This document provides an overview of key elements of map reading including:
1. The main components of a map including title, scale, legend, grid lines, and north arrows.
2. Grid systems and references for locating positions on a map.
3. How to determine distances and directions using map scales, bearings, and cardinal points.
4. Methods for identifying one's own location including resection and using known lines/features.
5. Techniques for locating other positions including intersection and using azimuth and distance.
THE BASIS OFMAP READING Introduction Elements of a map Grid systems and map references Map scales and distances Directions and bearings Setting a map Identification of own location
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INTRODUCTION The main aim of this lesson is basically to give cadets information on the basis of map reading. This is to help them in their orienteering practices/competition. What are maps? Maps are graphic representation of the Earth’s surface that are drawn to scale on a flat surface.
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MAPS Physical Environment Human Environment Land masses and oceans Major landforms Major drainage systems Components of climate Global vegetation patterns Agricultural patterns Industrial patterns Settlement patterns Communication patterns
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Elements Of AMap Title Scale Legend Grid Lines North arrows
The North toSouth grid lines are called EASTINGS whereas the East to West grid lines are called NORTHINGS. A grid square can be named 4 grid reference (2030) 6 grid reference (204305) 8 grid reference (20443050) 40 30 20 30
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Map Scales &Distances A scale is the ratio between a given map distance and the actual ground distance. Type of scales: Statement Linear Bar As a representative fraction
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How to measuredistance on a map? Straight line distance Using ruler or a pair of dividers Curved distance Using ruler (Break the curved distance into small straight pieces) A thread
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Direction 4 CardinalPoints North, South, East and West Further divided in 16 divisions Etc. North-East, North north-East… Each division is approximately 22.5 degrees or 500 mils
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True North- the direction of the Earth’s North Pole which is 90 degrees North. The North pole star is directly above the North Pole. Magnetic North- the direction of the Earth’s Magnetic pole, i.e. the direction in which the needle of a compass point. Grid North- the direction of the vertical grid lines called eastings . Note- All three North do not point at the same direction.
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Bearings Equipment Compass,protractor Back bearing If the direct bearing is between 0 to 180 (degrees) or 0 to 3200(mils), add 180 (degrees) or 3200 (mils) to obtain the back bearing. If the direct bearing is between 180 to 360 (degrees) or 3200 to 6400(mils), subtract 180 (degrees) or 3200 (mils) to obtain the back bearing.
Place the mapin a horizontal position. Place the compass parallel to a north-south grid line with the cover side of the compass pointing towards the top of the map. This will place the black index line on the dial of the compass parallel to grid north, we have a magnetic variation on the face of the compass formed by the index line and the compass needle. Rotate the map together with the compass until the variation formed by the black index line and the compass needle matches the deviation shown on the declination diagram printed on the margin on the map. The map is then orientated. In Singapore, because the deviation between the grid north, true north and magnetic north is very slight, you need not be concerned about the magnetic variation. You need only to rotate your map until the compass needle points towards grid north.
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Known Location &Known Point Method Draw a straight line on the map joining your location with the known point. Rotate the map until the line points towards the known points on the ground. Demonstrate: As an example, our position is on OCS HQ Building MGR 3185 4750. The known point is NTU road junction reflected in the map at MGR 316 483. You need to draw a straight line on the map from OCS HQ Building to NTU road junction. Once this has been completed, rotate your map until the line that you have drawn points towards NTU road junction as seen from your position. The map is then set.
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Resection With CompassKnown location B Known location A Unknown Known location C location X
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Resection With CompassKnown location B Known location A back azimuth (a) Unknown Known location C location X
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Resection With CompassKnown location B Known location A back azimuth (b) ideal angle 1600 mils Known Known location C location X
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Resection With CompassKnown location B Known location A back azimuth Known Known location C location X (c)
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Resection With CompassKnown location B Known location A triangle of error Known Known location C location Y
INTERSECTION Known location X Known location A grid azimuth Known location B Known location C (b)
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INTERSECTION Known location Y Known location A grid azimuth Known location B Known location C (c)
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BY AZIMUTH ANDDISTANCE Unknown location X Known location A
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BY AZIMUTH ANDDISTANCE Unknown location X grid azimuth Known location A (a)
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BY AZIMUTH ANDDISTANCE Unknown location X Estimate distance - 500 m Known location A
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BY AZIMUTH ANDDISTANCE Known location X Known location A
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CONCLUSION 1. Method of identifying own location : a. Resection b. By known line and distance from known feature c. By known line and azimuth from known feature
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2. Methods ofidentifying other location : a. Intersection b. By azimuth and distance CONCLUSION
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Pacing Pacing helpus to judge how much distance we have covered. Two ways Single step Double step
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Pacing Counting adouble pace is easier than counting every single pace. On a fairly level ground, paces determine distance as follows: 65 to 75 paces per 100m for men 80 to 90 paces per 100m for women Pacing also depends on the terrain. i.e. fairly level ground, upward slope, downward slope. Should we get lost or things do not follow as plan, we can roughly know the distance that we have covered.