RECRUIT SUSTAINMENT PROGRAM
SOLDIER TRAINING READINESS MODULES
Identify Topographic Symbols on a Military Map
1 September 2012
SECTION I.
Lesson Plan
Series
Task(s)
Taught
Academic
Hours
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
Land Navigation (1 of 7)
Task Number
071-329-1000
INDIVIDUAL
Identify Topographic Symbols on a Military Map
The academic hours required to teach this lesson are as follows:
Test
Test Review
Total Hours:
Resident
Hours/Methods
0 hrs 40 mins / Conference / Discussion
0 hrs 10 mins / Practical Exercise (Performance)
0 hrs 00 mins
0 hrs 00 mins
0 hrs 50 mins
References
Student Study
Assignments
Instructor
Requirements
Additional
Information
Number
Title
Date
FM 3-25.26, C-1
Map Reading and
Land Navigation
30 Aug 2006
FM 5-19
Composite Risk
Management
21 Aug 2006
STP 21-1-SMCT
Soldier's Manual of
Common Tasks,
Warrior Skills, Level 1
02 May 2011
TRADOC Pam
600-4
The Soldier’s Blue
Book
09 Jun 2010
None
a. 1 Instructor per 35 Soldiers
b. Be familiar with this Training Support Package (TSP)
Equipment
Required
Materials
Required
Id
Name
Stu
Ratio
Inst
Ratio
Spt
Qty
Exp
5836013927680/96454N
LCD DATA PROJECTOR
1:1
No
0
No
6730-00-577-4813
Screen, Projection, BM-10A, Stand
1:1
No
0
No
702102982124/70209N
Computer, Personal System
1:1
No
0
No
Instructor Materials:
a. This Training Support Package (TSP)
b. 1:50,000 scale topographical map
1
c. Pencils
d. Paper
Student Materials:
a. TR Pam 600-4, Soldier’s Blue Book
b. SPT 21-1 SMCT, Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks, Warrior Skills Level
c. Other materials as direct by RSP Unit SOP
Classroom,
Training Area,
and Range
Requirements
Organizational Classroom
Instructional
Guidance
NOTE: Before presenting this lesson, instructors must thoroughly prepare by
studying this lesson and the identified reference material.
ATTENTION INSTRUCTORS: Instructor preparation is extremely important in this
class. Before Soldiers arrive, identify 2 or more topographic features on the map.
Have a 1:50,000 map placed in front of each student at the beginning of the class.
Ensure each student has a pencil and paper.
NOTE: Each installation will utilize their own version of the requirements sheet
(Land Navigation Grade Sheet) as each installation has a different land navigation
site and coordinates.
The PowerPoint Presentation for this Lesson Plan contains animation. The
PowerPoint must be shown in “Slide Show” mode and the instructor must pay close
attention to the prompts contained within the lesson plan for when to click on the
same slide more than once.
2
SECTION II.
INTRODUCTION
NOTE: SHOW Slide 1 (STRM)
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio is: 1:35
Time of Instruction: 5 mins
Media: Slide Presentation
Motivator
The Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program is taught in a crawl,
walk, and run format. This process allows you to fully understand each step of the
process before you go to a more advanced step. This lesson, Identify Topographic
Symbols on a Military Map, will introduce natural and manmade points on a military
map to assist you in finding your location. The end result will be that you are able
to locate and travel to a position on a map, or direct fire (direct or indirect) to a
location on a map.
Terminal
Learning
Objective
NOTE: SHOW Slide 2 (Terminal Learning Objective)
NOTE: Inform the students of the following Terminal Learning Objective
requirements.
At the completion of this lesson, you [the student] will:
Action:
Identify Topographic Symbols on a Military Map
Conditions:
Given a standard 1:50,000 scale topographical map
Standards:
Correctly identify the topographic symbols, colors, and marginal
information on a military map
Safety
Requirements
Conduct a safety brief prior to training as needed and IAW unit and installation
policies.
Risk
Assessment
Level
Low - Risk Assessment to be produced locally IAW FM 5-19, August 2006.
Evaluation
None
Instructional
Lead-In
Learning these skills is a staged event, and we will begin by learning the basic
skills required to ensure we always remain alert as to where we are in combat.
3
SECTION III.
1.
PRESENTATION
Learning Step / Activity 1. Marginal Information
Method of Instruction: Practical Exercise (Performance)
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:35
Time of Instruction: 10 mins
Media: Small Group Instruction (SGI)
PRACTICAL EXERCISE
With no instruction, break the Soldiers up into teams to identify 3 to 4 topographic features on
the map. Allow the Soldiers to review the map and discuss amongst themselves what they
think the topographic features represented are. Give the groups 5 - 10 minutes to discuss. Go
around to each group to see what they think the features are.
The point of this demonstration is to show the Soldiers the need to understand the various
symbols to make map reading much easier. Even if the groups have done well, it should be
noted that familiarization of the map would guarantee a quicker and more efficient way of
communicating. The entire exercise should take no more than 15 minutes.
2.
Learning Step / Activity 1. Marginal Information
Method of Instruction: Conference Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:35
Time of Instruction: 30 mins
Media: Slide Presentation
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 3 (Definition of a Map)
a. A map can be compared to any piece of equipment. Before it is placed into
operation, the user must read the instructions. These instructions are placed around
the edge of the map and are known as "marginal information“. Always examine the
marginal information carefully, because every map is different.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 4 (Marginal Information)
b. Sheet Name. The sheet name is found in two places: the center of the upper
margin and to either side of the lower margin. A map is generally named for the
largest settlement in the area covered by the sheet, or for the largest natural feature
located entirely within the area at the time the map was drawn.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 4 again (Marginal Information)
c. Sheet Number. The sheet number is found in two places; the upper right and in
the lower left margin. It is used as a reference number for that map sheet.
d. Special Notes. A special note is any statement of general information that relates
to the map area. It is normally found in the lower right margin. For example, in parts
of California, a maps special note might read "This area is subject to earthquakes“.
QUESTION: What does red light readable mean?
ANSWER:
At night, contour lines are easier to read when using a red lens
flashlight.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 4 again (Marginal Information)
4
e. Boundaries, Adjoining Sheets, and Elevation Guide. Above the special note, you
will see three boxes. The center box is labeled "adjoining sheet”. Maps at all
standard scales contain a thumbnail of each of the adjoining sheets. All military maps
have an index of adjoining sheets that consists of many rectangles representing the
sheet under consideration. The index usually contains nine rectangles, but this
number varies based on the locations of the adjoining sheets. Sheet numbers identify
all represented sheets.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 4 again (Marginal Information)
f. Declination Diagram. This is located in the lower right margin on large-scale
maps. It shows the angular relationship of true north, grid north, and magnetic north.
On maps at 1:250,000 scale, this information is noted in the lower margin. Maps
show how to convert azimuths from grid to magnetic and from magnetic to grid
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 5 (Marginal Information (con’t))
g. Scale. This is printed in the upper left margin after the series name, and also in
the center of the lower margin. It is given as the ratio of the map distance to the
corresponding distance on the earth's surface. For example, 1:50,000 means that
one unit of measurement on the map equals 50,000 of that same unit of
measurement on the ground.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 5 again (Marginal Information (con’t))
h. Bar Scales. These are in the center of the lower margin. They are rulers used to
convert map distance to ground distance. Each map has three or more bar scales in
different units of measure. Care should be exercised when using these scales,
especially in selecting the unit of measure. Each scale has a primary and an
extension scale. The primary scale starts at zero and reads to the right in whole
increments (1,000; 2,000; 3,000). The extension scale starts at zero and reads to the
left. It consists of one whole increment of the primary scale subdivided into tenths.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 5 again (Marginal Information (con’t))
i. Contour Interval Note. This is 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 contours are used, the interval is indicated. On recent
maps, the contour interval is given in meters instead of feet.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 5 again (Marginal Information (con’t))
j. Credit Notes. This is in the lower center margin. It is a nine-line paragraph that
explains how, when, and by whom the map was prepared. The printing date does not
necessarily indicate when the map information was obtained.
NOTE:
Depending on when the map was created, it might or might not show what is on the
ground now. For example, buildings and roads on the Tenino map might not be there
today.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 6 (Marginal Information (con’t))
k. Grid Reference. This box appears in the marginal information of each map sheet.
It contains step-by-step instructions for using the grid and the US Army military grid
reference system. The grid reference box is divided into two parts.
5
(a) The left portion identifies the grid zone designation, the 100,000-meter square
identification, and a sample 100,000 meter grid square.
(b) The right portion of the grid reference box explains how to use the grid and is
keyed on the sample 1,000-meter square of the left side.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 6 again (Marginal Information (con’t))
l. Legend. This is in the lower left margin. It shows and names the topographic
symbols used on the map. To avoid errors when reading a map, always check the
legend.
m. Glossary. Although this map is in English, some are not. On those, the mapmaker
might include a glossary, which explains or translates some of the terms used into
English.
NOTE:
Review and clear up any questions the Soldiers have concerning marginal
information.
n. The purpose of a map is to let the user see an area of the earth's surface with the
pertinent features in place. Ideally, all the features in an area appear in true
proportion, position, and shape. However, this is impractical, because many would
be unrecognizable at that size. The mapmaker must use symbols or color to
represent the natural and man-made features of the earth's surface. Ideally these
symbols or colors resemble the actual features as viewed from above. The center of
a symbol represents the features true location, except when the feature is next to a
major road whose width has been exaggerated to symbolize its status relative to
other roads. In this case, the feature is moved from its true position to preserve its
relationship to the road.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 7 (Colors on a Map)
o. A military map has six basic colors.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
(1) Black indicates cultural (man-made) features such as buildings, roads, spot
elevations, and all labels.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
(2) Red-Brown combined to identify cultural features, all relief features, nonsurveyed spot elevations, and elevation such as contour lines on red-light readable
maps.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
(3) Blue identifies hydrography or water features such as lakes, swamps, rivers,
and drainage.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
(4) Green identifies vegetation with military significance such as woods, orchards,
and vineyards.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
6
(5) Brown identifies all relief features and elevation such as contours on older
edition maps and cultivated land on red-light readable maps.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
(6) Red classifies cultural features, such as populated areas, main roads, and
boundaries on older maps.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 7 again (Colors on a Map)
(7) Occasionally, other colors are used to show special information. These colors
are indicated in the marginal information.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 8 (Man-Made Objects)
p. Black.
(1) Trail. A broken black line represents important foot paths, foot trails, and pack
trails that can accommodate 1/4-ton trucks in dry weather.
(2) Prominent Fence. A prominent fence is a definite landmark in areas with few
or no other man made features. These fences can be used as navigational aids if
you can locate them on the map and on the ground.
QUESTION: What is another example of a prominent fence?
ANSWER:
A fence around a farm, a cattle area or an airfield.
(3) Railroad.
(a) Single Track. A single railroad track is shown as a single-black line
intersected with perpendicular tick marks. Only one train can move in one direction at
a time on this track.
(b) Double or Multiple Tracks. A multiple railroad track is shown as two solid
black lines intersected with perpendicular tick marks. Two trains can move in the
same or opposite directions on these tracks at the same time. In areas where rail
transportation is heavy, three or more main tracks will run side by side.
QUESTION: In these areas how does the mapmaker let you know the number of
tracks?
ANSWER:
In the legend, the double or multiple track symbol is shown with the
number of tracks.
(4) Buildings.
QUESTION: How tall is the reverse L-shaped building?
ANSWER:
The mapmaker has no way to show this.
(a) Remember, features on a map seldom appear in their true proportion, position,
and shape. However, their symbols resemble, as nearly as possible, the actual
features as viewed from above.
QUESTION: What is the definition of a map?
ANSWER:
A map graphically represents part of the earth’s surface drawn to scale
as seen from above.
7
(b) The symbol of a building with a flag on top represents a school. If the actual
school were a college, the flag would be on the administration building.
(c) The symbol of a building with a cross on top represents a church. In times of
need, this is where civilians will congregate. Also, the navigators can use them as
navigational aids when moving through the area.
(5) Mine or Quarry.
(a) The symbol for an open mine or quarry is the cross-pick and pick-ax.
(b) The symbol for a closed mine or quarry is the cross-pick and pick-ax shown
upside down.
QUESTION: What is the meaning of the cross-pick and pick-ax symbol?
ANSWER:
This symbol represents an open mine or quarry. If the symbol is
upside down the mine or quarry would be closed.
(6) Cemetery. A black box with a cross in the middle is the symbol for a
cemetery.
(7) Bridges and Viaducts.
QUESTION: What is the symbol in the bottom right corner of the slide?
ANSWER:
This is the symbol for a bridge.
(a) The distinction between a bridge and a viaduct is that a bridge passes over
what is predominantly water, while a viaduct passes over what is predominantly land.
(b) Long bridges or viaducts are always shown. A shorter bridge or viaduct is
shown if it serves as an identifiable landmark or is the only means of crossing within
the general area.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 9 (Man-Made Objects (con’t))
(q) Red.
(1) As a leader of any kind of unit, moving in an area that has a road along your
proposed route, you need to know if the road is improved or not. Has there been a
heavy rain in the past few days? Will the road speed your movement, or slow you
down and make you vulnerable to an enemy attack?
(2) Heavy Duty Road. These are shown as solid red lines bordered in black.
"Heavy duty” means that the road can support all weight classes, with little
maintenance.
(3) Medium Duty Roads. Unlike a heavy duty road, a medium duty road has a
posted weight limit and requires occasional maintenance. It is shown as a candycane striped line bordered with black.
(4) Improved Roads. This road can carry light loads in all weather. It consists of
stabilized or oiled-surface gravel or stone, or graded and drained gravel or stone.
Periodic maintenance is required. An improved road normally has a hard surface and
is less than two lanes wide.
8
(5) Unimproved Roads. An unimproved road is suitable only for light loads in dry
weather. They have no surface improvements or drainage and are seldom
maintained.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 10 (Drainage and Vegetation)
(r) Blue.
(1) Perennial Stream. This is a stream that flows most of the year.
(2) Intermittent Stream. This is a stream that only flows part of the year.
(3) Lake or Pond. This has the same traits as a perennial stream. The shoreline
of the lake or pond you see on this slide has been surveyed, so its outline is solid
blue. If the shoreline is indefinite or un-surveyed, its outline is represented by a
broken blue line.
(4) Intermittent Lake or Pond. Have the same traits as an intermittent stream. Its
shoreline is represented as indefinite and approximate.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 11 (Drainage and Vegetation (con’t))
(s) Green. Marshes, grasslands, wooded areas, vineyards or orchards are not
represented differently. Note that the symbol for a marsh is blue, but grass symbols
are overlaid on it.
QUESTION: Why is marsh shown in blue instead of green?
ANSWER:
Because it is a body of water, and blue represents water.
(1) Marsh or Swamp. The water in the swamp is of greater military significance
than the vegetation: however, that is not why it is shown in blue. As I said when I
explained the six map colors, blue represents water or drainage.
(2) Grassland. For grass to be shown, it must grow at least a meter high. It is
shown so that the map reader knows that either enemy or friendly troops can use it
for concealment.
QUESTION: Where in the world would you find grass that high?
ANSWER:
In Panama, Southeast Asia (elephant grass).
(3) Wooded Area. As you can see, wooded areas have two different symbols:
dense wooded areas, and a second symbol for lightly or sparsely wooded areas.
QUESTION: Why do you think the mapmaker chose two different symbols to show
wooded areas?
ANSWER:
Because a mechanized unit cannot maneuver in a densely wooded
area. A light unit could use the sparsely wooded area for concealment, but both can
navigate on it.
(4) Vineyard, Orchard, or Plantation. The symbol for a vineyard, orchard, or
plantation is symmetrical because crops such as rubber, tea, apples, grapes, or
peanuts, are usually planted this way.
QUESTION: We have talked about four of the five basic colors on the map; what
color has yet to be mentioned?
ANSWER:
Brown.
9
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 12 (Contour Lines)
(t) Brown. Brown identifies contour lines. A relief is normally shown by contour lines.
A contour line on a map represents an imaginary line on the earth's surface. There
are three different types of contour lines.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 12 again (Contour Lines)
(1) Index Contour Line. The index contour lines are shown as thick brown lines
with the elevation printed next to them.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 12 again (Contour Lines)
(2) Intermediate Contour Line. Intermediate contour lines are shown as thin
brown lines. Normally, four intermediate contour lines are drawn between each index
contour line.
NOTE:
Click on Slide 12 again (Contour Lines)
(3) Supplementary Contour Line. Supplementary contour lines are used when
elevation drastically changes by more than half of the contour interval.
QUESTION: How much would elevation have to change for a supplementary
contour line to be placed on the Tenino map sheet?
ANSWER:
More than 10 meters.
(4) EXAMPLE: To determine the elevation of a hilltop that has not been
surveyed, go to the index contour line preceding the last enclosed contour line and
find the printed elevation. Count each intermediate contour line and add the contour
interval until you get to the last one, which includes a circle. Then add half of the
contour interval to the total to determine the elevation of the hilltop.
(u) Red-Brown. The sixth color is red-brown. On red-light readable maps, the
mapmaker combines red and brown to identify cultural features, all relief features,
non-surveyed spot elevations, and elevation such as contour lines.
NOTE:
Review and clear up any questions the students have about the six basic colors on
the military map.
NOTE:
SHOW Slide 13 (Terminal Learning Objective)
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ACTION:
Identify Topographic Symbols on a Military Map
CONDITIONS:
Given a standard 1:50,000 scale topographical map
STANDARDS:
Correctly identify the topographic symbols, colors, and marginal
information on a military map
10
SECTION IV.
ASK FOR QUESTIONS AND SUMMARY
Method of Instruction: Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:35
Time of Instruction: 5 mins
Media: None
a. Ask students if they have any questions.
b. Answer all questions or agree to get back to students with a complete or appropriate
answer.
NOTE:
SUMMARY
Explain what you have discussed during this block of instruction, and offer any personal
experiences to introduce the contemporary operating environment. The following may be used
to strengthen the lessons learned during this lesson plan presentation.
Those of us who have mastered this and other facets of Land Navigation, find the information
learned during this class has proved invaluable throughout our military career and personal life.
Many of us have found it not only challenging but fun to be able to look and re-look at an area
with a different perspective. It’s not uncommon today for people to use maps in conjunction
with a GPS to locate and play “X Marks The Spot” games. Most any hunter, who has
completed military Land Navigation courses, will tell you how they have used them to locate a
stand, or to better find a previously found feeding area. Though fun and challenging, the
correct knowledge and use of Land Navigation skills may very well prove life-saving as you lead
your squad, company, or even platoon through potential enemy territory.
11
SECTION V.
STUDENT EVALUATION (OPTIONAL)
Testing
Requirements
None
Feedback
Requirements
None
12
Appendix A - Viewgraph Masters
VIEWGRAPHS
STRM
Slide #1
Terminal Learning Objective
Slide #2
Definition of a Map
Slide #3
Marginal Information
Slide #4
Marginal Information (con’t)
Slide #5
Marginal Information (con’t)
Slide #6
Colors on a Map
Slide #7
Man-Made Objects
Slide #8
Man-Made Objects (con’t)
Slide #9
Drainage and Vegetation
Slide #10
Drainage and Vegetation (con’t)
Slide #11
Contour Lines
Slide #12
Terminal Learning Objective
Slide #13
A-1
Appendix B - Test(s) and Test Solution(s) (N/A)
B-1
Appendix C - Practical Exercises and Solutions
Built into Lesson Plan
C-1
Appendix D - Student Handouts (N/A)
D-1