HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS

SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

ELEMENTARY MAP READING

I. Overview
Map reading is considered as one of the most important subjects in the military. It is a
mandatory subject that must be passed in every military schooling. It is quite hard but interesting
especially when you fully understand the importance and correct application of this subject. The
objective of today’s instruction is for each and every one to learn and apprehend the different
methods of locating points in the map. I will show you how to locate unknown location using the
five methods of locating points then everyone will be required to locate a point in the map and
identify what method being applied. Gentlemen I encourage you to listen carefully and try to ask
question if you have doubts about the topic or main points being discuss. I want to make sure
that each one of you really know how to apply the different methods of locating points in
accordance to the standard rule of map reading. My presentation will last for an hour taking up
the following sequence: map orientation, types of map, azimuth, back azimuth & direction,
measuring distance on a map, and means of locating points

II. Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, student should be able to:

1. Understand the importance of map reading for military personnel in the art of soldiery
particularly in combat operation;
2. Familiarize with the different type of maps according to scale and use, colors and its
representation; and
3. Appreciate and apply the general rule in map reading.

III. Discussion/Lesson Proper:

1) Definition:

Map is a graphical representation of the earth’s surface or a portion of it drawn into scale
on a plane surface as it is seen from above.

2) Why are maps important?

A. A map is important to a soldier as his weapon or a piece of survival equipment. A
thorough knowledge of map reading is essential to him and a prerequisite to the military leader in
his role as student, instructor, staff officer, or commander.
B. A map is a source of data for the delivery of fire, transportation of troops, combat
operations, intelligence mission and many other military activities.
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

C. The needs of the individual soldier are to find out on a map where he is, where he
wants to go, and a route to get there. Military maps show the soldier not only how to get from the
surrounding country looks like, how high the hills are and many other things.

3) Kinds and Classification of map:

1) Classification by scale - scale is expressed as a fraction and give the ratio of map distance
to ground distance.
a. Small scale - map at scale of 1:600,000 and smaller which is used from general
planning and for strategically studies at high echelons. The standard small scale is
1:1,000,000.
b. Medium scale - map at scales larger than 1:600,000 but smaller than 1:75,000 used
for planning operations, including the movement of and concentration of troops or
supplies. The standard medium scale is 1:250,000.
c. Large scale - maps at scales of 1:75,000 and larger are used to meet the tactical,
technical and administrative needs of field units. The standard large scale is
1:50,000.
The term “small scale”, “medium scale”, and “large scale” may be confusing when read
in conjunction with numbers. However, if the number is viewed as a fraction, it becomes
apparent that 1:600,000 of something smaller than 1:75,000 of the same thing. Therefore, the
larger the number after 1, the smaller the scale of the map.

2) Classification by type:
1. Plane metric map - map which presents only the horizontal position for the features
represented. It is distinguished from a topographic map or by the omission of relief in
a measurable form.
2. Topographic map - maps which portrays terrain and land forms in a measurable
form, as well as the horizontal positions of the features represented. The vertical
positions, or relief are normally represented by contours.
3. Photo map - is a reproduction of an aerial photograph upon which gridlines,
marginal data, place names, route numbers, important elevation and boundaries are
added.
4. Photo mosaic map - is an assembly or aerial photographs. It may provide a better
pictorial effect of the ground than that of a planimetric map.

5. Terrain model - is a scale model of the terrain showing features for indoctrination
purposes and for briefings.
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

6. Military city map - is a topographic map delineating streets and showing street
names, important buildings, and other urban elements of military importance.
7. Plastic relief map - a topographic map reprinted on plastic material and formed by
heat and vacuum over a reproductive positive mold, thus giving the same information
as contained on a topographic map in a three-dimensional form so that the user can
readily use variation in elevation.

3) Classification by kind:

a. General map - map with scales smaller than 1:1,000,000.

b. Strategic map - map with scales larger than 1:1,000,000.
c. Strategic-tactical map - map with scale of 1:250,000 to 1:500,000.
d. Tactical map - map with scale of 1:50,000 and larger.

4) Taking care of map:

In the field, your mission is as important as your weapons, take good care of it, fold is
small enough to slip into your shirt pocket. To protect it from rain or sweet, either keep it into a
transparent plastic envelope or coat it with a thin film or lacquer. When you mark your map,
mark it lightly. It may have to last you a long while. Many marks on it will confuse you, erasures
of heavy lines will smear it and make it difficult to read.

Keep your map out of your enemy’s hands. Any marks on it may give valuable
information. If in danger of capture, burn it, if you can’t burn it tear it into small boats and scatter
them widely, if you can’t do either, fold it small as possible and burn it.

5) Marginal information

Information’s contained in the margin of a map which give details of a technical nature
that must be considered if the map is to be used correctly. While the amount of information
varies in details and degrees, a study of the margin of map will generally reveal the following: -
starting from the upper left-hand corner.
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

a) Sheet Number – found in the upper right and lower left

areas of the margin and is used as a reference number
assigned to each map.

b) Series Name and Scale – the map series name is found in the upper left margin. A map
series is usually comprising a group of similar maps at the same scale and on the same
sheet lines or format, designed to cover a particular geographic area.

c) Bar Scales – the bar scales are located in the center of the lower margin. They are rulers
used for the determination of ground distance.

d) Index to Adjoining Sheets – the index to adjoining

sheets appear in the lower margin. It identifies the
map sheets surrounding the map.

e) Index to Boundaries – appears in the lower right

 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

margin. This diagram, which is a miniature of the map, shows the boundaries that occur
within the map area such as provincial and city boundaries.

f) Legend – located in the lower left margin. It illustrates and identifies the topographic
symbols used to depict the more prominent features on the
map. The symbols are not always the same on every map.
Always refer to the legend to avoid errors when reading a
map.

g) Contour Interval Note – located in center lower margin normally below bar scales. The
contour interval note states the vertical distance between adjacent contour lines of the
map. when supplementary contours are used, the interval is indicated. In recent edition
maps, the contour interval is given in meters instead of feet.

h) Adjoining Sheet Diagram – maps all standard scale contain a diagram that illustrates the
adjoining sheet.

i) Elevation Guide – this normally found in the lower right margin. it is a miniature
characterization of the terrain shown. the terrain is represented by bands of elevation spot
elevation, and major drainage features.

j) Declination Diagram - this indicates the direction of the true

north, magnetic north, and grid north: the angle between these
directions in degrees and minutes; as well as in mils, the date for
which the diagram was computed; and the annual magnetic
change.

k) Grid Reference Box – located in center lower margin.

The box contains instructions for composing a grid
reference.

l) Scale:
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

1. Map scale - this is the ratio of the distance on the map and on the ground.
2. Graphic scale/bar scale - primary scale and an extension scale expressed in
miles, kilometers, and yards.

m) Elevation note - contour interval 20 meters with supplementary contours at 10 meters

intervals, vertical datum based on approximate mean sea level.

n) Grid note - the grid interval and military grid used on the map falls in a map with utm
grid.

o) Credit note - this explains what agency prepared the map, how, when, and what source
of materials were used. This information gives a definite idea regarding the quality of the
map.

p) Series number - this number represent the geographic location of a map.

q) Latitude and longitude designation - each of the map corners you will find the latitude
and longitude of what corners indicated in degrees, minutes, and seconds.

r) Military grid - indicated by full black lines crossing the map at approximately north-
south and east-west directions. These are numbered consecutively from a point nearest
the origin.

s) Projection note - the type of projection used as well as datum from which the projection
is computed.

t) Users note - users noting errors or omission on the map are urged to mark them on the
map and forward same to the makers.
a. Conventional topographic symbols:
A map is a picture, but it is not a photograph. It does not show the picture of each object
on the ground but instead shows a conventional sign which resembles the objects they portray.
Topographic symbols, therefore are standard drawings by which mapped features are shown on
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

the map. To differentiate various topographic symbols, and emphasis to, and make their
identification easier, classes of topographic symbols are assigned standard colors:
a. Black- represents man-made object, i.e. building, roads, surveyed spot elevations, and all
label etc.
b. Blue - identifies hydrography or water features such as lakes, swamps, rivers and
drainage.
c. Red- brown – the colors red brown is combined to identify cultural features, all relief
features, non-surveyed spot elevations, and elevation such as contour lines on red-light
readable maps,
d. Green – identifies vegetation with military significance, such as woods, orchards, and
vineyards, etc.
e. Brown – identifies all relief features and elevation, such as contours on older edition
maps, and cultivated land on red-light readable maps
f. Red- Classifies cultural features, such as populated areas, main roads, and boundaries, on
older maps.

b. MILITARY SYMBOLS:

When the army moves on the land, it also moves on to the map of the land. there are
symbols for the activities of the army, and those signs make sense, just an ordinary sign on a map
make sense.

a. Kind of unit - the symbols of different kinds of army units are not only very simple,
but they are connected with the nature of the military activity itself.
1) Infantry - the crossed lines representing the crossed rifles of the old infantry men.
2) Artillery - the dot represents the old-fashioned cannonball.
3) Armor - the oval represents the outline of a tank thread.
4) Medical corps - the cross represents the red cross.
5) Ordnance - the symbols look like an old-fashioned bomb on frames.
6) Quartermaster - the key represents the service’s access to supplies and materials.
7) Engineers - the symbols represent the bridge.
8) Signal - jagged lightning.
9) Airborne - the symbols represent the old-fashioned propeller.
10) Navy - the symbols represent the ship anchor.

b. Basic symbols - there are five (5) figures which make up the building block to which
other symbols are added to show the full activity.

1) Rectangle - indicate troop unit and will be centered over the general location of
the unit.
2) Rectangle with flagstaff - indicate unit command post. The base of the staff
indicates the exact position of the cp.
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

3) Triangle - indicate on observation post will be centered over its position. Do not
confuse this figure with topographic bench marks.
4) Circle - medical aid stations are represented by this symbol. The base of the
vertical staff indicates the exact position of the aid station.
c. Size of units: the following size symbols are placed on top of basic symbols and will
show the strength of echelon of a unit. Branch symbols are added to the center of the
basic symbols to clearly define the type of the unit.

Military grid system

It is designated for use of universal transverse mercator (utm). Reduces the length of
written coordinates by substituting single letters for several numbers. The world is divided into
60 grid zones, which are large, regularly shaped geographic areas, each of which is given a
unique identification called “grid zone designation”. Baras lies in zone 51 and p, or grid zone
designation 51p. Each zone is covered by 100,000-meter squares that are identified by the
combination of two alphabetical letters. The 100,000-meter square identification of baras is “us”
located in the grid reference box.
Grid lines
These are vertical lines and horizontal lines that make the utm grid on any large-scale
map. Division of the 100,000-meter square into 10,000 or 1,000 regularly spaced lines.

Grid Square

The north-south and east-west gridlines intersect at 90 degrees, forming grid square.
Normally, the size of one of these grid squares on large scale maps is 1,000 meters by 1,000
meters.

Cardinal Rule in Reading the map

“READ RIGHT THEN UP”

6-Digit Grid Coordinates

To determine location in nearest 100 meters. Need to add 2 more numbers, one to the first
half (easterly reading) and the other one to the second half (northernly reading.
Scale & Distance
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

The scale of the map permits the user to convert distance on the map to distance on the
ground or vice versa. The scale of a map expresses the ratio of horizontal distance on the map to
the horizontal distance on the ground. Usually written as fraction called the “representative
fraction”.
RF = MAP DISTANCE (MD)
GROUND DISTANCE (GD)

Direction
Methods of expressing direction:
1. Degree
1 degree = 60 minutes
1 minute = 60 seconds
2. Mils
1 circle = 6400 mils
17.78 mils = 1 degree
3. Grad
1 circle = 400 grad

Base Line
It is the starting point or zero measurement. Three (3) base lines:
1. True North – a line from any point on the earth’s surface to the north pole.
2. Magnetic North – Obtained thru the use of compasses.
3. Grid North – The north that is established by using the vertical grid lines on
the map.
Azimuth
It is the most common military method to express direction. It is a horizontal angle
measured clockwise from a north base line.

Azimuth Circle

Coordinate Scale and Protractor

 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

Bearing
Another way to express direction. It is a horizontal angle measured clockwise or counter-
clockwise from a north or south reference line.

Contour Lines
1. Index- A thick printed line indexed to show the elevation above and below mean sea
level. Every fifth line will normally be an index contour line.
2. Intermediate- A thin solid line falling between the index contour lines that do not have
their elevation given. Normally there are four intermediate lines between index contour
lines.
3. Supplementary- Thin broken lines (dashes) representing changes in elevation at least
one-half the contour interval. Normally found where there is very little change in
elevation.
Slope
Slope is the rate of rise and fall of a ground, maybe described as being gentle of steep.
Expressed in gradient or percent.
Vertical distance (vd) – is the difference between the highest and lowest elevations of
the slopes and is determined from contour lines.
Horizontal distance (hd) – is the horizontal ground between two points.

Gradient
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

Relationship between the horizontal and vertical distance is expressed as a fraction with a
numerator of 1.
Formula:
gradient = vd
hd

Care of the Compass

1. As soon as you get your compass, inspect it.

2. Make sure the dial floats freely and does not stick.
3. Make sure the sighting wire is straight.
4. Glass and crystal part are not broken.
5. Can read all the numbers in the dial.
Separation Distances from Metal Objects or Electrical Source

High tension power lines - - - - 55 meters

Field gun, truck or tank - - - - - 18 meters
Telegraph, telephone wire & barbed wire - - - 10 meters
Machine gun - - - - 2 meters
Steel helmet or rifle – ½ meter
Compass Holding Methods
There are two methods to holding and reading a compass.

A. Compass-to-Cheek Method:
1. Open the cover to a 90-degree angle to the base. Position the eyepiece at a 45-degree
angle to the base.
2. Place your thumb through the thumb loop, form a steady base with
your third and fourth fingers, and extend your index finger along the
side of the Compass base.
3. Place the hand holding the compass into the palm of the other hand.
4. Bring both hands up to your face and position the thumb that is
through the loop against your cheekbone.
5. Look through the lens of the eyepiece. If the dial is not in focus, move the eyepiece up or
down until the dial is in focus. Don't forget that the lens/rear sight must be at a 45o angle
to ensure the dial floats freely.
6. Align the sighting slot of the eyepiece with the sighting wire in the cover on the point for
which you are trying to determine the azimuth.
B. Center hold Method
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

Note: Use this method only when you don't need a precise direction.
1. Open the compass so that the cover forms a straight edge with
the base. Move the lens/rear sight to the rear as far as it will
move.
2. Next, place your thumb through the thumb loop, form a
Methods, steady base with your third and fourth fingers, and
extend your index finger along the side of the compass.
3. Place the thumb of the other hand between the eyepiece and the lens, extend the index
finger along the remaining side of the compass, wrap the remaining fingers around the
fingers of the other hand, and pull your elbows firmly into your sides. This will place the
compass between your chin and your belt.
4. To measure an azimuth, you must turn your entire body toward the object and point the
compass cover directly at the object. Look down and read the azimuth from beneath the
fixed black index line. You may use this method at night.
5. To keep from going in circles when you are land navigating, stop occasionally to check the
azimuth along which you are moving. Also, you can move from object to object along your
path by shooting an azimuth to each object and then moving to that object. Repeating this
process while you navigate should keep you straight.

Orienting the map with a compass

1. Place the map on a flat surface.
2. Put the compass on top of the map.
3. Take the straightedge on the left side of the compass & place it alongside the north-south
grid line with the cover of the compass pointing toward the top of the map.
Note: this will place the fixed black index line parallel to north-south grid lines.
4. Keeping the compass aligned as directed, rotate the map and compass together until the
magnetic arrow is below the fixed black index line. At this time, the map is close to being
oriented.
5. Rotate the map and compass in the direction of the declination diagram.
6. If the magnetic north arrow on the map is to the left of the grid north, the compass reading
will equal the g-m angle given in the declination diagram.
7. If the magnetic north is to the right of grid north, the compass reading will equal 360
degrees minus the g-m angle.

Polar Coordinates
A method of locating or plotting an unknown position from a known point by giving a
direction and a distance along that direction line.
1. Plot azimuth from a known point.
2. Plot distance from the known point along the azimuth line.
3. The polar coordinate is at the end of the azimuth/distance line.
Step 1. Place the Index mark of the protractor at the center of mass on the point from which you
are measuring.

PN
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

Step 2. Locate the desired azimuth on the protractor scale and place a dot on the map at this
Azimuth.

Step 3. Remove the protractor and connect the point and dot with a straight line place a paper
straight edge on the scale.

Step 3. Remove the straight edge and determine the grid coordinate to the second point.

.
PNT
EG1588

ELO F W221/OCT 03/VGT-

PNT

ELO F W221/OCT
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

IV. Evaluation
QUIZ
Name: ______________________________________ Score: ______________
Year and Section: _____________________________ Date: ______________

ELEMENTARY MAP READING

I. Multiple Choice: Chose the best answer by writing the letter that describes it.

____C__1. It is a geographical representation of the earths surface drawn to scale on a planet

as seen from above
a. Globe c. map
b. Drawing d. none of the above
____B__2. Classification of map according to scale that is used for tactical,
technical and administrative needs of the field units.
a. Small scale c. Medium Scale
b. Large scale d. none of the above
_____C__3. A map that is used for planning operations including movement and
concentration of troops and supplies is refers to.
a. Small scale c. Medium Scale
b. Large scale d. none of the above
 HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
Lucban, Quezon

____C___4. It is located in the lower left margin that illustrates and identifies the
topographic symbols used to depict some of more prominent features on the map is called
a. Sheet Name c. Legend
b. Declination Diagram d. none of the above
________5. A marginal information in the topographic map that is found in two places; the
center of the upper margin and either left or right side of the lower margin is called
a. Sheet Name c. Sheet Number
b. Series Name d. none of the above
_______6. These are standard by which map features are shown in the map.
a. Marginal Information c. Topographic Symbols
b. Military Symbol d. None of the Above
____C___7. Colors found that represents relief and elevations such as contour lines is
a. Black c. Brown
b. Blue d. Green
____A___8. Colors that depicts classification of roads, built up areas and special features
a. Black c. Green
b. Blue d. Red
____A___9. Cardinal or General Rule in Map Reading
a. Read Right Up b. Read Up Right
_____A__10. Colors that depict military Symbols for enemy
forces. a. Red c. Blue
b. Yellow d. Green

V. References:

Common Module, Student Handbook, Officer Basic Course, Training and Doctrine
Command Philippine Army.
ROTC Manual