#Military flat compass and protractor how to#

It is important that you are able to find a point on the map and then be able to go out and find it on the ground, also to be able - at all times - to indicate on the map the exact place where you are standing on the ground.

Maps are printed with the North at the top of the sheet, one set of GRID LINES run up and down the map (North and South), the others run across the map (East and West). GRID LINES are the way you 'pinpoint' a specific spot on your map. The British National Grid System divides the whole country into 100 km sq squares, these squares are further subdivided by GRID LINES printed on the map. Most maps now use metres as the 'unit of elevation', check your map by looking in the margin at the bottom of the map as 'ELEVATIONS IN METRES'. You will need to find out which sheet number you require to cover the particular area that you are using and the next sheet if your route goes 'off the map'. The index to adjoining sheets is shown as a diagram near the bottom right-hand corner of the map. The number of your map and its scale will be found at the top of the map.

#Military flat compass and protractor how to#

Maps should include 'marginal information' this provides guidance on how to read the map and how to interpret the detail, refer to this until you have a complete understanding of what all the symbols (usually called Conventional Signs) and other information mean, but do not be tempted to cut them off to save weight/space. In a nutshell if the map you've been issued is 25 years old, it will be considerably less accurate than one printed this morning. For everyday map reading purposes, this will not affect the accuracy too much, but it should be borne in mind. Modern mapping is produced by satellite technology and aerial photography, but as time goes by the ‘picture’ on the ground changes, villages expand, new roads are laid, woods are cut down and others planted etc. RELIABILITY OF MAPSĪ map is a 'birds-eye view' of the ground and is accurate only at the time it is drawn. Maps should be protected, they are made of paper, and won't survive repeated soakings, place them in a map case, there are many types of waterproof map cases available. In the British Isles, maps are produced by the Ordnance Survey, military maps are produced by the RLC's Mapping Dept and can be tailored to suit a particular requirement. This is the real prize, they will swiftly be able to make an assessment of the best route for the patrol. In addition to being able to navigate, locate your position if you get lost and tell how long a leg will take, skilled map readers can study the map and visualise the ground in their 'minds-eye'. With practice and dedication, your map reading skills will be as sharp as your Fieldcraft and SAA. A good, reliable, steady map reader is a prized asset to any commander, and will only advance your prospects. However, practice makes perfect and you'll get a real sense of accomplishment when you get it done well. You can learn it yourself and then further your skills by getting out on the hills for the weekend or taking part in orienteering which is a fun, competitive activity.įear of failure in front of others means that some soldiers are 'backwards in coming forward', being the Lead Scout of a patrol of ten blokes who are all relying on you to navigate them back to the base so they can snatch a few precious hours kip, is pressure. As a soldier proficiency at map reading and navigationis absolutely essential, military units place great emphasis on it during training. Maps reach back through our nation's history and have always been important.

Map reading is an interesting, useful skill to possess as a civilian, it can broaden your horizons and give you safe access to the countryside.