Using our Map Scale Cards

[R.A.T.]

We've had a couple of people ask why we laid our map scale cards out different from the standard 1:24,000 card. In other words, our 100 meter mark for Easting starts from the same zero point as the 100 meter mark for Northing. Other cards end their 1000 meter Easting mark at the point the 0 begins for the Northing. Simply put, our way of reading this is easier to teach to a newcomer and easier to apply to a map. All you have to do is take your plot coordinates from your GPS and put the Easting coordinates on the proper grid line and then move until the Northing coordinates are the correct meters away from the grid line and your point is exactly where the 0/0 mark is on your map card. You can also reverse plot the same way to enter a waypoint in your GPS. See the attached photo. So, yes, we did our cards different but there is a reason behind it. I've never liked the standard 1:24,000 grid squares because of the way they are laid out.

 

[R.A.T.]

Here's the standard map scale card:

 

[R.A.T.]

Another thing I do (and I'm sure a lot of others do to) is I make several copies of the topo map, only copying the particular area I will be working in. Color copier works great set to 1:1 scale. I put these copies along with the full size topo in my map case. Now I have copies I can mark on and use. If you really want to get detailed then scale up the size of your maps in a graphics prorgram and scale up a map card to the exact same size. In other words make the 1:24,000 map card 3 times bigger and the map 3 times bigger. Print the map card out on clear material and now you can get very detailed on yoru topo without having to put glasses on

 

[adaman04]

Nice!

I like the style of your cards. Different at first but easy to use!

 

[R.A.T.]

Well, think about it. If you start your card at the 0 point on your grid line then count over the number of meters your GPS reads to find where you are, you are more likely to get confused becasue of all the other lines on your grid card. It's much easier to lay your card on the grid line at the mark the GPS reads. and not have to count over to find the point. "where you are" becomes where the grid card ends at that stage (0/0). Sounds confusing but try it both ways and you will see it's less confusing to do it "our way".

 

[punisherD1]

very cool design! can't wait to get one. thanks for contuning to bring us unique products that work!

 

[Horn Dog]

Never used GPS or a map card. I just use a map and compass and use deliberate offset for crossing creeks, roads, etc. But I get lost sometimes, too.

 

[Joe Fowler]

Vic, I laughed pretty loud at that. Nicely done, my friend!

 

[CrimsonTideShooter]

When I get out of school I want to learn basic Nav. Are there any good resources to help the learning process along?

 

[R.A.T.]

very cool design! can't wait to get one. thanks for contuning to bring us unique products that work!

The old standard 1:24,000 card has been printed that way for years. It's a lot more confusing using it. Makes much more sense simply changing both zero points to start at the same place as we did.

 

[R.A.T.]

When I get out of school I want to learn basic Nav. Are there any good resources to help the learning process along?

Come visit me. I will have you navigating in less than a day.

 

[Horn Dog]

The Boy Scouts and the Army teach it. If you prefer an adult leader, go with the Boy Scouts. Jeff teaches it doesn't he? I taught my daughter. She was most impressed with my land navigation skills in the swamp. I was most impressed with my dumb luck finding the creek crossings that day!

 

[jumpmonkey]

"Where am I? What's going on? Why is there a knife in my hand?"

God bless,
Adam

 

[R.A.T.]

HD, terrain association works too, but sometimes you have to have a seeing eye dog to spot things for you when you're blind.

 

[Horn Dog]

Terrain association kept me going in circles one day. It all looks the same down there in the swamp! I am getting a GPS!

 

[R.A.T.]

Damn nice photo, HD! Eeven if you were lost.

 

[R.A.T.]

I'd love to have a high-res of that pic for stock to use in a future article.

 

[Horn Dog]

I'd love to have a high-res of that pic for stock to use in a future article.

I don't know how high resolution they are. They are all on photobucket. You are welcome to use them. Woo hoo, we found our way back!

There's my Jeep!

 

[mlrs]

When I was recon, I used terrain association a good amount. Alot of people have a hard time using it because they don't know what all of the lines on a topo map mean. I have seen guys get lost on the land nav course from not being able to use terrain association. They get confused and freak out because they think they are lost. As long as you understand a topo map they are easy to use.


mlrs

 

[R.A.T.]

When I was recon, I used terrain association a good amount. Alot of people have a hard time using it because they don't know what all of the lines on a topo map mean. I have seen guys get lost on the land nav course from not being able to use terrain association. They get confused and freak out because they think they are lost. As long as you understand a topo map they are easy to use.


mlrs

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