crash course how to read map coordinates

How to read a map of the road?

How To Read a Map of the Road (Road Atlas) 1 The index lists the names of all of the cities listed on a particular map in alphabetical order and the corresponding location of each listing. 2 Either at the bottom or on the back of a map there will appear a legend. ... 3 Almost all maps will contain a small compass rose. ... More items...

Why plot MGRS coordinates on your map?

To do that, you plot MGRS (military grid reference system) coordinates on your map before you head out. Why would you want to employ this old/new method of land nav? So you can be antifragile. Two is one, and one is none; which is to say, technology fails, and you need to have a contingency plan for when it does.

How do you read a compass on a map?

Open up the map and take a moment to double check that you’re examining it from the correct perspective. Most maps feature a “compass rose” in one corner that shows which directions are indicated by the various markers. Unless otherwise specified, the top of the map will always correspond with North.

How do I know which direction is north on a map?

Check the map’s orientation. Open up the map and take a moment to double check that you’re examining it from the correct perspective. Most maps feature a “compass rose” in one corner that shows which directions are indicated by the various markers. Unless otherwise specified, the top of the map will always correspond with North.

How do you read coordinates on a map?

Its coordinates are latitude: 41° 56' 54.3732” N, longitude: 87° 39' 19.2024” W. To read it, start with the first set of numbers, or the latitude. That line reads, 41 degrees, 56 minutes, 54.3732 seconds north. The longitude reads as 87 degrees, 39 minutes, 19.2024 seconds west.

How do you read coordinates on a topographic map?

The coordinate value for each grid line can be found along the edge of the map. Northing values can be read along the east or west edges of the map and easting values can be read along the north or south edges of the map.

What are the six rules for reading a topographic map?

Terms in this set (6)Rule 1: Slope. The closer the lines are, the steeper the slope. ... Rule 2: Flow and Source of a River/Stream. ... Rule 3: Mountains and Hills. ... Rule 4: Highest possible elevation of a hill/mountain. ... Rule 5: Depressions. ... Rule 6: Lowest possible elevation of a depression.

Do you read latitude or longitude first?

latitudeHandy tip: when giving a co-ordinate, latitude (north or south) always precedes longitude (east or west). Latitude and longitude are divided in degrees (°), minutes (') and seconds (“). There are 60 minutes in a degree and 60 seconds in a minute (similar to measuring time).

How to read a map?

To read a map, start by looking at the compass rose on the top of the map to make sure you are holding the map correctly. The top of the map should be North. Then, determine what direction you are facing by using a compass or your GPS. Once you are oriented, circle where you are and where you'd like to go on the map.

What is the compass rose on a map?

Most maps feature a “compass rose” in one corner that shows which directions are indicated by the various markers. Unless otherwise specified, the top of the map will always correspond with North. North is considered a “neutral” orientation which provides a reference for the other directions.

Why do maps have legends?

In addition to a compass rose, many maps also contain a legend, or chart that explains the scientific methods used to draw up the map and lists what important symbols mean. Familiarizing yourself with the legend is key to comprehending the way the map displays information.

What is magnetic north?

Magnetic north is where your compass points and grid north are where the vertical lines on your map point to.map makers dont make maps to where your compass points because it isnt a fixed place and moves slightly every year.

Where are parallels of latitude?

Parallels of Latitude run parallel to the Equator (the "waist line" of the globe) horizontally, and show distance north or south of the Equator. The numbers at the sides and top or bottom of the map track the degrees of Longitude and Latitude.

What is the scale of a map?

Pay attention to the scale. A map’s scale provides a ratio of map distance to actual distance. This will give you an idea of just how far you have to go. The scale will differ from map to map, but will typically be presented as a number ratio, like “1 : 100,000.” This ratio simply means that 1 unit of distance on the map is equal to 100,000 units in real life.

What are some examples of maps?

For example, there are road maps to help drivers navigate back roads and interstate highways, topographical maps telling campers how to reach campsites and lodging areas, and even tourist maps highlighting famous landmarks for sightseers.

How to measure distance on a map?

You can use your finger or a small scrap of paper to measure how many times the length of the scale will fit on your chosen route. Then, multiply this number by the distance that the scale represents to approximate the actual distance. Check this video to see how to do it easily:

What is an atlase map?

Road maps, or atlases, come in many scopes, from metropolitan maps that show only a city and surrounding suburbs to atlases that show major highways and interstates for the entire United States of America. The art of reading a roadmap is quite simple (much easier than parallel parking, believe me), yet many people, particularly young drivers, ...

What is the best route to travel?

For larger trips or for travelling longer distances, it is best to look for a route that uses major highways or interstates . If you are plotting a route within a metropolitan area, remember that most city streets are oriented like a grid. One-way roads should be labeled on most city roadmaps.

What is a legend on a map?

A legend is a small box that shows examples of the types of roadways that are listed on the map. A legend will show you which color and/or style of line represents particular roadways.

Do all maps have a compass rose?

Almost all maps will contain a small compass rose. This may seem like ancient technology to you, but being able to turn the map in the direction you are facing may be helpful. For example, if you know that you are currently going north on a particular interstate highway, you can use a map’s compass rose to make certain that you are following the same interstate highway on the map in a northward direction. Remember that most maps are designed with north facing up.

Do we have GPS?

Sure, almost all of us now have GPS systems , smartphone apps, or in-car intelligence that can provide us with directions to even the most obscure destinations. But just in case, it is nice to know how to read a map. You know, the type that is printed on paper. That is impossible to re-fold and takes up valuable space in your glove-box. The kind that the gas station attendant draws on while he gives you directions.

Do you need a road map for your vehicle?

Always keep several general roadmaps in your vehicle, particularly a metropolitan map for the area in which you live, a state roadmap for your state, and appropriate maps for routes you travel often such as vacations or trips to see your family. Also remember that road maps need to be current to be helpful. If a map is more than a couple of years old, toss it. Roadwork is a constant process and chances are good that there have been changes or additions since that map was printed.

Where is North facing on a map?

Now that the map is properly oriented to your surroundings, you can easily tell that North is to your left, toward the buildings, and you are actually facing east.

What is navigation map?

A navigation map represents our three-dimensional world on a flat piece of paper.

What are contour lines?

Perhaps the least intuitive symbols on a topographical map (and the most important) are the contour lines. These brown wavy non-crossing lines seem to dominate the entire map, yet they do not represent anything physical like roads or trails. What they do represent is a constant elevation. Every point along a brown contour line is at the same elevation. The darker thicker brown lines are index contours. These lines typically have an elevation number printed on them (such as 400, or 2800). The lighter thinner brown lines are known as intermediate contours. They also represent an elevation level, but to avoid clutter, do not have a printed value. In most cases, there are 4 intermediate contour lines between each index lines. The difference in elevation between lines is indicated on the map as the “contour interval”. A typical contour interval is 40 feet or 80 feet. If you can’t find the interval listed, you can calculate it yourself by taking the difference between two parallel index lines, and dividing by five. For example if, if you see 4 intermediate contour lines between an index line marked 3000 and an index line marked 2800, you can figure the interval as (3000-2800 = 200) / 5 = 40 feet.

What is the top of a topographical map?

For consistency, the top off a topographical maps is oriented to true north (which is not the same as magnetic north). In other words, unless clearly indicated otherwise, it is safe to assume that the top of the map represents north, the right side east, the bottom south, and the left west.

What is the most useful map?

For the outdoor enthusiast, the most useful map is a topographical map . In addition to indicating vegetation, waterways, landmarks, roads and trails, it also contains information regarding elevation. Map providers offer detailed legends, though often not on the maps themselves.

How many contour lines are there between index lines?

In most cases, there are 4 intermediate contour lines between each index lines. The difference in elevation between lines is indicated on the map as the “contour interval”. A typical contour interval is 40 feet or 80 feet.

What is a map?

A map is a two dimensional representation of the surface of the earth, which is an odd shaped sphere, with a very irregular surface of mountains, valleys and plains. If we simply pound our earth ball until it is flat, something has got to give. We will be distorting some dimension of the original globe.

What is the northing coordinate of 9530?

Take a look at our northing coordinate: 9530. We’re going to focus on the last two digits. The 30 tells us that our northing coordinate is 300 meters north of the 95 grid line. We want to move our pencil up until it lines up with 3.0. Place a dot there with your pencil.

How to get to point 2 of a compass?

Get out your compass, and index your bearing to 165° and move your body until the needle is inside the box. Congratulations, you now know which direction you have to walk to get to point 2.

What is the coordinate of 3046?

3046 (this is our easting coordinate — the vertical lines that run north/south on your map).

How many digits are in MGRS coordinates?

Congratulations! You just plotted your first point using an 8-digit MGRS coordinate.

How many paces does it take to go 400 meters?

If you need to go 50 meters, you’ll know you need to go about 32 paces (65/2 = 32.5).

How to walk 100 meters?

Start with both feet at the start line and step off with your left foot and walk the 100 meters using your normal stride. Every time your left foot touches the ground, count it. When you get to the end, remember what your pace count was.

Where is the 0/0 line on a protractor?

The first step is to line up 0/0 on your protractor with the bottom left corner of the grid you’re working with.

How do soldiers use grid coordinates?

They use gridcoordinates to navigate, report enemy activity, request medical evacuation, or call foradditional supplies and ammunition. Soldiers use grid coordinates to request indirectfire support from field artillery and naval gunfire. They also use grid coordinates to requestclose air support from fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. As you read earlier, you’ll find thegrid reference box at the bottom center of the map. This gives you the grid zone designationand the 100,000-meter square identification for your map sheet. With more-exact gridcoordinates you can more precisely plot or convey a location on the map. An importanttool for doing so is your protractor.

What are the three types of terrain features?

Maps represent these features in specific ways.The Army divides terrain features into three groups: major, minor, and supplementaryterrain features.

Why did MAJ Wright's driver and NCO end up in the boonies?

MAJ Wright, his driver, and an NCO wound up “out in the boonies” because noneof them had looked at a map before leaving for the airport. Knowing how to read