| Xavier University Army ROTC
Study Guide
Map Reading
In most cold weather environments, accurate
up-to-date maps may not be available, landmarks may be few
or nonexistent and, when the terrain is snow covered, one
piece of ground can look exactly like the other. Whatever
the circumstances, you must be able to find your way. If you
can’t do it by map reading, you must do it by some means
of navigation.
- Problems associated with Land Navigation:
- Poor or nonexistent road nets
- Sparse population
- Long nights, falling or blowing snow, fog,
all limit visibility
- Magnetic disturbances are common, making
compass readings unreliable
- Large scale maps are either nonexistent or
unreliable
- Numerous small lakes, ponds, and creeks are
not indicated on maps
- Size and location of waterways may vary from
season to season and year to year
Distance and Direction:
If you travel from "A" to "B",
it’s necessary before you start, to know the distance
and direction from "A" to "B".
Measuring distances (methods):
- Pacing
- Use of field wire
- Estimation
Determining direction (methods):
- Compass
- The sun
- Signs of nature
- The stars
- Navigation by dead reckoning
Hints for the Navigator:
- Keep the compass warm to speed up taking
bearings.
- When no steering marks exist to your front,
march on a back azimuth. Your steering mark may be some
natural or man-made structure to your rear.
- When visibility is poor, only close-in steering
marks will be available. Under these conditions, you should
try to pick up further steering marks along the correct
azimuth as you approach each one. This can only be done
accurately when the route to each steering mark follows
a straight line. You should take frequent compass checks
to insure that the correct azimuth is being followed. The
compass should also be set for a night course
- A steady, upshifting wind will also aid you
in maintaining direction.
1. What is a map?
A map is a graphic representation, drawn to
scale, of a portion of the earth’s surface.
2. Why is it necessary to learn to read a map?
- To assist in locating and determining exact
locations
- To assist in maintaining direction
- To assist in determining routes to follow
3. What colors are used on military maps?
- Blue: water
- Green: vegetation
- Red-Brown: cultural features, all relief
features, and elevation
- Red: main roads and populated areas
- Black: man-made objects
- Brown: relief features & elevation
4. What does the color yellow represent on an
overlay?
A contaminated area.
5. How do you orient a map?
By placing it in a horizontal position with
is north pointing to the north.
6. Why are colors used on a map?
To facilitate the identification of features
on a map, the topographical and cultural information.
7. What is a representation fraction?
A numerical scale. Indicates the relationship
map to ground distance.
8. What is the declination diagram?
The declination diagram is the angular difference
of magnetic north and grid from true north.
9. What is dead reckoning?
A technique of following a set route or line
for a determined distance.
10. What is meant by the scale of a map?
Scale is expressed as a fraction and gives the
ratio of map distance to ground distance.
11. What are three norths on a military map?
12. What are the symbols for the three norths?
- Magnetic: Arrow
- True: Star
- Grid: Vertical Line
13. What is the legend of a map?
Illustrates and identifies the topographic symbols
used to depict the more prominent features of the map.
14. Are the legend symbols always the same on
every map?
No.
15. What field manual covers map reading?
Field Manual 21-26.
16. What is modified resection?
The method of locating one’s position
on the map when the person is located on a linear feature
on the ground, such as a road or canal.
17. How can you identify the map you want to
use?
By sheet name and numbers.
18. What are the two methods used for finding
an azimuth using a compass?
- Centerhold method
- Compass to cheek
19. What are the three field expedient methods
of determining direction?
- Shadow tip method
- Watch method
- Star method
20. What are the 5 major and 5 minor terrain
features found on a military map?
- Major: hill; saddle; valley; ridge; depression
- Minor: Draw; spur; cliff; cut; fill
21. What is a military symbol?
Graphic aids which accurately identify items
of operational interest.
22. What is a NEAT line?
It is the outer line of a map that you align
other maps with. |
