Infantry Map Reading Handbook
Infantry Map Reading Handbook
Infantry Map Reading Handbook
INFANTRY
BASIC MAP READING
HANDBOOK
DIRECTOR OF INFANTRY
1
SECTION 7: SUMMARY
25. CONTINUATION TRAINING
26. EXAMPLE OF MAP READING TEST
27. CONVENTIONAL MAP SYMBOLS
SO3 TDT, HQ Inf
Mil Tel: 94381 2720
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INDEX
GRID REFERENCES
The UK National Grid system provides a means of giving a unique reference to any point
in the country. To read a grid reference always read first from left to right (eastings), then
bottom to top (northings) of your map.
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This is an example of a 4
figure grid reference.
GRID
332
613
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SCALE
Scale Explanation
As a navigator you must be able to understand and use map scales successfully to relate
distances on the map to distances on the ground..
For example;
A football pitch is 4 centimetres long on the map, but the football pitch is 100 metres long
on the ground. In other words 4 cm = 100 m on the ground.
We need to express this
statement as a ratio.
Change the ground distance
into centimetres
There are 100 cm in a metre.
(4 cm / 10,000 cm)
(on map / on ground)
However, a ratio always
relates to 1 so, in this case
divide each side by 4 (1 cm /
2,500 cm).
Therefore 1 cm on the map = 2,500 cm on the ground. Which as a ratio is 1:2 500.
Map Scale
The map scale is usually located on the base of the map, this is a normal 1:50000 map
scale. It will give details in Kilometres, Statute Miles and Nautical Miles.
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ESTIMATING AND
MEASURING DISTANCES
Estimate distances by using the grid lines, all maps are gridded and scaled. With this
information estimating and measuring distances can be achieved in several ways.
Look at the example; a straight-line distance is measured by a piece of card and the
distance between the two grids is marked off on the side of the card. Then the card is
measured using the map scale to give the straight-line distance.
Measurement Roads/Tracks
Place the straight side of a piece of
paper on the route to be measured
and mark off the distance travelled.
The side of the paper marked off
could be measured against the scale
of the map to produce an accurate
distance.
Examples of a straight-line
measurement between two points
on the map and measuring the
recorded distance against the scale
on the map.
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Another example of
measuring a linear feature
(road) using a straight line,
this allows measurement of
bends and curves.
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Look below at the three diagrams, with the use of contour lines it enables us to use a twodimensional image to get three-dimensional information. The first picture shows how wide
the feature is, the second shows how high it is, the bottom picture, shows what the
contours would look like if this feature was on your map.
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CONCAVE
CONVEX
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COMBINATION
The closer together the
contours, the steeper the
slope.
V SHAPED VALLEY
U SHAPED VALLEY
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RE-ENTRANT
SADDLE
RIDGE
SPUR
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THE RA PROTRACTOR
Protractors are available in various sizes, semicircular or circular, usually made of
transparent plastic and graduated either in mils or degrees. The scales available are in mils
and degrees. The Infantry only use mils in navigation.
EXAMPLE A GR 628044
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EXAMPLE B GR 627043
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Plotting Bearings
Ensure the map is on a flat surface, align the base line with the vertical lines on the map,
the 0 should be in line with Grid North. All vertical and horizontal lines should be aligned
with those on the map, overlay the centre point over your location on the map (trig point).
Then draw a line or use a plumb line to draw a line from your location (trig point) to your
target (church with tower). Where the line crosses the outer scale it indicates the Grid
Bearing from your position (trig point) to your target (church with tower). The outer scale is
used when plotting bearings East and inner scale for bearings West.
What is the Grid Bearing from the Trig Point to the Church?
Answer = 1300mils
To plot a backbearing from the church, turn the protractor to the left with the centre point
over the church. Read of the inner scale and plot a bearing of 4500 mils back to the trig
point.
Choose two points on a map and practice this procedure.
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ROMERS
These provide a means of identifying the last digits of a grid reference. They are found on
the side of Silva compasses and on the inside face of protractors. Romers should not be
used to estimate an extra digit for a grid reference because the map is not designed to yield
the accuracy that the extra digits would imply.
Accuracy
This is the limit of accuracy you should expect from your romers:
1:25000 - 8 Figure grid reference is accurate to 10m.
1:50000 - 6 Figure grid reference is accurate to 100m.
EXAMPLE 1
GR 67851385
GR 67551347
Trig Point.
GR 67151335
EXAMPLE 2
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GR 55300173
GR 54900135
Trig Point.
GR 53820185
Radio Mast.
GR 53400130
Spot Height.
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Look at the example above; note accuracy can be guaranteed to within 100 metres. An
8-fig grid reference can be obtained by dividing the grid into tenths, however this is not
guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
6785
6754
1348
6715
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BEARINGS
You can give directions as:
The points of the compass, north, north-east, etc.
Using the Mils system.
Which way is North? There are three norths.
Magnetic North. The compass needle always points to Magnetic North.
Grid North. The grid on a map is aligned to Grid North at the top of the map sheet.
True North. This is the actual direction to the North Pole.
Land navigators are only concerned with Magnetic and Grid North.
The difference between Magnetic and Grid North is called Magnetic Variation (MV) or the
Grid Magnetic Angle (GMA). This can always be found on the margin of your map with a
small diagram to assist you working out the magnetic variation.
To convert a magnetic bearing to a grid bearing, subtract the Magnetic Variation.
To convert a grid bearing to a magnetic bearing add the magnetic variation.
Remember:
MAG TO
GET RID
GRID TO
ADD
GRID
MAG
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Finding North
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COMPASS BODY IS
ALIGNED AND THE
NEEDLE IS BETWEEN
TWO LUMINOUS DOTS
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To take a bearing:
1. Point the compass at the feature.
2. Turn the capsule until the north arrow is on top of the red hatched arrow.
3. Read off the bearing.
To plot a bearing:
1. Convert the magnetic
bearing to a grid bearing.
2. Set the grid bearing on the
compass.
3. Place the edge of the
compass on your position
on the map.
4. Rotate the whole compass
until the lines in the
capsule are parallel with
the grid lines on the map.
5. Draw a line along the edge
of the compass and extend
it to the church.
CHURCH
WITH TOWER
YOUR
LOCATION
RED NORTH IS
ALIGNED WITH
THE EASTINGS
RED DIRECTION
ARROW POINTS
TOWARDS CHURCH
COMPASS
BEARING
1300 mils
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PRISMATIC COMPASS
The standard issue prismatic compass is a metallic cylinder with a double glass cover over
the compass card. A luminous bar marks the North point on the card and the card is
engraved with an inner and outer circle. The inner circle reads clockwise from 0 to 64 x 100,
6400mils starting at the north point, each small division being 100 mils. The outer circle is
graduated with laterally inverted numbers reading clockwise from 0 to 64 x 100, 6400 mils
starting at the south point, each small division being 20 mils. The compass needle is fixed
below the card so that the two swing together.
ISSUED
PRISMATIC
COMPASS
COMPASS BODY
WITH LUMINOUS
FLOATING DIAL
SLING LOOP
HINGE EYE PIECE
The upper glass cover is marked with black figures 2 to 64, each division being 100mils.
The cover is held by a brass ring and can be rotated to any desired position and clamped
in that positions by a screw near the hinge lid. On the white ring below the black figures of
the upper glass cover there is a black line on a luminous patch opposite the centre of the
lid hinge. It is extended by a hair line on the lower glass cover reaching to the inner circle
on the compass card; this line and its extensions is called the lubber line. Inside the lid the
lubber line is further extended by the hairline on the glass of the lid and by a luminous line
reaching to the end of the tongue where there is a notch. On the outside of the ring
attached to the box and by which it may be held is another luminous notch. When the
compass is opened out flat all lines and notches are in a straight line passing through the
centre of the compass card, this line marks the axis of the compass.
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INDEX
Taking a bearing.
To take a bearing look through the sighting slit on
top of the prism and line up the
hairline on the lid with the object to which the
bearing is to be taken. At the same time observe
through the eyepiece the reading on the card.
When the card comes to rest, read the bearing
against the hairline. A bearing to the nearest
20 mils can be read without difficulty; with practice
readings to within 10 mils could be expected.
Readings increase from right to left as seen
through the prism.
ANSWERS
A = 5800mils, B = 3720mils, C = 1660mils, D = 2880mils.
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INDEX
Using the map, observe the ground and orientate yourself using visible land marks or
reference points.
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INDEX
Can the team physically cope with crossing any obstacles; this
could include rivers, lakes, cliffs or deserts. Natural obstacles
may force a detour.
Restricted Access
Seasonal Access
Your personal fitness will directly affect how fast and how far you
can safely walk. Always consider the weakest team member or
individuals that are injured.
Experience
Terrain
Going
Equipment
The weights that people carry will determine the speed that the
terrain is covered.
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INDEX
Pacing.
Counting paces is a relatively more accurate method of measuring distances travelled
provided that the pacer has calibrated his step relative to the terrain and that the terrain is
firm and even. This is a basic guide to marching and pacing.
Remember the number of paces will increase if you are travelling up or down hill. Pacing is
very effective in close country such as the jungle.
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INDEX
PLANNING FACTORS
General
Information
Always plan a route on a map before you start, use all available up to
date information. This includes local knowledge as well as tactical
intelligence such as old patrol reports and even weather reports.
Factors
Distance
Break it down into legs that can be managed easily with checkpoints.
With practice you will know if the steep but direct route or the long but
gentle route is best for you.
Legs
Checkpoints
Foul Weather In wild country, also plan alternative and escape routes for use in
foul weather. If the weather closes in or you have a casualty you must
have a plan to extract them to a RV for extraction.
Command
When a route has been selected and approved do not deviate from
the route unless essential for safety reasons. If you do change routes
then inform someone by whatever means. Any rescue or casualty
extraction will be worked out using your planned route.
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INDEX
ROUTE CARDS
A route card is a document containing the key details of your intended route. For a simple
lowland route by day, marking your route on a map may suffice. When walking in wild
country it is necessary to produce a proper route card for each day of a route.
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INDEX
l
l
Pick markers
Bound ground
Is everyone OK?
Always nominate a check navigator where possible and confirm direction and location.
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Don't panic: Remember STOP! Note the time. Maintain morale and confidence.
Confirm that you are lost. If confirmed, ask yourself:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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SECTION 7: SUMMARY
CONTINUATION TRAINING
Military Map Reading
The possibility of having to navigate over rough terrain in all weather conditions is part of life in the
Infantry. Theory lessons can be conducted by map reading instructors in barracks as part of a
normal training programme. Map reading is a knowledge based skill that requires constant practice.
Most soldiers conduct map reading as part of a normal unit training programme. You can also help
yourself by using this handbook, visiting your local library and signing out map reading books as
well as going on the internet. A unit NAVEX by day or night is a great way to sharpen your skills.
This is usually moving across a set piece of terrain or along a designated route carrying all personal
fighting equipment. Every time you find yourself outdoors, whether going for a run, walk, or on
exercise, always carry and refer to your map. This will help avoid skill fade in this vital subject.
Adventure Training
The Army also recognises the importance of adventure training, in particular trekking, climbing and
mountaineering as they all involve map reading. These are activities that promote map reading as a
skill and also practice navigating under testing conditions. All adventure training requires detailed
planning and resources. These activities must always be conducted by competent and qualified
instructors.
Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport that involves individuals or groups competing against each other by navigating
a set course using checkpoints, basic navigation and physical fitness. The sport combines navigation
and cross-country running. Both are demanding activities that will improve individuals map reading and
physical fitness. Most military training areas have permanent orienteering courses however a simple
course takes a small amount of planning.
Permanent Orienteering Courses are established at the following garrison and camp areas;
Ballykinler
Borden Heath
Catterick
Deepcut
Sennybridge
RMAS
Bulford
Bruggen
Bramley
Merworth
Orienteering maps exist or are planned for the following garrison and camp areas;
ATR Winchester
Blandford Camp
RMAS
Shrivenham
Catterick
Lisburn
Upavon
Worthy Down
Military: www.baoc.org.uk
Civilian: www.britishorienteering.org.uk
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SECTION 7: SUMMARY
Serial
(a)
Test Conditions
(c)
Performance
(b)
Standards
(d)
1.
a.
Written.
a.
2 Points.
2.
a.
Written.
a.
2 Points.
3.
a. Written.
b. Without reference to the map
legend.
c. Given an M726 Map with 12
conventional signs.
a. Written.
b. Given a Romer.
4.
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a.
g.
b.
h.
c.
i.
d.
j.
e.
k.
f.
l.
g.
b.
h.
c.
i.
d.
j.
e.
k.
f.
l.
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Serial
(a)
5.
Performance
(b)
Identify the relief features marked
on the map. (Clearly mark on the
map.)
m.
p.
n.
q.
o.
r.
Test Conditions
(c)
Standards
(d)
a. Written.
a. 6 Points.
6.
a. Written.
b. Given a lightweight compass.
a. 2 Points.
7.
a. Written.
a. 2 Points.
8.
a. Written.
a. 2 Points.
9.
a. Written.
b. Given a lightweight compass.
a. 4 Points.
a. Written.
b. Given a lightweight compass.
a. 3 Points.
b. Accuracy to + 100m
a. South
b. South West
c. North East
d. West
10.
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Serial
(a)
Performance
(b)
Test Conditions
(c)
Standards
(d)
11.
a. Written.
b. Given a lightweight compass.
a. 3 Points.
b. Accuracy to + 100m
Magnetic Bearing
a. ___________
___________
b. ___________
___________
c. ___________
___________
12.
13.
a. Outdoors by day
b. Given a Series M726 Map of
the local area and a lightweight
compass.
c. Oral ,practical.
14.
a. Outdoors by day.
b. Individually on foot.
c. Along roads, paths, tracks
and cross-country for a distance
of not less than 5km.
d. Away from barracks.
e. Using a Series M726 map,
and lightweight compass.
f. Report to two control points.
g. Time allowed 1hr per 4 km
h. Correctly briefed on safety
and the country code.
15.
a. Outdoors by night.
b. In pairs, on foot.
c. Along roads, paths, tracks
and cross-country for a distance
not less than 5km.
d. Away from barracks.
e. Using a Series M726 map,
and a lightweight compass.
f. Report to two control points.
g. Time allowed 1 hr per 4km.
h. Correctly briefed on Safety
and the Country Code.
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SECTION 7: SUMMARY
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INDEX
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