“The Skill’s Building”

DEFINITION
CLASSIFICATION OF MAPS
MARGINAL INFORMATION
GRIDS
SCALE & DISTANCES
DIRECTION
METHODS OF LOCATING POINTS
ELEVATION & RELIEF
 A graphic representation of
the earth surface, drawn to
scale as seen from above.
Planimetric Map
Topographic Map
Photo Map
Joint Operations Graphic
Photo Mosaic
Terrain Model
Military City Map
Special Maps
Planimetric Map - shows only horizontal
position of the earth surface.
Topographic Map - representation of the
earth’s features in three dimension.
Photo Map - reduction of an aerial photo-
graph or mosaic on which grid lines,
place names and marginal information
have been added.
Joint Operations Graphics – these are series
of 1:250,000 scale of military maps
designed for joint ground and air
operations.
Photomosaic - an assembly of aerial photo-
graphs.
Terrain Model map - a scale model of the
terrain showing features, and in large
scale model showing industrial and
cultural shapes.
Military City Map - a topographic map, usually
1:12,500 in scale of a city, delineating
street names, important buildings, and
other urban elements of military
importance that are compatible with the
scale of the map.
Special Maps - maps for special purpose
such as trafficability, communications,
and assault maps. Scales are usually
smaller than 1:100,000 but larger than
1:1,000,000.
Small Scale Maps - with scales of 1:600,000
or smaller. Used for general planning
and for strategic studies at higher
echelons. The standard small scale is
1:1,000,000.
Medium Scale Maps - with scales of larger
than 1:600,000 but smaller than
1:75,000 which are used for planning
operations, including the movement
and concentration of troops and
supplies. The standard medium scale
map is 1:250,000.
Large Scale Map – maps at scales of
1:75,000 and larger are used to meet
the tactical requirement of field units.
The standard large scale map is
1:50,000.
Sheet Name - found in the center of the
upper margin and either at the right
or left of the lower margin. It is
named after its most prominent
cultural and geographic feature.

Sheet Number - found in two places: the

upper right and lower left margin; it
is used as a reference number of
that map you are using.
Series Name - found in the upper left margin. A
maps series is usually includes a group of
similar maps at the same scale and on the
same sheet lines or format designed to cover
a particular geographic area.
Scale - found both in the upper left after the series
name, and in the center of the lower margin.
The scale note is a representative fraction that
gives the ratio of the map distance to its
corresponding distance in the actual ground.
Series Number - found in both the upper right and
lower left margin. It is a sequence reference
expressed either as a four-digit numeral, or as a
letter followed by three or four digit numeral.

Example : S701
Example : S701
S – stands for World Series
7 - stands for Scale of the Map as follows:
8 = 1:25,000
7 = 1:50,000
6 = 1:100,000
0 - stands for Sub Geographic Area as follows:
0 – Philippines 3 - Panay
1 - Luzon 4 - Sulu
2 - Visayas 5 - Mindanao
Edition Number - found in the upper and in the lower left
margin. It represents the age of the map in
relation of other edition in the same map. A
map bearing higher edition number is assumed to
contain more recent information than maps having
lower edition number.
Index to Boundaries - the diagram appears in the lower
right margin of all sheets. It is miniature of the
map showing the boundaries that occur within
the map area, such as political boundaries.
Adjoining Sheet Diagram - usually found in the lower
right margin. It illustrates the adjoining sheets. The
diagram usually contains nine rectangles but the
number may vary depending upon the location of
the adjoining sheets. All represented sheets are
identified by their sheet numbers. Sheet of an
adjoining series 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 series.
Declination Diagram - located in the lower margin of
large-scale map. It indicates the angular
relationship of the true north, grid north and
magnetic north.
Bar Scale - located at the center of the lower margin.
They are the rulers used to convert map
distance to ground distance. It usually have
three or more bar scales each in different unit
of measure.
Contour Interval - found in the center of the lower
margin normally below the bar scale. It states
the vertical distance between adjacent contour
lines on the map. When supplementary contour
are used, they are usually represented by
broken lines with a half value compared to the
regular contour lines.
Spheroid Note - located at the center of the lower
margin. It indicates the spheroid on which the
map is based.
Projection Note - Projection system is the framework of
the map. It is either a Transverse Mercator
Projection, Lambert Conformal Conic Projec-tions
or Polar Stereographic Projection.
Elevation Guides - usually 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. It provide the reader with
means of rapid recognition of major landforms.
Grid Reference Box - normally located at the center of
the lower margin. It contains instructions for
composing a grid reference.
Legend - located in the lower left margin. It illustrates
all features found and identifies topographic
symbols used to depict some of the prominent
features found on the map.
Black - represents man-made objects, I.e. buildings
Blue - represents bodies of water,
Brown - depicts elevation and relief
Green - depicts vegetations
Red - built up areas, main roads special features
Reddish Brown - cultural features, elevations and relief
and contour lines on red-light readable maps
Infantry - - - - - - - -
Field Artillery - - - -
Armor - - - - - - - - -
Medical Corps - - -
Ordnance - - - - - -
Quartermaster - -
Engineers - - - - -
Signal - - - - - - - -
Air Force - - - - - -
Anti-Armor - - - - -
Airborne - - - - - -
Air Defense Arty -
Reconnaissance -
Supply Trains - - -
Troop Unit -------------
Supply or Collection Points - -
Observation/Listening Post - -
Electronic Installation - - - - - -
Command Post (like Flag) -
Squad - - - - - - - - - Brigade - - X
Section - - - - - - - - - Division - - XX
Platoon - - - - - - - - - Corps -- XXX
Company - - - - - - - - Army -- XXXX
Battalion/Squadron Army Group - XXXXX
Group/Regiment - -
OPERATIONAL PURPOSE
Blue - - for friendly forces
Red - - for enemy forces
Green - engineer obstacles both friendly & enemy
Yellow - contaminated area
Geographic Coordinates (LAT/LON)
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
Military Grid Reference System (MGRS)
 GRID ZONE

1 2 3 4 5 60
 X GRID ZONE
IDENTIFICATION

E 4E
1D 2 3 4 5 60

C
A X B X C X DX EX 100,000 Meter
Z X Sqr
Identification

AE BE C E
AD BD C D
51P
DE
DD
EE
ED
ZE

ZD

AC BC C C DC EC ZC
 Grid
Square
00

01 02 03
EE
04 05 06 07
04

03

02

01
08 00
The Scale
Is the ratio of a map distance to its corres-
ponding distance in the actual ground. It
permits the user to convert map distance to
ground distance and vice versa.
A. Representative Fraction
The ground distance between two points is
determined by measuring that two points on the
map, then multiply it by the denominator.

Example: Nr of Units, Say 5

A Map Distance (MD) B

5 X 50,000 = 250,000 Units of ground distance (GD)

A. Representative Fraction
This scale is usually written as a fraction called the
representative fraction (RF). An RF of 1:50,000 or
1/50,000 means that one unit of measure on the
map is equal to 50,000 times bigger of the same
unit in the actual ground.
A situation may arise where a map or sketch has no
RF. To be able to determine the ground distance,
an RF must be determined. There are two ways to
do this:
A. Representative Fraction
First, measure the distance between two points on the
Map (MD). Then determine the horizontal distance
between the corresponding points on the ground
(GD). Finally utilize the RF formula illustrated:

Example:
1 MD
RF =
X GD
 Be sure that the MD sand
the GD are one the same
unit of measure
A. Representative Fraction
Example:
1 MD 1 4.32 Cm
RF = = =
X GD X 2.16 Kms
4.32 Cm
2.16 Kms (100,000 Cm/km)
4.32 Cm 1
= X = 50,000 Cm or RF =
216,000 Cm 50,000
A. Representative Fraction
Example:
1 MD 1 4.32 Cm
RF = = =
X GD X 2.16 Kms
There fore RF = 1 or SCALE is 1 : 50,000
50,000
“Do not forget to reduce the MD or
the numerator into 1”.
A. Representative Fraction
There are situations that it is necessary to determine
the map distance from a known ground distance. With
these, you should convert the basic formula to suit to
the problem.
Example: RF 1 MD MD(X)
X = = =
Given: GD 1(GD)
MD = ?
GD = 2,200 Mtrs
RF = 50,000
A. Representative Fraction
Example: RF 1 MD MD(X)
X = = =
Given: GD 1(GD)
MD = ?
GD = 2,200 Mtrs
RF = 50,000
A. Representative Fraction
In instances where the reader wants to determine the
GD, apply the formula below:
Example: RF 1 MD MD(X) MD
X = = =
Given: GD 1(GD) MD
MD = 4 Cms (X) MD
GD = ? Mtrs GD = =
RF = 50,000 1
A. Representative Fraction

Example: RF 1 MD MD(X) MD
Given: X = GD = 1(GD) = MD
MD = 4 Cms (X) MD
GD = ? Mtrs GD = =
RF = 50,000 1
B. The Graphic Scale
Another means of determining ground distances is
by means of the Graphic Scale or the Bar Scale.

0 1000 2000 3000

Extension Scale Primary Scale

B. The Graphic Scale
Most maps have three or more graphic scales of
different unit of measures. It is located normally at the
center of the lower margin.
0 1 2 3
Miles
0 1000 2000 3000
Meters
0 1000 2000 3000
Yards
C. The Pace Count Method
Another method used to measure ground distance is the
pace count. A pace is equal to one step which is about 30
inches. To determine this, walk an accurately measured
course of 100 meters (in between two standard electric post will
do), and count the number of paces it takes. Supposing,
you got 120 steps in the course, what will be your pace
factor?. Just simple divide it by 100. The result will be
your Pace Factor. With this, you can now determine the
distance from one point to another or determine how many
steps will it take you to walk a given distance.
C. The Pace Count Method
Example:
How many meters have you walked from one point to
another if it took you 480 steps ?
Solution:
Solution: PC D PC
PF = D =
D D PF
480 : 1.2 = 400
C. The Pace Count Method
Another method used to measure ground distance is the
pace count. A pace is equal to one step which is about 30
inches. To determine this, walk an accurately measured
course of 100 meters (in between two standard electric post will
do), and count the number of paces it takes. Supposing,
you got 120 steps in the course, what will be your pace
factor?. Just simple divide it by 100. The result will be
your Pace Factor.

Therefore… 120 : 100 = 1.2

C. The Pace Count Method
Conditions that affects your pace factor:
a) Slopes = tends to lengthen downward and shortens
upward.
b) Winds = A head wind shortens the pace and a
tailwind increases it.
c) Visibility = shortens your pace.
d) Surfaces = Sand, gravel mud and similar surface
materials tends to shortens the pace.
e) Clothing = excess clothing and boots with poor
traction affect the pace.
1. Methods of Expressing Directions
(a) By degree = the most commonly used unit of
angular measure. A complete circle is
divided into 360 degrees.

(b) By Mil = less frequently used. Artillery, tanks

and mortar gunners usually used this
type. Complete circle is divided into
6,400 mils. One degree is equivalent to
17.777 mils.
1. Methods of Expressing Directions
(c) By grad = the unit of measure found in some
foreign maps. There are 400 grads in
a complete circle (a 90 degree is
equal to 100 grads). This unit of
measure is used together with the
metric system.
2. The Base Lines or Base Directions
(a) True North = A line from any point of the
earth surface to the north pole. All
lines of longitude are true north lines.
It is symbolized by star.
(b) Magnetic North = the direction towards the
North Magnetic Pole as indicated by
north-seeking needle of a magnetic
instrument. It is usually symbolized by
a half arrowhead.
2. The Base Lines or Base Directions
(c) Grid North = the north that is established by
the vertical grid lines on the map,
Grid north is symbolized by the
letters GN or the letter Y.
Among these three base lines, the most commonly
used are the Magnetic and the Grid North. The
magnetic will be used when working with a compass,
while grid north when working with military maps.
3. Azimuth and Back Azimuth
Azimuth is a horizontal angle, measured clockwise
manner from the north base direction. It is the most
common military method of expressing directions.
Azimuth take their names from the base lines from
which they have been measured: true azimuth from
the true north, grid azimuth from the north and
magnetic azimuth if measured from the compass.
The back azimuth is the reverse direction of an
azimuth.
3. Azimuth and Back Azimuth
… So that to take the back azimuth of given azimuth,
take note of the following:
Rule:
1) If the Azimuth is 180 degrees or less,.. add 180
degrees.
2) If the Azimuth is more than 180,.. Subtract 180
degrees
4. Declination Diagram
Is the angular relationship or difference between
the the true north, the grid north and magnetic north.
It is usually located at the lower right margin of the
map sheet. The declination diagram is used convert a
magnetic azimuth to grid azimuth or vise versa.
Example, a soldier in the field when giving direction is
using the magnetic north as his base direction since he
is using a magnetic compass. The soldier in the office
who receives the report uses the grid north because he
normally uses a protractor or GTA in working with the
map.
4. Declination Diagram
It is therefore,.. more accurate to
GN
or Y convert the magnetic azimuth given by the
soldierMagnetic
in the field to grid
Declinationazimuth in plotting
it to the map.
There are two declinations in the
declination diagram, the grid decli-nation
and the magnetic declination. Thus the
declination diagram contains three prongs
representing the magnetic north, grid
Gird Declination
north and true north.
4. Declination Diagram
GN or Y
There is a rule to
remember in solving
problems of declination
diagram. No matter where
the azimuth points, the angle
is always measures
clockwise from the base
lines to the arbitrary line.
 True North
4. Declination Diagram Grid North

GN or Y Magnetic North

Grid Azimuth or GAZ

True Azimuth or TAZ

Magnetic Azimuth or MAZ

5. Bearing
1. Intersection
2. Resection
3. Polar Plot Method
4. Modified Resection
1. Intersection = is the way of locating position on
the map by successively occupying at least
two known/occupied positions, sighting on the
unknown point.
2. Resection = is the method of locating the user’s
occupied positions by sighting at least two
known features then get its back azimuth.
3. Polar Plot Method = A method of locating or
plotting one’s position by using direction and
distance along that direction.
4. Modified Resection = a method of locating
one’s position on the map when the
person is located along a distinct linear
feature on the ground, such as road,
canal, creek, shorelines etc.
1. Definition of Terms
Elevation = is the height of an object either
below or above the datum plane (mean
sea level). Soldiers must know how to
determine elevations in standard military
maps as this affects movement,
positioning and in some cases
effectiveness of combat units.
Datum Plane = it is the starting point where eleva-
tion is measured (Mean Sea Level), the point
half way between the high tide and low tide.

Relief = the configuration of the earth surface

representing the hills, valleys, draw, rivers or
landforms.
2. Contour Lines
Contour Lines = imaginary lines on the ground along
which all points are of the same elevation.

Index Contour = bold contour line every fifth line

among the contour lines. Index contour are
usually labeled with corresponding elevation.
Intermediate Contour = four lighter contour lines in
between Index. They are not labeled with its
elevation.
2. Contour Lines
Supplementary Contour = light broken contour
lines or dashes. It represents half of an
elevation of regular contour.
220

320
X 347
 Intermediate Contour

2. Contour Lines Supplementary Contour

Index Contour

320 220
X 347
 245

220

320 347
X
220
290

260
3. Depression
Depression = ticks to depict depression of
elevation.

X 190
320 220
X 347
4. Slope
Gentle Slope = light broken contour lines or
dashes. It represents half of an elevation of
regular contour.
Steep slope =

Concave Slope =

Convex Slope =
4. Slope
Degree of Slope = .

Percent of slope =
5. Other Terrain Features
Major Terrain Feature = .
5. Other Terrain Features
Minor Terrain Feature = .
5. Other Terrain Features
Supplementary Terrain Feature = .
1. Use of Compass
Supplementary Terrain Feature = .
2. Use of GPS
Supplementary Terrain Feature = .
3. Field Expedient
Supplementary Terrain Feature = .
4. Terrain Association
Supplementary Terrain Feature = .
5. Dead Reckoning Technique
Feature = .