

The outer edges of a map contain information, which is used to interpret the map. The
following marginal information are contained in a map:

a. SHEET NAME - located at the center of the upper margin. Generally, a map is named
after its outstanding cultural or geographic feature. Whenever possible, name of the largest city on
the map is use.
b. SHEET NUMBER - found in the upper right margin and is used as a reference number
assigned to each map.
c. SERIES NAME AND SCALE - the map series name is found in the upper left margin.
A map series is usually comprises a group of similar maps at the same scale and on the same sheet
lines or format, designed to cover a particular geographic area.
d. BAR SCALES - the bar scales are located in the center of the lower margin. They are
rulers used for the determination of ground distance.
e. INDEX TO ADJOINING SHEETS - the index to adjoining sheets appear in the lower
margin. It identifies the map sheets surrounding the map.
f. INDEX TO BOUNDARIES - appears in the lower right margin. This diagram, which is
a miniature of the map, shows the boundaries that occur within the map area. Such as provincial
and city boundaries.
g. LEGEND - located in the lower left margin. It illustrates and identifies the topographic
symbols used to depict the more prominent features on the map.
h. DECLINATION DIAGRAM - located in the lower margin and indicates the angular
relationship of true north, grid north, and the magnetic north.
i. CONTOUR INTERVAL - appears in the center of the lower margin. It states the
vertical distance between adjacent contour lines on the map.
j. PROTRACTOR SCALE - a protractor scale may appear in the upper margin on some
maps. It is used for laying out a magnetic north line on the map.

VII. TOPOGRAPHIC MAP SYMBOLS AND COLORS:

a. The purpose of a map is to permit one to visualize an area of the earth's surface with
pertinent features properly positioned. Symbols are used to represent the natural and manmade
features of the earth's surface. These symbols resemble as closely as possible the actual features
themselves as though viewed from above.
 b. To make easier the identification of features on the map by providing a more natural
appearance and a contrast, the topographic symbols are usually printed in different colors, with each
color identifying a class of features.

1. BLACK - the majority of cultural or manmade features such as buildings,

houses, roads, bridges, and etc.
2. BLUE - water features such as lakes, rivers, swamps and seas.
3. GREEN - vegetation such as woods, orchards and vineyards.
4. BROWN - all relief features such as contours.
5. RED - built-up areas, classification of roads and other special feature.
6. Occasionally other colors maybe used to show special information. These, as
a rule will be indicated in the marginal information.

VIII. MILITARY GRID SYSTEM:

A grid system consists of two (2) sets of parallel lines intersecting at right angles and forming
a series of squares. The measurement used with a grid system is linear and the unit of measure is
usually the METER. Each line of the grid system has a number and these numbers are used to
identify the individual grid squares.

Rule of Thumb

Grid lines are identified by specific numbers printed on the margin opposite the line it
indicates. Any point on a map can be identified by coordinates. The following are the rules
for reading grid coordinates.

1. Use the large bold – faced number in the margin labeling each grid line.

2. Starting from the lower left-hands corner of the map, read right and up.

3. Write the grid coordinates as a continuous series of numbers. In the following examples
we shall be able to determine the grid square of a point in the map, to locate a point within
100 meters, and to locate the point within 10 meters.

4. Determine the grid square (GS).

Read right and up.

5. Locating a point within 100 meters (100 meters square reading indicated that a point is
located nearest the 100 meters).

Grid Coordinate 995636

Locating a point within 10 meters. The rule is applied in the preceding example is observed.
However, in locating a point nearest the 10 meters, used the 8 digits coordinate system. That
gives you the exact location on the map.
 SCALE AND DISTANCE

I. INTRODUCTION:

Distance is an important factor when planning and executing a military mission. The scales
printed on a military map permit the determination of ground distance from the map. To bring a map
down to usable size, everything on it is reduced in size at a uniform rate. The scale of the map
indicates the amount that objects have been reduced.

II. THE REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION:

a. The scale of a map expresses the ration of horizontal distance on the map to the
corresponding horizontal distance on the ground. It is usually written as a fraction and called the
"REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION" (RF).

Map Distance (MD)

Representative Fraction (RF) = ---------------------------------
Ground Distance (GD)

The RF is always written with the map distance as 1. It is independent of any unit of
measure. An RF of 1/50,000 or 1 : 50,000 means that one (1) unit of measure on the map is equal
to 50,000 of the same unit of measure on the ground.

b. The GROUND DISTANCE (GD) between two (2) points is determined by

measuring the points in a map and multiplying the map measurement by the denominator of the RF.

Ground Distance (GD) = Map Distance (MD) x Denominator of RF

Example 1:

MD = 5 cm
RF = 1/50,000
GD = ______ Meters

Solution:

GD = 5 cm x 50,000

= 250,000 cm

250,000 cm
= -----------------
100 cm/m

2,500 meters
Conversion Table:

1 cm = 10 mm 1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 m = 100 cm 1 foot = 12 inches
1 km = 1,000 meters 1 yard = 3 feet
1 mile = 1.6 km 1 yard = 36 inches
1 meter = 3.3 feet
Example 2:

MD = 4 inches
RF = 1/50,000
GD = _____ yards

Solution:

GD = 4 inches X 50,000

= 200,000 inches

200,000 inches
= -------------------
36 inches/yard

= 5,555.55 yards

Example 3:

MD = 8 inches
RF = 1/25,000
GD = ______ meters

Solution :

GD = 8 inches X 25,000

= 200,000 inches

convert inch to centimeter:

= 200,000 inches X 2.54 cm/inch

= 508,000 cm

convert centimeter to meter:

508,000 cm
= -------------------
100 cm/mts

GD = 5,080 meters
III. GRAPHIC SCALES/BAR SCALES:

On most military maps, there is another method of determining ground distance. It is by

means of the bar or graphic scales, which is usually located at the center lower margin of the map.

a. To determine a straight line ground distance between two points on a map, lay a
straight edge piece of paper on the map so that the edge of the paper touches both points. Make a
TICK MARK on the edge of the paper at each point. Measure this tick marks on the graphic or bar
scale.

b. To measure distances along a winding road, streams or rivers or any curved line, the
straight edge of a piece of paper is again used. Make a tick mark at or near the end of the paper
and place at the point from which the line is to be measured. Align the edge of the paper along a
straight portion and make a tick mark on both the map and paper at the end of the aligned portion.
Keeping both marks together, place the point of the pencil on the paper's tick to hold it in place.
Pivot the paper until another straight portion is aligned and make again a tick mark on both map and
paper. Continue this process until measurement is complete, then place the paper on the graphic
scale for measurement.

DIRECTION AND ANGULAR MEASUREMENT

I. INTRODUCTION:

a. Directions are expressed in everyday life as "To The Right", "Left". "Straight Ahead",
etc; but the question arises, "To The Right Of What?" The military requires a method of expressing
a direction that is accurate, dependable, adaptable for use in any area of the world, and has a
common unit of measure.

b. Directions are expressed as units of angular measure and there are several systems:

1. The most commonly used unit of angular measure is the DEGREE with its
subdivision of MINUTES AND SECONDS.

Circle = 360o
1o = 60 Minutes (60 ')
1' = 60 Seconds (60")

2. Less frequently used are the mils. For military purposes a circle is divided into
6,400 mils. It is of particular interest to the artillery.

Circle = 6,400 mils

180o = 3,200 mils
90o = 1,600 mils
2. BASE LINES

In order o measure anything, there must always be a starting point at zero measurement. To
express a direction as a unit of angular measure, there must be a starting point or zero measure.
This zero measure is known as a base or reference line. In this world of ours there are three
(3) base lines:

a. TRUE NORTH - A line from any position to the geographic north pole. True North is
symbolized by a star.

b. MAGNETIC NORTH - The north that is established by the compass. Magnetic north
is usually symbolized by a half arrowhead.

c. GRID NORTH - The north established by the vertical grid lines in a map. Grid north
may be symbolized by the letters GN or Y.

3. AZIMUTH AND BACK AZIMUTH

The most common military method of expressing a direction is by using azimuth. AZIMUTH
is defined as a horizontal angle measured in a clockwise manner from a base line. When the
azimuth between two (2) points in a map is desired, the points are joined by a straight line and a
protractor is used to measure the angle between the grid north and the drawn line. When using an
azimuth, the point from which the azimuth originates is imagined to be the center of the azimuth
circle. Azimuth take their names from the base lines from which they have been measured.

a. TRUE AZIMUTH from True North

b. MAGNETIC AZIMUTH from the Magnetic north (use the compass)
c. GRID AZIMUTH from the grid north (use the protractor)

Two Kinds of Azimuths

a. Forward Azimuth - It is the forward direction of an azimuth.

 c. Back Azimuth: It is the reversed direction of an Azimuth measuring clockwise. To
obtain a back azimuth from a forward azimuth:

1) If the forward azimuth is 180o or more subtract 180o.

2) If the forward azimuth is less that 180o, add 180o.

4. BEARING

It is defined as a horizontal angle measured clockwise or counterclockwise from a north or south

reference line.

5. DECLINATION DIAGRAM:

a. A declination diagram is placed on most maps to enable the user to orient the map
properly. The diagram shows the interrelationship of Magnetic North, Grid North, and the True
North. It also provide information regarding the use of these data.

b. Declination is the angular difference between True North and either Magnetic or Grid
North. There are two (2) declinations, a Magnetic Declination and a Grid Declination.

c. It is often necessary to convert from one type of direction to another. Magnetic

compass readings gives a magnetic azimuth, but to plot this line on a gridded map, the magnetic
azimuth value must be changed to a grid azimuth. The declination diagram is used for these
conversions. The main difficulty in converting from one direction to another, once the angular
differences between the two (2) references directions are known, is the question of whether to add
or subtract the difference to the given azimuth to obtain the desired one. A rule to remember when
solving such problems is this: No Matter Where The Azimuth Line Points, Angle To It Is Always
Measured Clockwise From The reference Direction.

d. The angle formed by the Grid North and the Magnetic North is called the GRID-
MAGNETIC ANGLE (GM-Angle)

BASIC MILITARY SYMBOLS

MILITARY SYMBOLS - Are signs, composed of a diagram, number, letter, abbreviation, color or
combination thereof, which is used to identify and distinguished a particular military unit, activity or
installation.

USES OF MILITARY SYMBOLS

a. Military symbols are used primarily in conjunction with:

1) All types of situation maps and overprints.

2) Field sketches and overlays.
3) Aerial photographs.
4) Organizational Charts.

b. Military symbols are graphic aids which accurately identify items of operational
interest.