Map and Aerial Photograph Reading

Second Printing. — Harrisburg: The Military Service Publishing Company, 1943. — 188 p.Maps play a vital part in military operations. A commander studies maps of the area in which he is to operate, and learns from them the type of ground over which his troops must fight, the natural and man made barriers that will help or hinder his operations, and any other terrain features that will have any effect on the operations. A commander and his staff first work out the details of the battle or movement on a map, then orders referring to the plan on the maps are given to the subordinate units. Subordinate commanders plot the plans of their commander on their maps and figure out the specific part they must play. By means of maps the various combat units move to their allotted positions, identify their lines, boundaries and objectives, and conduct their subsequent movements. The map is a source of data for the delivery of fire, the transportation of troops and of course, for the actual operation of the battle itself. Maps are a primary fighting instrument of the commander of any unit from an army to a squad. From the first to the last day of his service, every soldier will have to read maps with skill and accuracy if he is to survive. The extreme importance of map reading often hides the simplicity of the subject. Some of us are inclined to believe that the difficulty of mastering a subject is directly related to its importance; and that an unimportant subject is easier to understand than an important one.Definitions 3
Conventional Signs and Symbols
Finding Places on a Map
Distance and Time
Direction and Azimuths
Elevation and Relief
Map Reading in the Field
Approach to Foreign Map Reading
Approach to Foreign Map Reading (Continued)
Additional Information
Aerial Photo Reading
Topographical Identification and Military Terrain Features
Scales and Azimuth
Stereovision
Restitution of Aerial Photographs
Answers to Questions and Exercises