Map Reading Lesson: A Quick Guide 

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
• Mixed Q/A

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.

Mini-Quiz:
How close will an eight-digit grid get you to your point?
A) 1 meter
B) 10 meters
C) 100 meters
D) None of the above
Correct answer: B
Choosing less than 10 meters is incorrect because eight-digit grids locate points within about 10 meters.

FAQ:
What is the eight-digit grid system used for in map reading?
It locates points on a map within 10 meters accuracy.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
Large cities on a map are represented by what color?
A) Black
B) Red
C) Blue
D) Green
Correct answer: A
Black is used to mark large cities clearly.

FAQ:
Why are large cities shown in black on a map?
Black stands out to highlight important cities.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
What is the distance between grid lines on a combat map?
A) 100 meters
B) 1000 meters
C) 10 kilometers
D) 2 kilometers
Correct answer: B
Grid lines on combat maps are 1000 meters apart.

FAQ:
How far apart are grid lines on a combat map?
They are usually 1000 meters apart.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
Are topographic maps drawn to scale?
A) True
B) False
C) Sometimes
D) Always
Correct answer: B
Topographic maps focus on land features, not exact scale.

FAQ:
Why are topographic maps not drawn to scale in map reading?
They show land elevation and shape rather than 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.

Mini-Quiz:
What terrain feature is a low point between two higher points?
A) Hill
B) Ridge
C) Valley
D) Saddle
Correct answer: D
A saddle is a dip connecting two higher points.

FAQ:
How do you identify a saddle in map reading?
A saddle is a low area between two higher elevations.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
What does MGRS stand for?
A) Military Grid Reference System
B) Map Graphic Research System
C) Map Grid Reading System
D) Military Graphic Reference System
Correct answer: A
MGRS means Military Grid Reference System.

FAQ:
What is MGRS used for in map reading?
It is a grid system for precise location finding.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
Where is the legend of a map usually found?
A) Lower left margin
B) Upper right margin
C) Top of the map
D) Lower right margin
Correct answer: A
The legend is typically in the lower left margin.

FAQ:
Where is the legend placed in map reading?
It is usually in the lower left margin of a map.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
How many Norths are there on a military map?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
Correct answer: C
Military maps show True, Grid, and Magnetic North.

FAQ:
Why are there three Norths in map reading?
To account for geographic, grid, and magnetic directions.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
How many sights does a compass have?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
Correct answer: B
A compass has two sights for accurate alignment.

FAQ:
What are compass sights used for in map reading?
They help align the compass with landmarks to read bearings.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
How many mils are in one degree?
A) 23.2
B) 17.7
C) 14.5
D) 3.0
Correct answer: B
One degree contains 17.7 mils.

FAQ:
Why do we use mils in map reading instead of degrees?
Mils allow finer angle measurements for precision.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
Which are the three minor terrain features?
A) Draw, Spur, Cliff
B) Draw, Ridge, Cliff
C) Saddle, Spur, Cliff
D) Depression, Cliff, Ridge
Correct answer: A
Draw, Spur, and Cliff are minor terrain features.

FAQ:
What are minor terrain features in map reading?
They are smaller landforms like draws, spurs, and cliffs.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
Which are major terrain features?
A) Hill and Ridge
B) Cliff and Draw
C) Spur and Cliff
D) Draw and Ridge
Correct answer: A
Hills and ridges are major terrain features.

FAQ:
How do major terrain features affect map reading?
They help understand the main shape of the land.

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.

Mini-Quiz:
Which are types of contour lines?
A) Index and Supplementary
B) Primary and Secondary
C) Major and Minor
D) Thick and Thin
Correct answer: A
Index and supplementary are standard contour types.

FAQ:
Why are different contour lines used in map reading?
To show varying levels of elevation detail.

Mixed Q/A

1. How close will an eight-digit grid get you to your point?
   A) 1 meter B) 10 meters C) 100 meters D) None
   Correct answer: B
   Eight digits locate points within 10 meters.
2. Large cities on a map are represented by what color?
   A) Black B) Red C) Blue D) Green
   Correct answer: A
   Black marks large cities clearly.
3. What is the distance between grid lines on a combat map?
   A) 100 m B) 1000 m C) 10 km D) 2 km
   Correct answer: B
   Grid lines are 1000 meters apart.
4. Are topographic maps drawn to scale?
   A) True B) False C) Sometimes D) Always
   Correct answer: B
   They show land shape, not exact scale.
5. What terrain feature is a low point between two higher points?
   A) Hill B) Ridge C) Valley D) Saddle
   Correct answer: D
   A saddle connects two peaks.
6. How many Norths are there on a military map?
   A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4
   Correct answer: C
   Military maps show True, Grid, and Magnetic North.

Map reading helps you find locations, identify land features, and use map tools accurately. Master these map reading concepts to improve your navigation skills.