MAP READING

• Map


  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.
• Map reading


  The knowledge and skills necessary to interpret correctly and efficiently map information.
• Map symbol


  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.
• A map is oriented when in a horizontal position and its north and all map lines are paralel to their comesponding lines on the ground.
• Types of map orientations

  • Orientation by compass
  • Orientation by inspection
• Planimetric Map


  A map that presents only the horizontal position for the features represented.
• Topographic Map


  A map that portrays terrain features as well as the horizontal positions of the features represented.
• Photo Map


  A reproduction of an aerial photograph that show the different parts of the map such as grid lines, marginal data, place names, important elevations and others.
• Joint Operations Graphic


  A type of map with a series of 1:250,000 scale military maps designed for joint ground and air operations.
• Photo Mosaic Map


  An assembly of aerial photographs that is commonly called a mosaic in topographic usage.
• Military City Map


  A topographic map, usually 1:12,500 scale of a city, delineating streets and showing street names, importance that are compatible with the scale of the map.
• Terrain Model


  A scale model of the terrain showing features and in large-scale models showing industrial and cultural shapes.
• Special Map


  Maps for special purposes such as trafficability, communications and assault maps.
• Types of maps according to scale

  • Small scale map
  • Medium scale map
  • Large scale map
• Small scale map


  A map with a scale of 1:50,000 used to meet the tactical, technical and administrative use of field or tactical units.
• Medium scale map


  A map with a scale of 1:250,000 used for planning operations, including the movement and concentration of troops and supplies.
• Large scale map


  A map with a scale of 1:1,000 used for general planning and strategic studies at the high echelon.
• True North


  The direction of the North Magnetic Pole.
• Magnetic North


  The direction of the North Magnetic Pole, ordinantly used for field work because it can be found directly with the common compass.
• Grid North


  The direction of the vertical grid lines usually found on military maps.
• Declination


  The difference in direction between true north and magnetic north or between true north and grid north.
• Magnetic Azimuth


  The horizontal angle measured clockwise from magnetic north to the line.
• Grid Azimuth


  The horizontal angle measured clockwise from grid north to the line.
• True Azimuth


  Azimuth measured with true north as baseline.
• The golden rule in reading the map is Read, Right, Up.
• The back azimuth of 300" is 270.
• Resection


  A method of locating points by taking sights to the known point from at least two known occupied positions.
• Intersection


  A method of locating points by taking sights on two or more identifiable points whose position are known.
• Modified resection


  A method of locating one's position on a map when the individual is located on a road or some other linear terrain feature identified on the map.