What is a map?

A map is a representation of a piece of ground drawn

to scale on a flat surface as seen from above or from CARE OF MAPS, RELIABILITY &
a bird’s eye view. MARGINAL INFORMATION

TYPES OF MAPS AND THEIR USE Care of Maps

In general, maps can be divided into two classes: Maps must be treated with care; otherwise they soon
will become torn, dirty and creased so they are
a. Those that record natural and man-made features unreadable. The correct way to fold a map is like a
on the earth’s surface and which may be used for concertina.
finding your way around in a general or detailed
manner. FOLD THE MAP LENGTHWISE
FOLD THE MAP LIKE A CONCERTINA
b. Those that record other kinds of specific
information in a variety of ways. The name of the A map should be protected by either being kept
type of map will often indicate the use of the map. folded in a plastic bag when not in use, or being
placed on a hard board and concealed with a
Atlas Maps and Topographical Maps transparent fablon type sheet. You should avoid
marking the maps; if it’s unavoidable a pencil should
Atlas Maps - These are very small - scale maps be used, making the mark as faint as possible.
showing countries, continents, or even the world on a
single sheet. They show what are called geographical
features - the shapes of the landmasses, mountain
ranges and large rivers. They also show political
features - international boundaries, large towns, and
often main roads and railways. Atlas maps are of
very small scale and are not suitable for map reading
for cadet training purposes.

Topographical Maps - are the maps with which map Reliability of Maps
reading is mainly concerned. They show, in as much A map is absolutely accurate only at the time when it
detail as their scale allows, the physical features of is drawn. If it is old, many changes could have been
the Ground Rivers, streams, hills, valleys, woods, etc. made to the land.
Their purpose is to present a complete and accurate
picture of the ground as it exists. Marginal Information
Before using a map, the first thing to do is to look at
Street Maps - These are large-scale maps drawn in the information in the margins (the area of paper
great detail. They therefore show streets, public surrounding the map). e.g. The name of the map, the
buildings, churches, schools, parks, historical sites, scale, conventional signs, magnetic variations etc.
libraries, and police stations, etc.
*The information in the right hand margin
Road Map - Show road networks (highways, country (Legend) is self-explanatory.
roads, etc) cities and towns. 1. Scale of the map
The mileage between points may be indicated. Their 2. Name of the map
use is limited to road movement. 3. Sheet number
4. Legend & Abbreviations
Relief Maps – Are solid maps built up to show an 5. Maker & Publisher
actual model of the ground? 6. Sheet History
They are bulky and expensive in time and money. 7. Sheet Number
8. Index to Scale
Outline Maps – are maps with only sufficient detail 9. Scale
to indicate the general plan of the country, e.g., 10. Air Photography Flight Line
rivers, main cities, etc. They are use to record special 11. Info on Longitude and Latitude
information such as the location of units, e.g., all the 12. Magnetic Variation
Cadet Corps in Jamaica. 13. Grid Information

Air Photo Maps – Are air photographs produced in

whatever scale is required? They are grid to coincide 2 3
1
with the map of the same coverage and as
photographs are used to show exact detail in its
correct relationship. They do not reflect contour
height and are of limited value for Cadet Training.
4
Statistical Maps – Show distribution of population, MAP
schools, hospitals, industry, sewer and water
distribution systems, etc. They are used by persons
who require the specific information they portray, 5 9
i.e., city engineers, city planners, politicians, etc.
6
Map Scale – Maps are also referred to or sub-divided
by scale. Cadets will learn about scales, but briefly, 8
scale is the relationship or ratio between distance on 7 11 12 13
the map and on the ground, i.e. 1:50,000 map means
that one unit of measure of the map is equal to 50,000
of the same units on the ground. Conventional Signs
These are signs / symbols drawn on a map to represent blue dial, the degrees outermost.
permanent features / objects on the ground.
Map Scales
C. COMPASS NEEDLE
Because it is impossible to make a map the same size as the
The Needle is red and white and is set in damping
country it represents, everything on the map has to be reduced
liquid.
e.g. scaled down in fixed proportions. The method of
expressing a scale is as a representative fraction (RF) i.e.
1:50,000 – means – for every 1 unit on the map, The Compass is mounted at one end of a transparent
represents 50,000 units on the ground plastic plate; the cod of the plate furthest away from
the compass is leveled. A scale in millimeters is
The Grid System shown along one of the long sides and a short scale in
The whole country is divided into squares. Which in inches on the adjacent side.
turn are divided into progressively smaller squares.
For map reading purpose only the smaller squares is
of concern to the cadet. THE SILVA COMPASS

The map sheet is covered with a series of parallel

lines called Easting & Nothings, which runs
horizontally & vertically.

Eastings
Direction of Travel Arrow
These are parallel lines, which run from north to
south (vertically) and increase numerically from west
to east. Base Plate

Northings
North Sign
These are parallel lines, which runs from east to west Orienteering Arrow
(horizontally) and increase numerically from south to Magnetic Needle
north.
Orienteering Lines
Grid References 360º Dial
In giving a Grid Reference (GR) a reference must
always contain an even number of figures. E.g. 1121
or 114216
Four Figure Grid Reference NORTH POINTS & BEARINGS
North, South, East and West (N.S.E.W) are the four
A count must always be made first along the lines main points of the compass and are referred to as the
from west to east and then from south to north. E.g. cardinal points. The intermediate points are northeast
you give easting then northings. (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW) and northwest
(NW).
Six Figure Grid Reference

Before finding a six figure GR. you need to know

how to find a four figure GR. A six figure GR. is
used to pin point a particular location on a map, while
the four figure GR. shows a specific area.

To find a six figure GR.

a. Find the four figures GR.

b. Set the figures on a piece of paper with a space
between the eastings and northings e.g. 34–13 –

c. You then make imaginary eastings & nothings

lines within the four-figure squire, numbering
them 0 – 10.

INTRODUCTION TO THE LIGHT WEIGHT

COMPASS
(Silva Compass)

A. HOUSING
The whole housing can be removed and replaced (not
by cadets); also the housing is flat and milled around
its circumference for grip.

B. CALIBRATION
Most compasses are calibrated in degrees and mils
although some Silva is calibrated in degrees only.
The Silva compass is calibrated with white figures on
 accuracy use this method with two
landmarks.

Setting the map by compass

a. Lay the map on a flat surface.
b. Place the compass on the map, so that
the direction of travel arrow lies on an
easting grid line.
c. While the compass remains on the grid
line turn the map until the magnetic
needle is in line with the north arrow
(orienting arrow) ensuring that the red
section of the needle points to “N”.
d. The map is now set.

RELIEF AND CONTOURS

The term “Relief” describes the rise and fall of the

ground (Hills & valleys). It is difficult to show on a
map, which is flat surface. Various methods are used
to show relief and the most important is the contour.
Contours
These are thin lines drawn on the map joining
places of an equal height above sea level. Usually
brown red or orange in color. Each one of which
joins up points of the same height. The closer the
contour lines, the steeper the hill, the more far apart
they are the slope is gradual.
Contours which show heights less than 80 m increase
by 20 m, and contours which show height more than
80 m increase by 40 m.
North Points Convex Slopes

There are three north points: A convex slope is one, which bulges outwards. If
you are standing at the top of a convex slope you will
A .True North -the actual direction of the not be able to see all the way to the bottom because
geographical North Pole. of the outward bulge, which would obscure your
vision. A convex slope is steep at the bottom and
b. Grid North -The direction of the vertical grid becomes gradual as you climb to the top.
lines on a map. For all practical purposes true and Concave Slopes
grid north are the same.
A concave slope is one, which curves inwards. When
c. Magnetic North-The direction towards which the standing at the top of the concave slope, you will be
compass needle points which is the magnetic north able to see all the way down to the bottom. A
pole. concave slope is gradual at the bottom and gets
steeper as you climb to the top.
These are clearly shown in diagrammatic and word Spurs & Re-entrants
form in the marginal information of the map.
In both cases contours appear as a hairpin shape.
Spurs and re-entrants appear to be similar on the
Bearings map. If no contour figures were shown it would be
difficult to tell the difference between the two. If the
A bearing is a method of indicating direction. It is bend of the hairpin points to lower ground, it is a
the angle, measured in a clockwise direction, between spur, but if the bend points to high ground, it is a re-
north and a line joining two known points. entrant.
Spur- is a high ground jotting into lower ground

SETTING THE MAP BY LANDMARKS & Re-Entrant- A range of narrow valley close at one
COMPASS end separating two spurs.
Methods Valley- is a zero level between two hills

Setting a map is pointing the map so that it coincides Knoll- a small isolated hill
with the ground. There are two ways of setting the Col-a range of high ground between two higher
map with accuracy. grounds
Setting the map by landmarks: Bridge- is a structure use to link a river, stream or
two places from one road to another
a. Draw a line on the map between your CONTOUR COLOURS & REPRESENTATION
present position (A) and a landmark on the
map, which can also be seen on the ground. Black- Man made features (e.g. school, church etc)
b. Rotate the map until the pencil line points at Red Brown- cultural features e.g. all relief features,
the landmark. non-surveyed spot elevation
c. The map is now set, but not so accurately as
if a compass were used. For greater Blue- Hydrograph or water features
Green- Vegetation and the inside of the knees. It is useful behind
very low cover. Propel yourself along by
Brown- relief features
alternative elbows and knees, and roll your body a
Others- courses shown on legend little as you bend each knee: or let one leg trail
behind and use only one knee. Keep your heels,
head, body and elbows down, but observe as you
MEASURING DISTANCE ON A MAP
go. If you have a rifle, hold it either with your
right hand on the small of the butt and your left
There are two ways of measuring distances on a map.
hand at the point of balance, with the bolt
uppermost, or by the front of the sling with your
i. By range (or the crow flies)
right hand, with the rifle rested on your right
ii. By road
arm, and the muzzle forward.
i. By Range
The Roll-It is often the quickest way of getting away
from a spot, such as a crest line, where the enemy
This is measured in meters or yards. To measure
has seen you. Roll with your arms, and your rifle if
a distance by range is to measure from point A to
you have one, close in to your side.
B in a straight line. E.G. 4500 M
The Walk-Hold your rifle in the alert position so
ii. By Road
that you can use it instantly. Your whole attitude
This is measured in kilometers or miles. To
must be alert, with your head up so that you can
measure the distance by road, it is very important
observe. To be really quiet on hard ground, put
to follow the curves on the road between the two
the edge of the sole of your boot down first. To
points (A & B).
help your balance, keep your knees slightly
After measuring the distance with the assistance
bent.
of a strip of paper, the paper is then placed on the
correct scale to get an exact reading. (The actual
Night Movements
distance in meters or kilometers/yards or miles).
e.g. 4.5 km
The Ghost Walk.-Lift your legs high to avoid
long grass, and sweep them nut-wards. Feel gently
Fording- this is where a river or stream crosses the with your toes for a safe place to put your feet.
roadway. Make sure one foot is safe before moving the
Level Crossing-this is where the railway tracks other. Keep your knees a bit bent. Carry your
crosses the road. weapon in the alert position in open country. In
Embankment- Is when hills are on both sides of the close country carry it in one hand
road. at the point of balance leaving the free hand to
feel for obstacles in front above waist height.
WHAT IS FIELDCRAFT?
The Cat Walk. Crawl on hands and knees; search
Fieldcraft is the name given to the skill which the ground ahead for twigs with your right hand,
enables a cadet to carry out a variety of military hold your weapon in your left hand. Move your
activities with maximum efficiency whilst moving knees up to your right hand, then search again.
across country by day and by night.
The Kitten Crawl-Often the only way to get
Camouflage- is to blend in with your surrounding accurate information is to get close to the enemy,
Observation- is to see through your enemies’ which means keeping low and quiet. The leopard
concealment crawl is too noisy, but the kitten crawl is very
Concealment- to defeat the enemy’s observation quiet, though it is slow and tiring and needs a lot
Field Signals- are jesters used to limit the amount of practice. Lie on your stomach, search the
of noise or talking by the squad use in a field. ground ahead for twigs with your right hand, lift
Visual Training- is training to observe, your body on forearms and toes, press it forward,
coupled with knowledge of how to conceal and lower it on to the ground; hold your weapon
How to camouflage the following items: in your left hand.
Helmet- Dull the sheen, using coal, camo-cream,
etc. Obstacle Crossing
Bag Pack- Change the shape
Boots- Dull the sheen Wire- Crawl under it if you can. It may be
Weapons- Dull the sheen using for e.g. mud possible for someone to lie on the wire and flatten
Face- Mud, Cam Cream, burnt cream it down a bit, and for the others to climb over
his body. If you have to cut wire, get someone to
hold it on both sides of the cutter; if you do not do
Elementary Movements this it will fly apart, make a noise and possibly hit
Day Movements- you in the face.
Gates and wooden fences-The best way is to
Monkey Run-It is simply crawling on hands crawl under them; the next best thing is to vault
and knees. It is useful behind cover about two over them.
feet high. You can go quite fast, but the faster Walls-Kelp one another up and roll across the
you go, the more noise you make. If you really top, keeping flat. Be careful of your weapons;
want to be quiet, always choose a place where do not drop them over the wall. Or Vault over,
there are no twigs to crack, etc. Put your hands don’t break the sky line
on the ground and then your knees exactly where Ditches, streams, hedges and gaps-These are
your hands have been. Keep your backside and likely to be covered by fire; cross them as fast as
head down, but observe as you go .If you have a you can.
rifle, hold it at the point of balance with your left Ditch with water-Wade across with your rifle
hand and see that no dirt gets into the muzzle. above your head, if you have one.
Rivers-Tie one end of a rope on a tree (the side
The Leopard Crawl-It is crawling on elbows you are on). Send your best swimmer across
with the other end to tie it on a tree also then 1. Light is dim or sun is in the observer’s eyes.
send each cadet across the rope. 2. They are smaller that the objects around them.
3. Looking across a valley, down a street or along a
WHY ARE THINGS SEEN? (5 S, 1 M) path in the woods.
4. Observer is lying down.
Shape. Some things can be recognized instantly by
their shape, particularly if it contrasts with the SENTRY
surroundings. Three easily distinguishing shapes Who is a sentry?
which require disguise for concealment are:
1. Clear cut shape of a soldier’s outline. A sentry is a military person put to watch over a
2. The smooth round tip of the helmet. military ground over a period of time.
3. Hardline frame of a combat steel helmet.
4. Disguise your shape, including weapons and Duties of A Sentry (1 L, 2 D, 3 P, NEWS)
equipment.
B. Shadow Length of Duty
In sunlight, an object must cast a shadow which gives Direction of Enemy
away its presence. For concealment, keep in the Direction of Wind
shade if possible. The shade affords cover and there Password
are no tell-tale shadows. Remember that as the sun Particular of returning patrol
moves, so does the shadows. Position of the other flaking post
C. Silhouette Name of landmark to your front
An object silhouetted against a contrasting Extend of ground to be watched
background is conspicuous. Smooth flat background What are the Procedures for challenge-
such as water, a field, or worst of all the sky should Halt, who goes there, Advance one to be recognizes-
be considered dangerous. An object may also be PASSWORD
silhouetted if it is against the background of another Signals for defensive fire.
colour. For concealment, choose an uneven
background such as a hedge, bush, trees or broken TYPES OF SENTRY
ground.
D. Surface Chemical, Air and Ground
If an object has a surface that contrasts with its
surroundings, it is conspicuous. Shiny helmets and
white skin contrast violently with most backgrounds
and need to de disguised to assist concealment.

E. Spacing
Natural objects are never regularly spaced. Regular
spacing means man-made objects. For concealment,
avoid regularly spacing.
F. Movement
The eye is attracted by movement, especially sudden
movement. For concealment, movement has to be
slow and cautious.

METHODS OF JUDGING DISTANCE?

Unit of Measure- Use a known unit to measure

the distance between you and the object

Appearance Method- Estimate the distance

between you and the object.

AIDS TO JUDGING DISTANCE

Halving- Estimate ½ the distance and multiply

by two.

Bracketing- Take a known measurement and

see how many times it can fit between you and
the point to which you are estimating.

Key Range- Estimate a known point the find

the ratio.
Unit Average- Let everyone in the unit estimate
then add and divide by the number of persons

CONDITIONS AFFECTING APPEARANCE

Objects Seem Closer Than They Are When:

1. Light is brighter or sun shining from behind
observer.
2. They are bigger that the objects around them.
3. Dead ground between object and observer.
4. They are higher up than the observer.

Objects Seem Far Away Than They Are When: