FM 21-26 Section 2
FM 21-25FM 21-26
FM 21-26 Section 1FM 21-26 Section 2FM 21-26 Section 3FM 21-26 Section 4FM 21-26 Section 5FM 21-26 Section 6FM 21-26 Section 7FM 21-26 Section 8FM 21-26 Section 9FM 21-26 Section 10FM 21-26 Section 11FM 21-26 Section 12FM 21-26 Appendix
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Air Fronts: FM 21-26, Advanced Map and Aerial Photograph Reading - Section 2.

SECTION II: MAPS

3. DEFINITION. A map is a line drawing, to scale, of an area of the earth's surface. It shows objects and features by conventional signs. Although drawn to scale, it is not absolutely accurate because it is flat while the earth's surface is curved. The map's accuracy depends on the method used in making it (see appendix). A discussion of the various map-making methods is given in TM 5-230.

4. CLASSIFICATION. AR 300-15 prescribes the classification of maps and the specifications for their preparation. Military maps are classified according to scale as tactical, strategic, and general. Scale is discussed in paragraph 8.

a. Tactical. Maps of scale 1:125,000 and larger contain a great deal of detail and are intended to meet the tactical, technical, and administrative needs of field units. The scale of these maps normally is not larger than 1:20,000.

b. Strategic. Maps ranging in scale from 1:125,000 exclusive to 1:1,000,000 inclusive are required for planning operations, including movements and concentrations of troops and supplies.

c. General. Maps of smaller scale than 1:1,000,000 are needed for general planning and for strategical studies by commanders of large units.

5. CARE IN THE FIELD. Since the supply of maps is limited, they must be treated with care. If possible they are mounted on map boards and covered with a sheet of transparent material such as cellulose acetate. This affords some protection from moisture and permits marking with grease pencils. If carried by personnel in the field, maps should be folded in accordion fashion, as ilustrated in FM 21-25, and placed in the pockets  for protection from sun and moisture. Marks should be made lightly with pencil so they may be easily erased. For added protection the map may be covered with an issue transparent covering which is coated with an adhesive on one surface. This material adheres readily to the map, does not prevent folding, gives protection from moisture, and allows marking with graphite or grease pencil. Unmounted aerial photographs should be filed flat in some moisture-proof container; they should never be rolled. Photographs must not be placed near heating devices and should be mounted on stiff backing when exposed to changes in temperature.

 

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