Archive for the ‘Movement by Terrain Association’ Category
Map/Ground Comparison!
Movement by Map/Ground Comparison!
Movement by Terrain Association is quicker, less tedious, more forgiving and fun than is Dead Reckoning (dependent on previous location/computations). However, there will be times during movement by Terrain Association when you will need to stop and confirm your position through either plotted or estimated resection.
Errors made using Terrain Association can be corrected fairly easily because you are comparing what you see on the map with what you find on the ground. But, you must be ever mindful that a map is only a previous picture of the earth’s surface drawn to scale. It may or may not be totally representive of what you’ll find on the ground. Some features, especially man-made/influenced, will change with time.
- Matching the Terrain to the Map using Terrain Features: By observing the map’s contour lines, determine Major Terrain Features (hilltop, valley, ridge, depression, and saddle). From a vantage point, compare what you see on the map with what you should see on the ground.
- Compare Vegetation Depicted on the Map: But, be conscious/mindful that it can change overnight from natural accidents or man-made influences.
- Using the Hydrography: Use in-land bodies of water; their shapes, sizes, and direction of water flow.
- Man Made Features: This is an important part of Terrain Association. You should be familiar with the symbols used; consider the map’s age; but, most important, nothing is permanent – if it can be built, it can be torn down!
This method of ground movement will require not only knowledge but a competency in Map Reading, Compass, and Navigational Skills.