Military Map Reading 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the 'marginal information' found around the edges of a military map?
- To list enemy positions
- To provide data about the map such as scale, datum, and edition (Correct answer)
- To show alternate routes
- To identify friendly unit boundaries
Correct answer: To provide data about the map such as scale, datum, and edition
Marginal information includes critical map data such as scale, grid reference system, magnetic declination, and publication date.
Question 2: What is 'dead reckoning' in land navigation?
- Navigating using only landmarks
- Estimating current position based on a known past position, direction, and distance traveled (Correct answer)
- Using GPS to confirm location
- Reading terrain features to identify your position
Correct answer: Estimating current position based on a known past position, direction, and distance traveled
Dead reckoning estimates your current position by tracking direction and distance traveled from a last known point.
Question 3: On a military topographic map, contour lines that are farther apart indicate what type of terrain?
- Steep slopes
- Flat or gently sloping terrain (Correct answer)
- Dense vegetation
- Water features
Correct answer: Flat or gently sloping terrain
Widely spaced contour lines indicate gentle slopes or relatively flat terrain.
Question 4: What grid reading rule applies when reading a 6-digit military grid coordinate?
- Up first, then right
- Right first, then up (right and up) (Correct answer)
- Up and right simultaneously
- Diagonal from southwest to northeast
Correct answer: Right first, then up (right and up)
Military grid coordinates are always read 'right then up' — the easting (right) is read before the northing (up).
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'spur' terrain feature on a topographic map?
- A low area between two hills
- A short ridge extending laterally from a main ridge (Correct answer)
- A circular depression
- A narrow valley with steep walls
Correct answer: A short ridge extending laterally from a main ridge
A spur is a short, continuous sloping line of higher ground projecting from a ridge or hill.
Question 6: What color are man-made structures (buildings, roads) typically printed in on a standard military topographic map?
- Red
- Black (Correct answer)
- Blue
- Brown
Correct answer: Black
Man-made features such as buildings, roads, and boundaries are typically printed in black on military topographic maps.
Question 7: An azimuth of 270 degrees corresponds to which cardinal direction?
- North
- South
- East
- West (Correct answer)
Correct answer: West
In military azimuth notation, 0°=North, 90°=East, 180°=South, and 270°=West.
Military Map Reading 4
What is the purpose of the 'marginal information' found around the edges of a military map?