UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

THE BASIC SCHOOL

MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019

MILITARY TOPOGRAPHIC MAP I

B170229XQ
STUDENT HANDOUT

Basic Officer Course

B170229XQ Military Topographic Map I

Military Topographic Map I

Introduction Cartography is the art and science of expressing the

known physical features of the earth graphically by maps
and charts. No one knows who drew, molded, laced
together, or scratched the first map in the dirt, but a
historical study reveals that the most pressing demands
for mapping accuracy and detail are the result of military
needs.

Importance Today, due to the complexities of tactical operations and

deployment of troops, it is essential for all Marines to be
able to read and interpret their maps in order to move
quickly and effectively on the battlefield.

In This Lesson This lesson discusses how to evaluate and interpret map
information, how to neatly and accurately plot grid
coordinates on the map, and how to measure ground
distance on a map.

This lesson covers the following topics:

Topic Page
Part 1: Maps 4
Definition of Maps 4
Security 4
Categories and Types of Maps 4
Military Map Substitutes 5
Part 2: Marginal Information and Symbols 6
Marginal Information on a Map 8
Topographic Map Symbols 13
Part 3: Grids 14
Reference System 14
Geographic Coordinates 14
Military Grids 18
Locating a Point Using Grid 19
Coordinates
Part 4: Scale and Distance 23
Representative Fraction 23
Graphic (Bar) Scales 24
Review Questions 26

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Learning Objectives Terminal Learning Objective

TBS-PAT-1002 Given a military topographic map, protractor,

lensatic compass, and objective, navigate with a map and
compass to arrive within 100 meters of the objective.

Learning Objectives Enabling Learning Objectives

(Continued)
TBS-PAT-1002a Given a military topographic map, identify
marginal information without error.

TBS-PAT-1002b Given a military topographic map, identify

contour lines without error.

TBS-PAT-1002d Given a military topographic map, identify

colors on a map without error.

TBS-PAT-1002e Given a military topographic map, protractor,

determine/plot grid coordinates to within 30 meters.

TBS-PAT-1002f Given a military topographic map, protractor,

string, and paper, determine distance between two points
using bar scale within tolerance of 30 meters.

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Maps

Definition of Maps A map is a graphic representation of a portion of the earth’s

surface drawn to scale, as seen from above.

To be understandable, features are represented by

conventional signs and symbols. To be legible, many of
these are exaggerated in size, often far beyond the actual
ground limits of the feature represented.

Purpose A map provides information on the existence of the location

and the distance between ground features, such as
populated places and routes of travel, and communication.
It also indicates variations in terrain, heights of natural
features, and the extent of vegetation cover. With our
military forces dispersed throughout the world, it is
necessary to rely on maps that provide information to our
combat elements and resolve logistical operations far from
our shores.

All operations require maps; however, the finest maps

available are worthless unless the map user knows
how to read them.

Security All maps are considered to be documents that require

special handling. If a map falls into unauthorized hands, it
could easily endanger military operations by providing
information of friendly plans or areas of interest to the
enemy.

Maps are documents that must not fall into

unauthorized hands.

Categories of Maps The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) mission

is to provide mapping, charting, and all geodesy support to
the armed forces, and all other national security operations.
NGA produces four categories of products and services:
hydrographic, topographic, aeronautical, and digital. Military
maps are categorized by scale and type.

Small Scale  Used for general planning and

Maps for strategic studies.
 Covers a large area at the
expense of detail.
 Small-scale maps are
1:1,000,000 and smaller.

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Categories of Maps Medium Scale  Used for operational planning.

(Cont) Maps  Contain moderate amount of
detail, but terrain analysis is
best done with the large-scale
maps.
 Medium-scale maps are
between 1:75,000 and
1:1,000,000.

Large Scale  Are used for tactical,

Maps administrative, and logistical
planning.
 These are the maps a Marine
or junior leader are most likely
to encounter.
 Large-scale maps are
1:75,000 and larger.

Map Types. The map of choice for land navigators is the 1:50,000-scale military
topographic map. When operating in foreign places, there may be other times units
use obtained maps such as tourist maps or other commercially produced maps. (In
Grenada, many of our troops used a British tourist map.) It is also important to know
how to use the many other products available from the NGA: (List not all inclusive)

Topographic map: A topographic map portrays terrain features in a measurable

way, as well as the horizontal positions of the features
represented. The vertical positions, or relief, are normally
represented by contour lines on military topographic maps. On
maps showing relief, the elevations and contours are
measured from a specific vertical datum plane, usually mean
sea level.

Other Types of Maps:

 Planimetric maps
 Digital maps
 Photomap
 Terrain Model
 Military City Map

Military Map Substitutes: If military maps are not available, use substitute maps.
These can range from foreign military or commercial maps, to field sketches. The NGA
can provide black and white reproductions of many foreign maps, and produce its own
maps based upon intelligence.

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 Foreign Maps
 Atlases
 Geographic Maps
 Tourist Road Maps
 City/Utility Maps
 Field Sketches

Standards of Accuracy: Accuracy is the degree of conformity that horizontal positions

and vertical values are clearly represented on a map in relation to an established
standard. The NGA determines the standard based upon user requirements. Unless
otherwise specified in the marginal information, consider maps to meet accuracy
requirements.

Marginal Information and Topographic Map Symbols

We use marginal information for:

 Identification – indicates which area coverage the map represents.

 Interpretation – provides correlation between actual terrain features and map
topographic symbols.
 Evaluation – helps determine the validity of the information represented on the
map.

Some key elements contained in marginal information are listed below with a brief
description. Refer to Figure 1 to see where each element is located on the Quantico
topographic map.

Sheet Name (1) The sheet name is found in bold print at the center of the
top and in the lower left area of the map margin. A map is
generally named for the largest settlement contained
within the area covered by the sheet, or for the largest
natural feature located within the area at the time the map
was drawn.
Sheet Number (2) The sheet number is found in bold print in the upper right
and lower left areas of the margin, and in the center box of
the adjoining sheets diagram found in the lower right
margin. To link specific maps to overlays, operations
orders, and plans, use the sheet number as reference. For
maps at 1:100,000-scale and larger, the sheet numbering
system is arbitrary and makes possible the ready
orientation of maps at scales of 1:100,000, 1:50,000, and
1:25,000.

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Series Name (3) The map series name is found in bold print in the upper
left corner of the margin. The name given to the series is
generally that of a major political subdivision such as a
state within the United States or a European nation. A
map series usually includes a group of similar maps at the
same scale and on the same sheet lines or format. They
are designed to cover a particular geographic area and
may be a group of maps that serve a common purpose,
such as military city maps.

Scale (4) The scale is found in the upper left margin after the series
name and in the center of the lower margin. The scale
note is a representative fraction that gives the ratio of a
map distance to the corresponding distance on the earth’s
surface. For example, the scale note 1:50,000 indicates
that one unit of measure on the map equals 50,000 units
of the same measure on the ground.

Series Number (5) The series number is found in the upper right margin and
the lower left margin. It is a sequence reference
expressed either as a four-digit numeral (1125) or as a
letter followed by a three- or four-digit numeral (M661,
T7110).

Edition Number (6) The edition number is found in bold print in the upper right
area of the top margin and the lower left area of the
bottom margin. Editions are numbered consecutively; if
there is more than one edition, the highest numbered
sheet is the most recent. The map information date is
found immediately below the word “LEGEND” in the lower
left margin of the map. This date is important when
determining how accurately the map data might be
expected to match what is encountered on the ground

Index to Boundaries (7) The index to boundaries diagram appears in the lower or
right margin of all sheets. This diagram, which is a
miniature of the map, shows the boundaries that occur
within the map area such as county lines and state
boundaries.

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Adjoining Sheets Maps at all standard scales contain a diagram that

Diagram (8) illustrates the adjoining sheets. It consists of as many
rectangles representing the adjoining sheets as are
necessary to surround the rectangle that represents the
sheet under consideration. The diagram usually contains
nine rectangles, but the number may vary depending on
the locations of the adjoining sheets. All represented
sheets are identified by their sheet numbers. Sheets of an
adjoining series, whether published or planned, that are at
the same scale are represented by dashed lines. The
series number of the adjoining series is indicated along
the appropriate side of the division line between the
series.

Elevation Guide (9) The elevation guide is 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 elevations, and major drainage features. The
elevation guide provides the map reader with a means of
quick recognition of major landforms.

Declination Diagram (10) The declination diagram is located in the lower margin of
large-scale maps and indicates the angular relationships
of true north, grid north, and magnetic north. In recent
edition maps, there is a note indicating the conversion of
azimuths from grid to magnetic and from magnetic to grid
next to the declination diagram.

Bar Scales (11) Bar scales are located in the center of the lower margin.
They are rulers used to convert map distance to ground
distance. Maps have three or more bar scales, each in a
different unit of measure. Care should be exercised when
using the scales, especially in the selection of the unit of
measure that is needed.

Contour Interval Note The contour interval note is found in the center of the lower
(12) margin normally below the bar scales. It 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.
Spheroid (13) The spheroid note is located in the center of the lower
margin. Spheroids (ellipsoids) have specific parameters
that define the X Y Z axis of the earth. The spheroid is an
integral part of the datum.

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Grid Note (14) The grid note is located in the center of the lower margin.
It gives information pertaining to the grid system used and
the interval between grid lines, and it identifies the UTM
grid zone number.

Projection Note (15) The projection system is the framework of the map. For
military maps, this framework is of the conformal type;
small areas of the surface of the earth retain their true
shapes on the projection; measured angles closely
approximate true values; and the scale factor is the same
in all directions from a point. The projection note is located
in the center of the lower margin. The three types of
projection notes are:

 Between 80 degrees south and 84 degrees north,

maps at scales larger than 1:500,000 are based on
the transverse Mercator projection. The note reads
TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION.
 Between 80 degrees south and 84 degrees north,
maps at 1:1,000,000 scale and smaller are based
on standard parallels of the Lambert conformal
conic projection. The note reads, for example,
LAMBERT CONFORMAL CONIC PROJECTIONS
36 DEGREES 40 MINUTES NORTH AND 39
DEGREES 20 MINUTES NORTH.
 Maps of the polar regions (south of 80 degrees
south and north of 84 degrees north) at 1:1,000,000
and larger scales are based on the polar
stereographic projection. The note reads POLAR
STEREOGRAPHIC PROJECTION.

Vertical Datum Note (16) The vertical datum note is located in the center of the
lower margin. The vertical datum or vertical-control datum
is defined as a level surface taken as a surface of
reference from which to determine elevations. In the
United States, Canada, and Europe, the vertical datum
refers to the mean sea level surface. However, in parts of
Asia and Africa, the vertical-control datum may vary locally
and is based on an assumed elevation that has no
connection to the sea level surface. Map readers should
habitually check the vertical datum note on maps,
particularly if the map is used for low-level aircraft
navigation, naval gunfire support, or missile target
acquisition.

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Horizontal Datum Note The horizontal datum note is located in the center of the
(17) lower margin. The horizontal datum or horizontal-control
datum is defined as a geodetic reference point (of which
five quantities are known: latitude, longitude, azimuth of a
line from this point, and two constants, which are the
parameters of reference ellipsoid). These are the basis for
horizontal-control surveys. The horizontal-control datum
may extend over a continent or be limited to a small local
area. Maps and charts produced by NGA are produced on
32 different horizontal-control data. Map readers should
habitually check the horizontal datum note on every map
or chart, especially adjacent map sheets, to ensure the
products are based on the same horizontal datum. If
products are based on different horizontal-control data,
coordinate transformations to a common datum is
performed. UTM coordinates from the same point
computed on different data may differ as much as 900
meters (m).

Control Note (18) The control note is located in the center of the lower
margin. It indicates the special agencies involved in the
control of the technical aspects of all the information that
is disseminated on the map.

Preparation Note (19) The preparation note is located in the center of the lower
margin. It indicates the agency responsible for preparing
the map.

Printing Note (20) The printing note is also located in the center of the lower
margin. It indicates the agency responsible for printing the
map and the date the map was printed. The printing data
should not be used to determine when the map
information was obtained.

Marginal Information and Topographic Map Symbols (Continued)

Grid Reference Box (21) The grid reference box is normally located in the center of
the lower margin. It contains instructions for composing a
grid reference.

Unit Imprint and Symbol The unit imprint and symbol is on the left side of the lower
(22) margin identifies the agency that prepared and printed the
map and its respective symbol. This information is
important to the map user in evaluating the reliability of the
map.

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Legend (23) The legend is located in the lower left margin. It illustrates
and identifies the topographic symbols used to depict
some of 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.

Special Notes (24) A special note is a statement of general information that

relates to the mapped area. It is normally found in the
lower right margin. For example, a particular note could be
“this map is red-light readable.”

User’s Note (25) The user’s note is normally located in the lower right-hand
margin. It requests cooperation in correcting errors or
omissions on the map. Errors should be marked and the
map forwarded to the agency identified in the note.

Stock Number (26) All maps published by the NGA that are in the Department
Identification of the Army map supply system contain stock number
identifications that are used in requisitioning map supplies.

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Marginal Information and Topographic Map Symbols (Continued)

3 4 1 6 5 2

8 7
11
22

12
23 10 9
21

1 2 5 6
25 24 26

Figure 1: Reduced scale of a large-scale topographic map

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Marginal Information and Topographic Map Symbols (Continued)

The purpose of a map is to visualize an area of the earth’s surface with pertinent
features properly positioned. The map’s legend contains the symbols most commonly
used in a particular series or on that specific topographic map sheet. The legend should
be referred to each time a new map is used. Every effort is made to design standard
symbols that resemble the features they represent. If this is not possible, symbols are
selected that logically imply the features they portray. For example, an open-pit mining
operation is represented by a small black drawing of a crossed hammer and pickax.

In addition to the topographic symbols used to represent the natural and man-made
features of the earth, military personnel require some method for showing identity, size,
location, or movement of Marines, military activities, and installations. These are known
as military symbols and are not normally printed on maps because the features and
units they represent are constantly moving or changing; military security is also a
consideration. They do appear in special maps and overlays. The map user draws them
in, according to proper security precautions.

To facilitate the identification of features on a map, the topographical and cultural

information is usually printed in different colors. These colors may vary from map to
map. On a standard large-scale topographic map, the colors used and the features they
represent are:

Colors Black Indicates cultural (man-made) features

such as buildings and roads, surveyed
spot elevations, and all labels.

Red-Brown The colors red and brown are combined to

/ Gray identify cultural features, all relief features,
non-surveyed spot elevations, and
elevation such as contour lines on red-
light readable maps. The color gray is also
used to make maps readable under blue
or green light.

Blue Identifies hydrography or water features

such as lakes, swamps, rivers, and
drainage.

Green Identifies vegetation with military

significance such as woods, orchards, and
vineyards.

Brown Identifies all relief features and elevation

such as contours on older edition maps,
and cultivated land on red-light readable
maps.

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Colors Red Classifies cultural features such as

populated areas, main roads, and
boundaries on older maps.

Other Occasionally, other colors may be used to

show special information. As a rule, these
are indicated in the marginal information.

Grids

This part covers how to determine and report positions on the ground in terms of
locations on a map. Knowing where one is (position fixing) and being able to
communicate that knowledge is crucial for successful land navigation, effective
employment of direct and indirect fire, tactical air support, and medical evacuation. It
is essential for valid target acquisition; accurate reporting of various danger areas,
and nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination areas; and obtaining emergency
resupply. Few factors contribute as much to the survivability of troops and equipment,
and to the successful accomplishment of a mission, as always knowing one’s location.
This part includes explanations of geographical coordinates, Universal Transverse
Mercator (UTM) grids, the military grid reference system, and the use of grid
coordinates.

Reference System In a city, it is quite simple to find a location; the streets are
named and the buildings have numbers. The only thing
needed is the address. However, finding locations in
undeveloped areas or in unfamiliar parts of the world can
be a problem. To cope with this difficulty, a uniform and
precise system of referencing has been developed.

Geographic One of the oldest systematic methods of location is based

Coordinates upon the geographic coordinate system. By drawing a set
of east-west rings around the globe (parallel to the equator),
and a set of north-south rings crossing the equator at right
angles and converging at the poles, a network of reference
lines is formed from which a point on the earth’s surface
can be located.

Geographic Latitude The distance of a point north or

Coordinates south of the equator is known as its
latitude. The rings around the earth
parallel to the equator are called
parallels of latitude, or simply
parallels. Lines of latitude run east-

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Geographic west but north-south distances are

Coordinates measured between them.
(Continued)
Longitude A second set of rings that run
around the globe at right angles to
the lines of latitude and passing
through the poles are known as
meridians of longitude, or simply
meridians. One meridian is
established as the prime meridian.
The prime meridian of the system
we use runs through Greenwich,
England and is known as the
Greenwich Meridian. The distance
east or west of a prime meridian to a
point is known as its longitude. Lines
of longitude (meridians) run north-
south but east-west distances are
measured between them.(See
Figures 4-1 and 4-2.)

Geographic coordinates are expressed in angular measurement. Each circle is

divided into 360 degrees, each degree into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60
seconds. The degree is symbolized by °, the minute by ‘ and the second by “.

Latitude Angular Starting with 0° at the equator, the parallels of latitude are
Measurements numbered to 90° both north and south. The extremities are
the North Pole at 90° north latitude and the South Pole at
90° south latitude. Latitude can have the same numerical
value north (N) or south (S) of the equator, so the direction
N or S is always given.

Longitude Angular Starting with 0° at the prime meridian, longitude is

Measurements measured both east (E) and west (W) around the world.
Lines east of the prime meridian are numbered to 180° and
identified as east longitude; lines west of the prime meridian
are numbered to 180° and identified as west longitude. The
direction E or W is always given. The line directly opposite
the prime meridian, 180°, may be referred to as either east
or west longitude.

Value of Coordinates The values of geographic coordinates, being in units of

angular measure, mean more if they are compared with
more familiar units of measure. At any point on the earth,
the ground distance covered by one degree of latitude is
about 111 kilometers (km) or 69 miles; one second is equal
to about 30 m (or 100 feet). The ground distance covered
by one degree of longitude at the equator is also about 111
km, but decreases as one moves north or south, until it

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becomes zero at the poles. For example, one second of

longitude represents about 30 m at the equator; but at the
latitude of Washington, D.C., one second of longitude is
about 24 m (78 feet). Latitude and longitude are illustrated
in Figure 4-3.

Figure 1-1. Prime meridian and equator Figure 1-2. Reference lines

Figure 1-3. Latitude and longitude

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Grids (Continued)

Universal Transverse The UTM grid system was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1947
Mercator (UTM) Grid for designating rectangular coordinates on large-scale military
maps. The UTM is currently used by the U.S. and North
Atlantic Treaty Organization armed forces. With the advent of
inexpensive GPS receivers, many other map users are
adopting the UTM grid system for coordinates that are simpler
to use than latitude and longitude.

Figure 1-4. UTM grid zone location

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Universal Polar North Polar The origin of the UPS grid applied to the
Stereographic (UPS) Area north polar area is the North Pole. The
Grid “north-south” base line is the line formed
by the 0 degree and 180-degree
meridians; the “east-west” base line is
formed by the two 90-degree meridians.

South Polar The origin of the UPS grid in the south

Area polar area is the South Pole. The base
lines are similar to those of the north
polar area.

United States Military This grid reference system is used with the UTM and UPS
Grid Reference grids. The coordinate value of points in these grids could
System (MGRS) contain as many as 15 digits if numerals alone were used. The
U.S. military grid reference system reduces the length of written
coordinates by substituting single letters for several numbers.

Using the UTM and the UPS grids, it is possible for the location
of a point (identified by numbers alone) to be in many different
places on the surface of the earth. With the use of the military
grid reference system, there is no possibility of this happening.

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Grid Squares The north-south and east-west grid lines

intersect at 90 degrees, forming grid
squares. Normally, the size of one of these
grid squares on large-scale maps is 1000
m (1 km).

Grid The primary tool for plotting grid

Coordinate coordinates is the grid coordinate scale.
Scales This scale divides the grid square more
accurately than can be done by estimation
and the results are more consistent. When
used correctly, it presents less chance for
making errors. (Also known as a protractor)

Determine Grids In order to determine grids without a coordinate scale, the

Without a Coordinate reader refers to the north-south grid lines numbered at the
Scale bottom margin of a map. Then read RIGHT to the north-south
grid line that precedes the desired point (this first set of two
digits is the RIGHT reading).

Then, by referring to the east-west grid lines numbered at

either side of the map, the map reader moves UP to the east-
west grid line that precedes the desired point (these two digits
are the UP reading). In Figure 4-17, coordinates 1484 locate
the 1000-m grid square in which point X is located; the next
square to the right would be 1584; the next square up would be
1485, and so forth.

To locate the point to the nearest 100 m, use estimation. By

mentally dividing the grid square in tenths, estimate the
distance from the grid line to the point in the same order
(RIGHT and UP). Give complete coordinate RIGHT, then
complete coordinate UP. Point X is about two-tenths or 200 m
to the RIGHT into the grid square and about seven-tenths or
700 m UP. The coordinates to the nearest 100 m are 142847.

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Figure 1-5. UTM grid zone location

Determine Grids With In order to use the coordinate scale for determining grid
a Coordinate Scale coordinates, the map user has to make sure that the
appropriate scale is being used on the corresponding map,
and that the scale is right side up. To ensure the scale is
correctly aligned, place it with the zero-zero point at the
lower left corner of the grid square. Keeping the horizontal
line of the scale directly on top of the east-west grid line,
slide it to the right until the vertical line of the scale touches
the point for which the coordinates are desired.

When reading coordinates, examine the two sides of the

coordinate scale to ensure that the horizontal line of the
scale is aligned with the east-west grid line, and the vertical
line of the scale is parallel with the north-south grid line. The
scale is used when precision of more than 100 m is
required. To locate the point to the nearest 10 m, measure
the hundredths of a grid square RIGHT and UP from the
grid lines to the point. Point X is about 21-hundredths or
210 m RIGHT and 73-hundredths or 730 m UP. The
coordinates to the nearest 10 m are 14218473.

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Recording and Coordinates are written as one continuous number without

Reporting Grid spaces, parentheses, dashes, or decimal points; they
Coordinates always contain an even number of digits. Therefore,
whoever is to use the written coordinates knows where to
make the split between the RIGHT and UP readings. It is a
military requirement that the 100,000-m square identification
letters be included in a point designation. Normally, grid
coordinates are determined to the nearest 100 m (six digits)
for reporting locations. With practice, this can be done
without using plotting scales. The location of targets and
other point locations for fire support are determined to the
nearest 10 m (eight digits).

Placing a coordinate Care should be exercised by the map reader using the
scale on a grid coordinate scale when the desired point is located within the
zero-zero point and the number 1 on the scale. Always prefix
a zero if the hundredths reading is less than 10. In Figure 1-
6, the desired point should be reported as 14838425.

Figure 1-6. UTM grid zone location

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Military Grid Reference System (Continued)

Locating A Point Using There is only one rule to remember when reading or
MGRS reporting grid coordinates----always read to the RIGHT and
then UP. The first half of the reported set of coordinate
digits represents the left-to-right (easting) grid label, and the
second half represents the label as read from the bottom-
to-top (northing). The grid coordinates may represent the
location to the nearest 10-m, 100-m, or 1000-m increment.
These coordinates are found by taking the following steps:

Grid Zone The number 16 locates a point within

zone 16, which is an area 6-degrees wide
and extends between 80°S latitude and
84°N latitude.

Grid Zone The number and letter combination 16S,

Designation further locates a point within the grid
zone designation 16S, which is a
quadrangle 6-degrees wide by 8-degrees
high. There are 19 of these quads in
zone 16. Quad X, which is located
between 72°N and 84°N latitude, is 12-
degrees high.

100,000-M The addition of two more letters locates a

Square point within the 100,000-m grid square.
Identification The coordinates 16SGL locates the point
within the 100,000-m square GL in the
grid zone designation 16S. (Refer to the
Defense Mapping Agency Technical
Manual 8358.1 for more information.)
1000-meter To obtain the 1000-m grid squares, each
grid square side of the 10000-m square is divided
into 10 equal parts. This division appears
on large-scale maps as the actual grid
lines; they are 1000 meters apart (1 km).
Figure 1-8

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Figure 1-7. Grid zone designation and 100,000-m square Figure 1-8. Grid 1,000-m square
identification.

Scale and Distance

A map is a scaled graphic representation of a portion of the earth’s surface. The scale
of the map permits the user to convert distance on the map to distance on the ground,
or vice versa. The ability to determine distance on a map, as well as on the earth’s
surface, is an important factor in planning and executing military missions.

Representative Fraction The numerical scale of a map indicates the relationship of

distance measured on a map and the corresponding
distance on the ground. This scale is usually written as a
fraction and is called the representative fraction.

The RF is always written with the map distance as 1, and

is independent of a unit of measure. (It could be yards,
meters, inches, or something else.) An RF of 1/50,000 or
1:50,000 means that one unit of measure on the map is
equal to 50,000 units of the same measure on the ground.

Graphic (Bar) Scales A graphic scale is a ruler printed on the map that is used
to convert distances on the map to actual ground
distances. The graphic scale is divided into two parts:

1. To the right of the zero, the scale is marked in full

units of measure and is called the primary scale.
2. To the left of the zero, the scale is divided into
tenths and is called the extension scale. Most

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maps have three or more graphic scales, each

using a different unit of measure. When using the
graphic scale, be sure to use the correct scale for
the unit of measure desired. (See Figure 1-9)

Using Graphic Bar To determine the straight-line distance between two

points on a map, lay a straight-edged piece of paper on
the map so that the edge of the paper touches both points
and extends past them. Make a tick mark on the edge of
the paper at each point. (Figure 1-10)

Measuring Straight Line To convert the map distance to a measured ground

Distance distance, move the paper down to the graphic bar scale,
and align the right tick mark (b) with a printed number in
the primary scale so that the left tick mark (a) is in the
extension scale. (See Figure 1-11.) The primary scale
provides the whole unit distance, while the extension
scale provides the divided scale used to determine
smaller increments of measure.

Graphic Scale and Distance on a Map (Continued)

Figure 1-9

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Figure 1-10

Figure 1-11

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Requirement 1 Review Questions

Requirement 1 map: Virginia, 1:50,000, Quantico MIM LND NAV SPECIAL, Edition 4-
NGA.

1. What are the map sheet number and series number on which you would find grid
square (GS) 9572?
Answer: Map sheet number
Answer: Series number

2. What are the coordinates of the following objectives to the nearest 100 meters?
a. Bench Mark in GS 9177 Answer:
b. Tower in GS 8879 Answer:
c. 617 FARM GATE in GS 8371 Answer:
d. Major road intersection in GS 9378 Answer:

3. What are the map sheet number and series number on which you find grid square
8959?
Answer: Map sheet number
Answer: Series number

4. What is located at each of the following coordinates?

a. 03507480 Answer:
b. 99307380 Answer:
c. 86277683 Answer:

5. What are the coordinates of the following objectives to the nearest ten meters?
a. IOC Village Gate in GS 8375 Answer:
b. HQ Horizontal Control Station in GS 9570 Answer:
c. Intersection of stream and unimproved surface road in SE corner road of GS
9079 Answer: _
d. Bridge in GS 9863 Answer:
e. School in GS 8164 Answer:

6. What are the map sheet number and series number on which you would find GS
7470?
Answer: Map sheet number
Answer: Series number

7. What is located at each of the following coordinates:

a. 92508055 Answer:
b. 89656670 Answer:
c. 00407965 Answer:
d. 88506945 Answer:

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Requirement 1 Review Questions (Continued)

8. What are the 8-digit grid coordinates of the following objectives?

a. Post chapel in GS 9865 Answer:
b. Community College in GS 0077 Answer:
c. DZ Raven Pit in GS 8766 Answer:

Requirement 1 Review Answers

1. Map sheet number 5561 III or Quantico MIM Land Nav SPC
Series number V734 or V734S

2. 6-digit grid coordinates; no tolerance.

a. 910776
b. 881796
c. 839712
d. 933785

3. Map sheet number 5560 IV

Series number V734

4. a. Railroad bridge
b. Road junction
c. Stream junction

5. Questions requiring accuracy to the nearest 10 meters require an 8-digit grid

coordinate as an answer. Your 8-digit grid coordinate should be within 50 meters
of the solution.
a. 83157520
b. 95507045
c. 90807923
d. 98696365
e. 81296435

6. Map sheet number 5461 II

Series number V734

7. a. High School
b. Fuel Farm
c. Potomac Mills
d. LZ Mallard

8. Answers should be within 50m of the solution.

a. 98356520
b. 00587738
c. 87766615

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Summary

This lesson has begun to set the foundation for the warfighter’s ability (YOU) to
demonstrate mastery in one of the many art and sciences of tactics. The science of
Maps will be followed by the science of Direction. These combined will complete Map
Reading which will be followed by Land Navigation. This lesson is applicable to all
students regardless of MOS preference. The ability to read maps aids in accomplishing
specific tasks within a tactical action.

Tactics includes “…those techniques and procedures for accomplishing specific tasks
within a tactical action” p.3 MCDP 1-3

“Logistics, transport, roads, and maps…these essentially nonmilitary technologies

probably did as much to shape warfare, as did any number of weapons and arms.” p. 48
Technology and War

References

Reference Number or Reference Title

Author
TC 3-25.26 Map Reading and Land Navigation

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Term or Acronym Definition or Identification

DMA Defense Mapping Agency
GS Grid square
M Meter
MGRS Military Grid Reference System
NGA National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
NIMA National Imagery Mapping Agency

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Notes

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