Air Fronts: FM 21-26, Advanced Map and Aerial Photograph Reading - Section 1.

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION

1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this manual is to provide a text on advanced map and aerial photograph reading for military personnel who thoroughly understand the basic material in FM 21-25.

2. SCOPE OF TRAINING. a. Need for training. All arms and services use maps and map substitutes. Personnel of all units must be able to read maps and aerial photographs accurately and easily. The ability to visualize the ground from a map is gained only by thorough practical training.

b. Types of maps used in training. Equipment used in training should be identical with that used in combat. Large-scale, colored maps with contour lines may not be available to small units in actual operations; training, therefore, must also cover small-scale maps, photomaps, and air photographs.

c. Training program. Training in the use of maps and aerial photographs must include both classroom and field work. The training program must include conventional signs and military symbols, distances and map scales, directions and azimuths, proper use of the compass, orientation without the compass, location of points by coordinates, visualization of terrain, use of marginal data, and interpretation of aerial photographs. Frequent practical tests should be given throughout the course of instruction to ascertain that students are making proper progress.