ROTC: Map Reading 1

• Map Reading 1 is a ROTC MM XI Serpiete subject at Bestlink College of the Philippines.
• At the end of the subject, students should be able to enumerate the rules of good followership, discuss them, and identify the characteristics of good followers.

SCOPE OF INSTRUCTIONS

• Definition of Terms
• Importance of a Map
• Care and Security of Maps
• Categories and Uses of Maps
• Marginal Information
• Map Symbols and Colors
• Land Navigation

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Map: A graphical representation of the earth’s surface drawn to scale as seen from above, showing man-made and natural features using symbols, colors, lines, and forms.
• Map Reading: The knowledge and skills to correctly and efficiently interpret map information.
• Map Symbol: A sign composed of a diagram, number, letter, abbreviation, colors, or combination thereof used to identify and distinguish military units, activities, or installations, topographic symbols are simple standard drawings of terrain features.

IMPORTANCE OF MAPS

• Maps provide information on the existence, location, and distance between ground features, such as populated places, routes of travel, and communication.
• Maps also indicate variations in terrain, heights of natural features, and extent of vegetation cover.
• Maps provide information to combat elements.
• Maps are necessary to resolve logistical operations.
• Troops and materials must be transported, stored, and placed in operation at the proper time and place.
• Properly used maps will provide accurate information on:
• Distances
• Locations
• Best Routes
• Heights or Elevation
• Key Terrain Features
• Cover and Concealment

CARE OF MAPS

• Proper folding is important in the care of maps.
• Because maps are printed on paper, it is important to protect them from water, mud, and tearing.
• Exercise care when using maps, as they may have to last for a long time.
• If it becomes necessary to mark a map, apply light lines only.

SECURITY OF MAPS

• Maps may require special handling.
• Should a map fall into unauthorized hands, it could indicate future plans or areas of interest to the enemy.
• A map in danger of capture or no longer needed should be destroyed or turned in.

CATEGORIES AND USES OF MAPS

• Maps can be categorized based on scale and type.

Categories of Maps by Scale

• Scale of a map is expressed as a fraction showing the ratio of map distance to ground distance.
• Small Scale Map: Maps at scales of 1:600,000 and smaller that are used for general planning and strategic studies at higher echelons.
• Medium Scale Map: Maps at scales larger than 1:600,000 but smaller than 1:75,000 that are used for planning large-scale operations and movement and concentration of troops and supplies.
• Large Scale Map: Maps at scales of 1:75,000 and larger, used to meet the tactical requirements of field units.

Categories of Maps by Type

• Planimetric Map: A map showing only the horizontal (flat) position of features.
• Topographic Map: A two-dimensional map presenting the horizontal (flat) and vertical (relief) positions of the features represented.
• Plastic Relief Map: A topographic map printed on plastic and molded into a three-dimensional form.
• Photo Map: A reproduction of a photograph or photomosaic upon which grid lines, marginal data, place names, and boundaries may be added.
• Terrain Model: A three-dimensional representation of an area, modeled in plaster, rubber, or other materials, showing cultural and terrain features realistically instead of symbolically.

MARGINAL INFORMATION

• The outer edges of a map contain information used to interpret the map, including:
• Sheet Name: Located at the center of the upper margin.
• Sheet Number: Found in the upper right margin.
• Series Name and Scale: Found in the upper left margin.
• Bar Scales: Located in the center of the lower margin.
• Index to Adjoining Sheets: Appears in the lower margin.
• Index to Boundaries: Appears in the lower right margin.
• Legend: Located in the lower left margin.
• Declination Diagram: Located in the lower margin.
• Contour Interval: Appears in the center of the lower margin.
• Protractor Scale: Appears in the upper margin on some maps.

MAP SYMBOLS

• Military Symbols: Signs composed of a diagram, number, letter, abbreviation, color, or combination thereof to identify and distinguish a military unit, activity, or installation.
• Military symbols are primarily used in situation maps, overprints, field sketches, overlays, aerial photographs, and organizational charts
• Military symbols are graphic aids that accurately identify items of operational interest.

MAP COLORS

• Black: Used for the majority of cultural or man-made features like buildings, houses, roads, and bridges.
• Blue: Represents water features such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and seas.
• Green: Indicates vegetation, such as woods, orchards, and vineyards.
• Brown: Represents all relief features such as contours.
• Red: Shows built-up areas, road classifications, and other special features.
• Other colors may be used to show special information indicated in the marginal information.