Map Reading: Quick Guide to Understanding Maps and Navigation
Lesson Overview
- Accuracy of Eight-Digit Grid System
- Color Representation of Large Cities
- Distance Between Grid Lines on a Combat Map
- Topographic Maps and Scale
- Identification of Terrain Features: Saddle and Ridge
- Meaning of MGRS (Military Grid Reference System)
- Location of Map Legend
- Number of Norths on Military Maps
- Number of Sights on a Compass
- Number of Mils in One Degree
- Minor Terrain Features: Draw, Spur, Cliff
- Major Terrain Features: Hill and Ridge
- Types of Contour Lines
- Key Takeaway
Map reading means knowing how to understand and use maps correctly. This lesson explains key map reading concepts, helping you find locations, identify terrain features, and use map tools. It prepares you to answer quiz questions on map reading.
Accuracy of Eight-Digit Grid System
The eight-digit grid system pinpoints locations on a map with high precision. It divides the map into squares measuring 10 meters each. Using eight digits gives a location accuracy within 10 meters.
Example:
A grid reference like 1234 5678 means you are in the square at eastings 1234 and northings 5678, accurate to about 10 meters.
Quick Tip:
Use all eight digits to find the most precise location on a map.
Color Representation of Large Cities
Maps use colors to show different features. Large cities are shown in black because it stands out clearly against other colors. Black helps you find important places easily on a map.
Example:
Black dots or shapes on a map usually represent large cities or capitals.
Quick Tip:
Remember that black marks large cities on most maps.
Distance Between Grid Lines on a Combat Map
Combat maps have grid lines spaced 1000 meters apart. This spacing allows accurate measurement and coordination.
Example:
If two points are three grid squares apart, they are about 3000 meters away.
Quick Tip:
Each grid square equals 1000 meters on combat maps.
Topographic Maps and Scale
Topographic maps use contour lines to show land elevation but are not always drawn to scale. They emphasize land shape over exact distances.
Example:
Contour lines show a mountain's height, but distances may not match real life exactly.
Quick Tip:
Use topographic maps to understand land shape, not exact distances.
Identification of Terrain Features: Saddle and Ridge
A saddle is a low point between two higher points, appearing as a dip on a map. A ridge is a long, narrow elevated area.
Example:
On a map, a saddle looks like a dip connecting two peaks, while a ridge appears as an elongated elevation.
Quick Tip:
Look for inward-bending contour lines for saddles and long narrow lines for ridges.
Meaning of MGRS (Military Grid Reference System)
MGRS is a grid-based system used to find locations precisely, especially in military maps. It divides the Earth into smaller grids for clear position identification.
Example:
Soldiers use MGRS coordinates to report exact locations or meeting points.
Quick Tip:
MGRS helps find exact spots using a grid system.
Location of Map Legend
The map legend explains symbols and colors and is usually placed in the lower left margin for easy reference.
Example:
Use the legend to know that blue lines represent rivers.
Quick Tip:
Check the legend in the lower left corner first.
Take This Quiz:
(444).jpg)
Number of Norths on Military Maps
Military maps show three Norths: True North (geographic), Grid North (map grid), and Magnetic North (compass needle direction).
Example:
Magnetic North shifts over time, so declination is used to adjust compass readings.
Quick Tip:
Know all three Norths to read a military map correctly.
Number of Sights on a Compass
A compass has two sights used to align with landmarks for accurate bearings.
Example:
Align the sights with a distant object to find the right direction.
Quick Tip:
Use both sights for precise compass readings.
Number of Mils in One Degree
One degree equals 17.7 mils. Mils measure angles in military navigation to allow precise plotting.
Example:
Turning 17.7 mils on a compass equals one degree of rotation.
Quick Tip:
Remember 1 degree = 17.7 mils for accurate direction.
Minor Terrain Features: Draw, Spur, Cliff
Draws are narrow valleys, spurs are ridges that project outward, and cliffs are steep drops. These features affect movement and cover.
Example:
A draw looks like a V-shaped contour pointing uphill.
Quick Tip:
Learn to spot draws, spurs, and cliffs on contour maps.
Major Terrain Features: Hill and Ridge
Hills are rounded elevations; ridges are long, narrow elevated areas. Both shape the landscape.
Example:
Hills appear as concentric circles; ridges as elongated contour lines.
Quick Tip:
Use contour shapes to tell hills and ridges apart.
Types of Contour Lines
Contour lines show elevation. Index lines are thick and labeled; supplementary lines are lighter; secondary lines show minor changes.
Example:
Bold lines with numbers are index contours showing elevation.
Quick Tip:
Focus on index contours to find elevation quickly.
Take This Quiz:
Key Takeaway
Map reading helps you find locations, identify land features, and use map tools accurately. Master these map-reading concepts to improve your navigation skills.
Rate this lesson:
Back to top