Map Reading

WHAT IS MAP?
• A map is a graphical representation of the earth’s surface or it,

drawn or formed to scale on plane.
• Manmade and natural features are depicted by symbols; lines, colors, and
forms.
IMPORTANCE OF MAPS: - Maps provide accurate information on distance,
locations, heights, best routes, key terrain features, concealment, and cover.
-Adequate supply of maps is a major requirement for any operation.
- The importance of maps lies in the fact that they are useless unless the user
knows how to read them.
CATEGORIES AND USES OF MILITARY MAPS:
A.) Scale - The scale is expressed as fraction and gives the ratio of map distance to
ground distances.
1. Small scale - Maps at scale of 1:600,000 and smaller are used for general
planning and for strategical studies at the high echelons.
2. 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.
3. Larger scale - Maps at scale of 1:75:000 and larger are used to meet tactical,
technical and administrative needs of field units.
B.) Type
1. Planimetric map
2. Topographic map
3. Plastic relief map
4. Photo map
5. Plastic relief photomap
6. Photomosaic
7. Military City maps
8. Special maps
9. Terrain model
MARGINAL INFORMATION:
a) Sheet name
b) Sheet number
c) Series name and scale
d) Series number
1. The first entry of a series number may be either a numeral or letter. It is a
number that indicates a world series, and if a letter, it indicates a geographical
regional area.
2. 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
3. The third entry is always a number and indicates the scale group of the map.
4. The fourth entry, identifies this series from others having the same scale and
area average
. e) Edition number
f) Bar scale
g) Index to adjoining sheets
h) Index to boundaries
i) Grid reference box
j) Legend
k) Declination diagram
l) Contour interval
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP SYMBOLS AND COLORS:
The colors used what each represents are:
a. Black – the majority cultural or manmade features.
b. Blue – water features such as lakes, rivers and swamps.
c. Green – vegetable such as woods, orchards and vineyards.
d. Brow – represent all relief features such as contours.
e. Red – represents main roads, built-up areas and special features.
f. Occasionally other colors may be used to show special information.
THE UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE MERCATOR GRID (UTM) :
The grid system – consist of two sets parallel straight lines intersecting at right
angles and forming a series of squares.
METHODS OF LOCATING POINTS:
a. INTERSECTION: The location of an unknown point by successively occupying
two known points and sighting on the unknown point is called intersection. It is
used to locate treasures that are not defined on the map.
1. Map and compass method:
a.) Orient the lamp using the compass
b.) Locate and mark your position on the map.
c.) Sight on the unknown position. Draw a line on the map from your position
toward the unknown point.
d.) Monitor another position and locate this position in the map.
e.) Sight of the unknown position. Draw a second line on the map from your
position to the unknown point
f.) Where the two lines cross it the location of the feature.
2. Straight edge method. (When no compass is available).
a) Orient of the map on a flat surface by the inspection method.
b) Lay a straightedge on the map with one end at user’s position and rotate the
straightedge until the unknown point is sight along the edge.
c) Draw a line along the straightedge.
d) Repeat a, b and c above at the other position.
e) Where the two lines interest is the location of the unknown point.
b. RESECTION: The location of the user’s position by the sighting on two unknown
features is called resection.
1) Orient the map and select two standing features on the ground which can be
identified on the map.
2) Place the straightedge on a line between the visible point on the ground and its
plotted position on the map.
3) Extend the line on your direction.
4) Repeat 2 and 3 above using the second feature and its plotted position.
c. POLAR COORDINATIONS. A point on the map may be determined or plotted
from a known point by giving a direction and a distance along that direction line.
d. MODIFIED RESECTION. A method of locating an unknown position within a
prominent terrain, feature by sighting towards a known point.
AZIMUTHS AND BACK AZIMUTHS:
a.) Azimuth take their name from the base line, from which they have been
measured; true azimuths from the north; magnetic azimuths from magnetic
north; and grid azimuth from grid north.
b.) Back Azimuth – the reverse direction of an azimuth to obtain a back azimuth
and add 180 degrees if the azimuth is less than 180 degrees and subtract 180
degrees if the azimuth is more than 180 degrees.
BEARING: A bearing expresses a direction as an angle measured in a clockwise or
counter clockwise manner from a north or south reference line. a. To give the
bearing, the following information are necessary.
1) The reference line from which measured north or south.
2) The amount of angle.
3) The direction on which the angle was measured (cast or west).
b. Converting and azimuth into bearing.
1) Northeast quadrant
2) Southeast quadrant
3) Southest quadran
t 4) Northeast quadrant
DECLINATION DIAGRAM:
a. Declination is the angular difference between true north and either magnetic of
grid north.
b. Total magnetic change (TMC) is equal to the present year minus the
approximate mean declination of the year map was prepared, multiplied by the
annual magnetic change

Map Reading

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WHAT IS MAP?

• A map is a graphical representation of the earth’s surface or it,

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