MAP READING

• Map reading


  Appreciation and utilization of maps for military use
• Map


  A graphic representation of a portion of the earth's surface drawn to scale, as seen from above, using colors, symbols, and labels to represent features found on the ground
• Skills required for map reading


  • Read and interpret the map
  • Plot and read coordinates
  • Measure distances (map scale, bar scale)
  • Read and plot azimuth (protractor, compass)
  • Identify relief features and elevation
  • Apply the method of locating points
  • Navigate
• Procurement


  Unit (end user) obtains maps by requesting the sheet name, sheet number, division (unit) G2, and MIG 18 ISAFP
• Security


  Maps are documents that must not fall into unauthorized hands, so they must be turned in or destroyed
• Care


  Protect maps from water, mud and tearing, use pencil and erasing, keep maps in a secure location during operations, and fold them properly
• Map categories by scale

  • Small scale (1:1,000,000 & smaller) - for general planning and strategic studies
  • Medium scale (1:75,000-1:1,000,000) - for operational planning
  • Large scale (1:75,000 & larger) - for tactical, administrative, and logistical planning
• Small scale map


  • 1:14,000,000
• Medium scale map


  • 1:200,000
• Large scale map


  • 1:50,000
• Map types


  • Planimetric
  • Topographic
  • Photomap
  • Joint operations graphic
  • Photomosaic
  • Terrain model
  • Military city maps
  • Special maps
• Planimetric map


  Presents only the horizontal positions for the features represented
• Topographic map


  Portrays terrain features in a measurable way, usually through the use of contour lines, showing both horizontal and vertical positions of the features represented
• Photomap


  A reproduction of an aerial photograph upon which grid lines, marginal data, place names, route numbers, important elevations, boundaries, and approximate scale and direction have been added
• Joint operations graphic


  Maps based on the format of standard 1:250,000 medium-scale military topographic maps that contain additional information needed in joint air-ground operations
• Terrain model


  A scale model of the terrain showing features, and in large-scale models showing industrial and cultural shapes, providing a means for visualizing the terrain for planning or indoctrination purposes and for briefing operations
• Photomosaic


  An assembly of aerial photographs
• Military city map


  A topographic map (usually at 1:12,550 scale, sometimes up to 1:5,000), showing the details of a city
• Special maps


  Maps for special purposes, such as trafficability, communications, and assault maps
• Marginal information


  Information and instructions written on the outer edge of the map
• Marginal information example


  • S701 - S for World Series, 7 for scale of 1:50,000, 0 for sub-geographical area of Philippines
• Topographic symbols


  • Represent the natural and man-made features of the earth's surface
• Standard colors of topographic symbols

  • Black
  • Reddish brown
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Brown
  • Red
• Red


  Depicts classification of roads, built-up areas, and special features
• Blue


  Represents water features (hydrography)
• Green


  Represents vegetation
• Black


  Represents man-made objects like buildings and towers
• Brown


  Depicts relief and elevation such as contours on older maps
• Military symbols


  Symbols used to represent military features such as identity, size, location, and movement for troops and military activities and installations
• Colors used for military symbols

  • Red - enemy forces, activities and installations
  • Blue - friendly forces
  • Green - engineer activities
  • Yellow - contaminated areas
• Basic military symbols


  • Unit
  • Command post/HQs
  • OP
  • Log installations
• Other military symbols


  • Unit role indicator
  • Unit capability indicator
  • Aviation/engineer
  • Artillery/chemical
• Military symbol size


  Indicates parent unit, unit, and sub-unit
• Military symbol examples


  • 545/52 - Alpha Co, 545 ECB, 52nd Engineer Bde

  26/402 - 1st Platoon, Alpha Co, 26th IB, 402nd Inf Bde
• Grids


  A series of straight lines intersecting at right angles, forming squares, that permit linear and angular measurements
• Grid measurements


  • Linear - meters, yards, feet

  Angular - degrees, mils
• Grids allow determining and reporting positions on the ground in terms of their location on the map
• Geographic coordinates


  One of the oldest systematic methods of location, expressed in angular measurement
• Reference lines


  • Equator - line that bisects the globe horizontally

  Prime meridian - north-south line through Greenwich, England

  Parallels - rings around the earth parallel to the equator

  Meridians - rings around the globe at right angles to the parallels, passing through the poles
• Latitude


  The distance of a point north or south of the equator