U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook [Paperback]

Department of the Army (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592283829 | ISBN-13: 978-1592283828 | Publication Date: July 1, 2004 | Edition: 1st

For a soldier, knowing where you are is a matter of life and death, and so it comes as no surprise that the Army has produced the most complete, clear, and thorough guide to map reading and navigation available.
The book starts with a comprehensive explanation of the meaning and uses of maps, whether photographic, planimetric (standard-style) or topographic, then progresses to discuss the use of those maps, discussing compass techniques, celestial navigation, and determination of distance. There is a detailed section on interpreting topographic maps, with notes on tactical considerations for differing terrain, as well as determining the ease of movement through an area.

Chapters include:

Training Strategy - Maps -Marginal Information and Symbols - Grids - Scale and Distance -Direction - Overlays - Aerial Photographs - Navigation Equipment and Methods - Elevation and Relief - Terrain Association - Mounted Land Navigation - Navigation in Different Types of Terrain - Unit Sustainment

There is also information on field sketching, the tricky art of map folding, units of measure and conversion factors, map symbols, orienteering, and the global positioning system (GPS).
For the adult outdoorsman venturing into the wild, the Boy Scout, or the serious military buff, the Army's guide to map reading and navigation is an indispensable must.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The U.S. Army’s official guide to map reading, determining location, and navigating.

For a soldier, knowing where you are is a matter of life and death, and so it comes as no surprise that the Army has produced the most complete, clear, and thorough guide to map reading and navigation available.
The book starts with a comprehensive explanation of the meaning and uses of maps, whether photographic, planimetric (standard-style), or topographic, then proceeds to the use of those maps, discussing compass techniques, celestial navigation, and determination of distance. There is a detailed section on interpreting topographic maps, with notes on tactical considerations for differing terrain, as well as determining the ease of movement through an area.
The book’s crucial, well-illustrated chapters have invaluable information on:
Training Strategy • Maps • Marginal Information and Symbols
Grids • Scale and Distance • Direction • Overlays
Aerial Photographs • Navigation Equipment and Methods
Elevation and Relief • Terrain Association • Mounted Land Navigation Navigation in Different Types of Terrain • Unit Sustainment

There is also information on field sketching, the tricky art of map folding, units of measure and conversion factors, map symbols, orienteering, and the global positioning system (GPS).
For the adult outdoorsman venturing into the wild, the Boy Scout, or the serious military buff, the U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook is an indispensable, must-have book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; 1st edition (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592283829
• ISBN-13: 978-1592283828
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars US Army Map Reading and Land Nav, November 17, 2010

By 

F. Soares (South China, Maine United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook (Paperback)

There are many misconceptions and misstatements in the other reviews so I thought I would try and clarify a few things.

First, this book is not the current Army FM 3-25.26 Land Navigation manual. It is a reprint of an older FM. If you want the Army FM just do a search here in Amazon for FM 3-25.26 and it will take you to the Army publication which goes for around $16. Any problems with print clarity is the fault of this manufacturers printing not the US Army. Go to FM 3-26.26 and you will see the difference.

Second, these book were written for people/soldiers whose very lives will depend on the their ability to navigate any where on Planet Earth. If you're looking for an easy to read and do, mind numbing eco course forget it. This book and it's results are for those who want to be professionals. If they get it wrong, people drop bombs and rockets on them. If you're not interested in a professional approach don't buy it (forget all about putting Fred in the Shed to navigate).

Third, this book is written for those who will navigate in the jungle, snow fields, deserts, mountains, etc. The process is taught and accepted worldwide by all of the major countries and is approved by NATO. Special Forces, Navy SEALS, Marine RECON, Delta Force, etc all use the same basic system. It is a lot of work but it is effective. The writing is step by step and provides the background information professionals will need to know. If you are a hardcore orienteerer or geocacher, search and rescue volounteer, Scout volounteer, etc this is the book for you.

Last, don't waste your money on this reprint. Buy the US Army manual so you'll have the latest and correct information.

Oh, yeah, one other thing. Throw the crackerjack compass away. Get yourself a good compass (yes, it will cost more than $20). This manual tells you what to look for. Personally, I have three compasses - a Silva Ranger, Brunton Surveyor and a US Army Lensatic Compass. I NEVER go cross country with out at least two of them ON me.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First choice for teaching purposes, March 7, 2007

By 

Joseph L. White (Nashville, TN, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook (Paperback)

I own several excellent books on compass use and "orienteering."
The Army version "Map Reading and Land Navigation" is the simplest and most straightforward explanation of how to get around with just a compass and a map. If I were teaching teenagers (Scouts, etc.) how to use these tools this would be my choice of text.

23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must' for any who might need basic survival skills, August 7, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook (Paperback)

Soldiers need to know how to read maps accurately, how to navigate, and how to understand all manner of maps, compasses, celestial navigation and more. So does the outdoorsman. For the military and the outdoors wilderness trekker, U.S. Army Map Reading And Land Navigation Handbook provides basic instruction on grids, scale and distance, reading overlays and using navigation equipment. A 'must' for any who might need basic survival skills.