This document provides instruction on land navigation using topographic maps. It aims to teach students basic map reading skills and the ability to navigate using terrain association. The key topics covered include identifying the components of a map, common terrain features like hills, valleys, and ridges, and man-made symbols. Upon completion, students should be able to identify contour lines and legends, four terrain features, and four man-made symbols on a topographic map.

1. Deputy John Bounds

2.  To provide students with basic
knowledge of land navigation
 To provide students with the ability to
navigate using terrain association

3.  Following this period of instruction
students will:
• Identify the two basic components of a map
needed to navigate by terrain association
• Identify, at least, four terrain features found on a
topographic map
• Identify, at least, four man made feature symbols
found on a topographic map

4.  Legend
• The legend on a topographic map is commonly
found on the lower left corner of a map
• Depending on the map you use, there may be
anywhere from minor to significant differences

5.  Contour Lines
• Contour lines on a map
are typically brown, but
can be a variety of
colors depending on the
map
• Contour lines identify
elevation from sea level
• Thick contour lines are
found every fifth line and
indicate elevation by 100
meter increments
• Contour lines form
terrain features on the
map

6.  Hills
• Hills are identified by
a series of circles
which get smaller as
they grow in elevation
• Hills slope downward
on all sides

7.  Saddle
• A saddle is a low point
between two hilltops
• Typically form an
hourglass type
configuration

8.  Valley
• Valleys are typically
long running low
points on the map
which are surrounded
by hills
• Valleys are easily
identifiable, as the
contour lines remain
reasonably level

9.  Ridge
• Ridges are either an
elongated portion of a
hill or a combination
of multiple hill tops
and saddles strung
along in a linear
fashion

10.  Depression
• Low point on the
ground surrounded by
higher elevation
• Depressions are
typically indicated by
tick marks facing
inward

11.  Spur
• Also referred to as
fingers
• Sloping lines
decreasing in
elevation from high
ground

12.  Draw
• Low point in terrain
that is less developed
than a valley
• Typically found
between fingers

13.  Cliff
• Vertical or near vertical feature that has a
dramatic change in elevation.
• May have tick marks pointed toward the low
ground
 Cut
• Manmade feature caused by cutting through
higher ground.Typically has tick marks pointed
toward the inside of a road

14.  Fill
• Manmade feature
made by filling in low
ground
• Tick marks pointing
away from the inside
of a road

15.  There are numerous types of topographic
maps with different types of symbols
 Common Types of symbols
- Roads - Bodies of Water
- Tracks - Airports
- Pits - Power lines
- Towers - Buildings
- Water Tanks - Elevation Markers

16.  Importance of Symbols
• Symbols can be used to aid in identifying your
location and can assist in navigation or course
correction

17.  Performance Objectives
• Following this period of instruction students will:
 Identify two basic components of a map needed to
navigate by terrain association
 Identify at least four terrain features found on a
topographic map
 Identify at least four man made feature symbols found
on a topographic map