Methods for determining height and distance. Determination of distances by eye. Optical Distance Meter

Instruction

Distance by map can be measured using the "Ruler" tool in geoinformation packages Google Earth and Yandex Maps, the underlying basis for maps in which are satellite satellites. Just enable this tool and click on the point that marks the beginning of your route and the one where you plan to end it. The distance value can be found in any given units of measurement.

Thanks to modern achievements in geography measure distance from cities before cities you can without leaving your home. With the help of geoinformation resources of the Internet, as well as satellite navigators, measuring the distance from cities before cities will only take a couple of minutes.

Instruction

Go to the Rambler-Maps project page at http://maps.rambler.ru. It can be used to measure distance between cities mi not directly, but through highways. In order to measure distance, click on the "Route" button, then set cities , between which it must be built. Cities can either be marked on the map (using the method described in the previous step) or entered into the fields at the top of the page. By writing or choosing cities , click the Lay button. The laid one will be marked on the map with a line, and information about it, including distance, will be displayed on the left side of the web page.

Turn on the GPS navigator (or run the GPS navigation program on your mobile phone) and wait for the discovery. Then go to the menu and select "Get route". Enter the cities distance between which you want to measure and press the "Paste" button. The route information will indicate distance between cities mi. This method makes sense to apply in the absence of an Internet connection.

Related videos

note

Using the site service Point-on-Map, you can get a route between cities using highway, measure the distance from one settlement to another, find the shortest path, choose the shortest road for travel by car, display the entire route on the map, find out the distance between cities by road, mileage from Moscow, calculate the distance between cities in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus , Kazakhstan, Europe, determination of mileage.

Sources:

  • distance measurement between cities

The scale of a drawing, map, diagram or image is the ratio of the linear dimensions of objects reflected on them to the actual dimensions of these same objects on the ground or in nature. If this is a diagram, engineering drawing or map, then, as a rule, an indication of the scale is a mandatory requirement for such documents. But sometimes it happens that the scale is not known, so you need to determine it yourself.

Instruction

Just in case, check, maybe you just didn't notice this inscription. In and drawings, it must be indicated in the stamp. This may be an inscription of the full format "Scale 1:20" or the abbreviated "M 1:20". On topographic and diagrams, an indication of the scale is also an obligatory element of framing. It can be specified in the map title, which is located at the top or bottom. Sometimes the inscription displaying the scale is located in the text of the map legend or directly on it. Look carefully at the diagram or map.

If you did not find the indication of the scale on the diagram of a machine-building part or a construction plan, on which the dimensions of the part are indicated in or measurements in, then you can determine the scale yourself. Measure the dimensions on paper with a regular ruler in millimeters or fractions of a centimeter. Divide, indicated in the diagram and translated into millimeters or centimeters, by what you got when measuring. This will be the desired denominator of the scale of the drawing or plan.

Similarly, you can find out the scale of a map or topographic map. To do this, you need to carefully look and identify a couple of characteristic objects located on the ground. For large-scale maps, these can be buildings, pipes of boiler houses. For maps and diagrams of small scales, you can use the peaks and mountains, forks, other characteristic points of the relief and terrain. Use a ruler to measure the distance on the map between these characteristic objects.

If you have a map of the same territory with a known scale, then measure the distance between the same characteristic points on it and recalculate the scales. If there is no such map, then use the Yandex or Google mapping services. Find this area satellite images, which are the basis of these services and define on it the same characteristic points that you found or the diagram. Select the "Ruler" tool, measure the distance in from satellite images and calculate the scale of your map using these data and the distance measured on the map.

To make the user feel comfortable when working on a computer, folder and file icons, inscriptions and other components of the system and the "Desktop" must be configured accordingly. To select and install the appropriate scale, a number of steps must be taken.

Instruction

Open the Display Properties window. There are several ways to do this: through the Start menu, call the Control Panel, in the Appearance and Themes category, select the Display icon or any of the tasks. If the "Control Panel" is displayed in the classic view, click on the "Screen" icon immediately. Another way: in any free space on the "Desktop" right-click. In the drop-down menu, select "Properties" - the desired dialog box will open.

In the Display Properties dialog box that opens, click the Options tab. The scale of the image on the screen largely depends on the selected resolution. In the "Screen Resolution" category, use the "slider" to select the scale that suits you and click the "Apply" button. When prompted by the system to confirm the changes, answer in the affirmative.

If you are not satisfied scale, which can be selected in the described way, on the same tab, click on the "Advanced" button. In the additionally opened dialog box "Properties: Monitor connection module and [name of your video card]" go to the "General" tab. In the "Scale (number of dots per inch)" field, use the drop-down list to set the value to "Custom options". In the opened window "Select scale a" use the ruler or drop-down list to set the desired scale. Click OK and Apply. If prompted, restart your computer.

On the Appearance tab of the Display Properties window, select a font size that is comfortable for your eyes. If there are not enough existing settings, click the "Advanced" button. Using the drop-down list in the "Element" section, select the element scale which you want to change. Enter in the available fields the size of fonts you need, window control buttons, and so on. After making changes, press the OK button in the additional window, the Apply button in the properties window and close the window in the usual way.

Use a special device to measure distances on . The rangemeter is equipped with a special wheel, put it strictly at the point from which you want to calculate distance. Without lifting the device from the map, draw a line (straight or curved) to the second city. Translate , use the scale options indicated on .

Determination of the distance by the degree of visibility and the apparent magnitude of the target.

One of the conditions for effective firing is constant observation of the battlefield, which makes it possible to detect the enemy in a timely manner. However, in order to destroy the enemy with a well-aimed shot, it is not enough to see him, you must also determine at what distance he is.
The shooter, whether on the battlefield or at firing practice, constantly has questions before opening fire: “How many meters to the target? What to put the sight? And only after receiving answers to these questions, the shooter can set the sight, select the aiming point and open fire on the target.
The distance of the target from the firing position, as a rule, is determined by the map, with the help of optical instruments, improvised means, etc. The method of determining the distance on the map is available only command staff, since sergeants and privates do not have cards. They do not always have optical instruments. In addition, even if a soldier has binoculars, then to determine the distance, you will need to do calculations, which is difficult to implement in a tense battle situation.

In our army and law enforcement agencies, various methods of determining the distance to the target for the correct installation of the sight are widespread, and first of all, using the “thousandth” formula:
D \u003d Vx1000 / U, where:

  • D - distance to the object in meters
  • B - the height or width of the object in meters
  • Y - the angle at which the object is visible in "thousandths"

For example, an enemy tank 2.8 m high is visible at an angle of 0-05: D = 2.8x1000/5 = 550 m.

In this case, it is practiced to use improvised objects (for example, a matchbox, pencil, cartridge) with a known angular value.
So, if stretched out at eye level right hand and look at the terrain lying in front of the shooter, then the width of four bent fingers will cover a distance equal to 100 “thousandths” on the terrain. One index finger will close 33 "thousandths", the middle or ring finger - 35 "thousandths", the thumb - 40 "thousandths", the little finger - 25 "thousandths".
Given these figures, you can determine the angles and distances literally with your bare hands.

You can measure the distance to the target by cartridges. The sleeve of a 7.62-mm rifle cartridge for SVD and PKM has 20 “thousandths” in the width of the bottom, 18 in the width of the sleeve, and 13 “thousandths” in the width of the barrel of the sleeve. The bullet covers 8 "thousandths" along the width of its middle part. The length of the bullet from the muzzle of the sleeve to the tip is 35 "thousandths".

A matchbox closes 90 in length, 60 in width, and 30 “thousandths” in thickness.
The match closes 85 in length, and 3.5 "thousandths" in thickness.

But to convert these angular values ​​into meters, additional calculations are necessary. However, if with a pen and a notepad or with a calculator, sitting at your desk, such a calculation is not difficult to make, then in a trench or the ruins of a house in direct line of sight of the enemy, there is neither time nor convenience for this.

The second common way to determine the distance to the target is by the covering size of the front sight (KVM): D = KVM / 3x1000, where the distance can be determined by combining the width of the front sight with the width of the target, and the range is characterized by the distance along the front covered by the front sight.
At a distance of 100 m, this value is 30 cm and increases proportionally with the distance of the target from the shooter.
The covering size of the slot is twice the covering size of the front sight. For example, the front sight covers a VAZ-2109 car, 165 cm wide: D \u003d 165 / 3x1000 \u003d 550 m. But using this method is not difficult only when the target is stationary, and you can combine the width of the front sight with the width of the target without interference.

These methods are not always convenient and practical. Therefore, today, almost sixty years after the end of the Great Patriotic War, it makes sense to refer to the significant combat experience gained during the war by the Main Directorate of Combat Training of the Ground Forces of the Red Army together with the Rifle Tactical Committee.
During the Great Patriotic War, in the process of fire training of fighters and commanders, the eye method was most often used to determine the range. First, by comparison with a known range to a landmark or local object. Secondly, along segments of the terrain that are well imprinted in the shooter's visual memory. It was a more acceptable way in combat to determine distances by mentally (visually) setting aside memorized segments of length on the ground. True, this method also had its drawbacks.
Firstly, the shooter did not always have the opportunity to see the entire terrain ahead.
Secondly, as the target moves away, it becomes more and more difficult to mentally postpone length segments on the ground, so errors are possible in determining the distance.
In addition, such a visual method for determining the range to the target directly depends on individual characteristics each arrow.

One of the most optimal was recognized a method of determining distance by the degree of visibility and apparent magnitude of the target.
It is known that any object from different distances is visible in different ways. Small details are visible at close range. Then, as the object is removed, they seem to be erased, and only larger details can be distinguished. Finally, large details are also erased, only the general outline of the object remains visible. These three stages of the visibility of objects have their own, so-called intermediate boundaries, on which some characteristic details of the object are visible, while others are not distinguishable. Hence - a certain regularity of the degree of visibility of the object at different distances. Knowing this pattern of visibility of each object, the shooter can accurately determine the distance to it.

HUMAN VISIBILITY
STANDING LYING IN MOVE DISTANCE
The lines of eyes, bags and shoes are visible. The details of the weapon are recognized, the waist belt is visible. You can determine what a person is armed with. Recognized weapon details. Up to 100 m
You can see the hands, the strap of the gas mask. Visible complexion A small sapper shovel and a gas mask are visible. Up to 150 m
The headdress differs in complexion. Visible outline of the head and shoulders The hands, the outlines of the head and shoulders are visible, it is possible to distinguish the shooter from the light machine gunner by the weapon. From 200 to 300 m.
The outlines of the head and shoulders are visible. You can see the movement of the hands of a walking person, you can see an object in the hands of a walking person, but what exactly cannot be seen. up to 400 m
The head is different from the body. You can see the movement of the hands of a person walking, a jacket differs from an overcoat. Up to 500 m
The torso differs from the head in a helmet, the torso is visible in its general contour You can see the movement of the legs of a person walking frontally without an overcoat. Up to 600 m
You can see the movement of the legs of a man walking without an overcoat under acute angle person. Up to 700 m
It is safe to say that this is a person. You can see the movement of a person. Up to 800 m

For example, the sniper clearly recognizes the outline of the enemy's head and shoulders. Knowing that this is possible no further than 400 m, he sets the appropriate sight and fires. Having found an enemy soldier with only the general outline of the torso visible, the sniper changes the scope, based on the fact that the target is at least 600 m away.

The proposed method did not require any instruments and calculations. It was equally convenient for determining the distances to approaching and receding targets. To determine the distances, only those targets and objects were taken that always had some constancy in size and shape: a person, a dog, a tank, a car, a motorcycle, wire fence, telegraph line.
Multiple experiments carried out during the war years, it was unequivocally established: knowing the degree of visibility of the listed objects, it is possible to accurately determine the distance to them on the terrain of any relief.
Based on the experiments carried out, tables of the degree of visibility of objects at various distances were developed. These tables were very simple, they could easily be mastered by every shooter.

Of course, not all people have the same vision. Therefore, in the process of fire training during the war years, each officer and soldier was required to independently compile such tables. For a better assimilation of these tables, it was recommended to conduct several practical exercises, on which, by showing the listed items, the servicemen were instilled with skills in quickly determining the distances to them according to the degree of visibility of these items.

In the learning process, in demonstration classes, it was always required that such targets as a person, a dog, a tank, a car or a motorcycle move towards the students. For some time, these targets were delayed at lines 100 m apart from each other, after which they passed along the front 20-30 m. This allowed the shooters to get acquainted with the degree of visibility of the targets in all positions.

The trainees were advised to have ready-made tables with them and compare the data indicated in them with reality. Or, knowing the distances to the frontiers, write down your observations on paper when the goals reach each frontier.

In the classes on determining the distances of visibility of stationary objects (targets), students gradually approached the object (target) and recorded the results of their observations at each line. If they had ready-made tables, then, having reached each milestone, they in practice checked the data given in the table and had to remember them.


[ all articles ]

Thanks to the "corporation of good" we can easily find a comfortable road from point "A" to point "B". But did you know that Google Maps also allows you to measure the simple distance between two points in a straight line?

1. Open the official Google Maps website on your PC or Mac.

2. Find the starting point of your route and click on it with the right mouse button.

3. In the menu that opens, select the Measure distance item.

4. Click on the end point of your route or the next point. The distances will be indicated next to the ruler.

Note: if you need to reposition a point, drag it. If you need to delete a measurement, just click on the point.

How to measure the distance between two points in Google Maps web version

Distance measurement is also available in the Google Maps apps for Android and iOS. And there, and there the measurement process works almost the same. Let's look at it using an example of a proprietary solution for iOS:

1. Open google app Maps on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Find the first point and touch it with your finger to set the red pin.

3. At the bottom of the map, click on the name of the place you marked.

4. Select Measure Distance from the drop down menu.

5. Aim the black crosshairs at point "B" of your route by moving your finger on the map.

6. The distance (in our case in kilometers) will be displayed at the bottom left of the screen.

You can cancel the measurement by clicking on the Back arrow in the upper left corner of the screen or by clicking on the ellipsis menu - Clear.

Note: if you need a complex measurement from several points, just continue moving the crosshairs after step 6. Point it at the third waypoint - and get the distance in km already to it, taking into account the previous two.

According to yablyk


Very often it is required to determine the distances to various objects on the ground (range to the target). Most accurately and quickly, distances (ranges) are determined by means of special instruments (rangefinders) and rangefinding scales of binoculars, stereotubes, and sights. But due to the lack of instruments, distances are often determined using improvised means and by eye.

The most accurate methods for determining the range (distances) to objects on the ground include the following: angular dimensions object and linear dimensions of objects.

Determining the range to the target by angular dimensions objects (Fig. 2) is based on the relationship between angular and linear values. The angular dimensions of objects are measured in thousandths using binoculars, observation and aiming devices, rulers, etc.

Some angular values ​​(in thousandths of a distance) are given in Table 1.

The distance to objects in meters is determined by the formula: , where B is the height (width) of the object in meters; Y is the angular magnitude of the object in thousandths.

For example (see Fig. 2):


Rice. 2. Determining the distance to the target by the angular dimensions of the object (object)

Table 1

Determining the range to the target by the linear dimensions of objects is as follows (Fig. 3). Using a ruler located at a distance of 50 cm from the eye, measure the height (width) of the observed object in millimeters. Then the actual height (width) of the object in centimeters is divided by the measured ruler in millimeters, the result is multiplied by constant number 5 and get the desired height of the object in meters..jpg" alt="(!LANG:Determination of the distance to the target by the linear dimensions of the object (object)" width="642" height="135"> Рис. 3. Определение дальности до цели по линейным размерам объекта (предмета) !}

For example, the distance between telegraph poles equal to 50 m (Fig. 8) is closed on the ruler with a segment of 10 mm. Therefore, the distance to the telegraph line is:

The accuracy of determining distances by angular and linear values ​​is 5-10% of the length of the measured distance. To determine the distances by the angular and linear dimensions of objects, it is recommended to remember the values ​​\u200b\u200b(width, height, length) of some of them, given in Table. 2.

table 2

Read full synopsis

Measuring distances on the map. Study of the area. Reading the map along the route

Study of the terrain

According to the relief and local objects depicted on the map, one can judge the suitability of a given area for the organization and conduct of combat, for the use of military equipment in battle, for the conditions of observation, firing, orientation, camouflage, and also for cross-country ability.

Availability on the map a large number settlements and individual tracts of forest, cliffs and gullies, lakes, rivers and streams indicate the ruggedness of the terrain and limited visibility, which will impede the movement of military and transport equipment off the roads, create difficulties in organizing surveillance. At the same time, the rugged nature of the terrain creates good conditions for sheltering and protecting units from the effects of enemy weapons of mass destruction, and forests can be used to mask unit personnel, military equipment, etc.

According to the nature of the layout, size and font of the signature of the settlements, it can be said that some settlements belong to cities, others to urban-type settlements, and still others to rural-type settlements. The orange color of the quarters indicates the predominance of fire-resistant buildings. The closely spaced black rectangles inside the quarters indicate the dense nature of the development, and the yellow fill indicates the non-fire resistance of the buildings.

A settlement may have a weather station, a power station, a radio tower, a fuel depot, a factory with a pipe, a railway station, a flour mill, and other facilities. Some of these local items can serve as good guidelines.

The map may show a relatively developed network of roads of various classes. If there is a signature on the conventional sign of the highway, for example, 10 (14) B. This means that the covered part of the road has a width of 10 m, and from ditch to ditch - 14 m, the pavement is cobblestone. A single-track (double-track) railway can pass through the area. Studying the route of movement along railway, you can find on the map individual sections of roads that pass along an embankment or in a cut with a specified depth.

With more detailed study roads can be established: the presence and characteristics of bridges, embankments, excavations and other structures; the presence of difficult areas, steep descents and ascents; the possibility of exit from the roads and traffic next to them.

Water surfaces are depicted on maps in blue or blue color, so they clearly stand out among the conventional signs of other local objects.

By the nature of the font of the signature of the river, one can judge its navigability. The arrow and the number on the river indicate in which direction it flows and at what speed. The signature, for example: means that the width of the river in this place is 250 m, the depth is 4.8 m, and the bottom soil is sandy. If there is a bridge across the river, then its description is given next to the image of the bridge.

If the river is shown on the map with one line, then this indicates that the width of the river does not exceed 10 m, if the river is shown in two lines, and its width is not indicated on the map, its width can be determined from the indicated characteristics of the bridges.

If the river is fordable, then the symbol of the ford indicates the depth of the ford and the bottom soil.

When studying the soil and vegetation cover, it is possible to find on the map areas of forest of various sizes. Explanatory symbols on the green fill of the forest area may indicate a mixed composition of tree species, deciduous or coniferous forest. The caption, for example: , indicates that the average height of trees is 25 m, their thickness is 30 cm, the average distance between them is 5 m, which allows us to conclude that vehicles and tanks cannot move through the forest off-road.

The study of the relief on the map begins with determining the general nature of the irregularities of the section of the terrain on which the combat mission is to be carried out. For example, if the map shows a hilly terrain with relative heights of 100-120 m, and the distance between contour lines (layout) is from 10 to 1 mm, this indicates a relatively small steepness of slopes (from 1 to 10 °).

A detailed study of the terrain on the map is associated with solving problems of determining the heights and mutual elevation of points, the type, direction of the steepness of the slopes, the characteristics (depth, width and length) of hollows, ravines, gullies and other details of the relief.

Measuring distances on the map

Measurement on a map of straight and winding lines

To determine the distance between points of the terrain (objects, objects) on the map, using a numerical scale, it is necessary to measure the distance between these points in centimeters on the map and multiply the resulting number by the scale value.

Example, on a map with a scale of 1:25000, we measure the distance between the bridge and the windmill with a ruler; it is equal to 7.3 cm, multiply 250 m by 7.3 and get the desired distance; it is equal to 1825 meters (250x7.3=1825).


Determine the distance between points on the map using a ruler

A small distance between two points in a straight line is easier to determine using a linear scale. For this, a compass-meter is sufficient, the solution of which equal to the distance between given points on the map, attach to a linear scale and read off in meters or kilometers. In the figure, the measured distance is 1070 m.

Large distances between points along straight lines are usually measured using a long ruler or measuring compass.

In the first case, a numerical scale is used to determine the distance on the map using a ruler.

In the second case, the “step” solution of the measuring compass is set so that it corresponds to an integer number of kilometers, and an integer number of “steps” is set aside on the segment measured on the map. The distance that does not fit into an integer number of “steps” of the measuring compass is determined using a linear scale and added to the resulting number of kilometers.

In the same way, distances are measured along winding lines. In this case, the "step" of the measuring compass should be taken as 0.5 or 1 cm, depending on the length and degree of sinuosity of the measured line.


To determine the length of the route on the map, a special device is used, called a curvimeter, which is especially convenient for measuring winding and long lines.

The device has a wheel, which is connected by a gear system with an arrow.

When measuring the distance with a curvimeter, you need to set its arrow to division 99. Keeping the curvimeter in a vertical position, guide it along the line being measured, without tearing it off the map along the route so that the scale readings increase. Bringing to the end point, count the measured distance and multiply it by the denominator of the numerical scale. (In this example 34x25000=850000, or 8500 m)

The accuracy of measuring distances on the map. Distance corrections for slope and tortuosity of lines

The accuracy of determining distances on the map depends on the scale of the map, the nature of the measured lines (straight, winding), the chosen method of measurement, the terrain and other factors.

The most accurate way to determine the distance on the map is in a straight line.

When measuring distances using a measuring compass or a ruler with millimeter divisions, the average measurement error on flat terrain usually does not exceed 0.7-1 mm on the map scale, which is 17.5-25 m for a 1:25000 scale map, scale 1:50000 - 35-50 m, scale 1:100000 - 70-100 m.

In mountainous areas, with a large steepness of the slopes, errors will be greater. This is explained by the fact that when surveying the terrain, it is not the length of the lines on the surface of the Earth that is plotted on the map, but the length of the projections of these lines on the plane.

For example, With a slope of 20 ° and a distance on the ground of 2120 m, its projection on the plane (distance on the map) is 2000 m, i.e., 120 m less.

It has been calculated that at an inclination angle (slope slope) of 20°, the obtained result of measuring the distance on the map should be increased by 6% (add 6 m per 100 m), by 15% at an inclination angle of 30°, and by 23 at an angle of 40°. %.

When determining the length of the route on the map, it should be borne in mind that the distances along the roads, measured on the map using a compass or curvimeter, in most cases are shorter than the actual distances.

This is explained not only by the presence of descents and ascents on the roads, but also by some generalization of the meanders of the roads on the maps.

Therefore, the result of measuring the length of the route obtained from the map should be multiplied by the coefficient indicated in the table, taking into account the nature of the terrain and the scale of the map.

The simplest ways to measure areas on a map

An approximate estimate of the size of the areas is made by eye on the squares of the kilometer grid available on the map. Each square of the grid of maps of scales 1:10000 - 1:50000 corresponds to 1 km2 on the ground, the square of the grid of maps of scale 1:100000 - 4 km2, the square of the grid of maps of scale 1:200000 - 16 km2.

More precisely, areas are measured with a palette, which is a sheet of transparent plastic with a grid of squares with a side of 10 mm applied to it (depending on the scale of the map and the required measurement accuracy).

Having superimposed such a palette on the measured object on the map, it first calculates the number of squares that completely fit inside the contour of the object, and then the number of squares intersected by the contour of the object. Each of the incomplete squares is taken as half a square. As a result of multiplying the area of ​​​​one square by the sum of the squares, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe object is obtained.

Using squares of scales 1:25000 and 1:50000, it is convenient to measure the areas of small areas with an officer's ruler, which has special rectangular cutouts. The areas of these rectangles (in hectares) are indicated on the ruler for each hart scale.

Reading the map along the route

Reading a map means correctly and fully perceiving the symbolism of its conventional signs, quickly and accurately recognizing from them not only the type and varieties of the depicted objects, but also their characteristic properties.

The study of the terrain on the map (reading the map) includes determining its general nature, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of individual elements (local objects and landforms), as well as determining the degree of influence of the given area on the organization and conduct of combat.

When studying the terrain on the map, it should be remembered that since its creation, changes could have occurred on the terrain that are not reflected on the map, i.e., the content of the map to some extent will not correspond to the actual state of the terrain on this moment. Therefore, the study of the area on the map is recommended to start with familiarization with the map itself.

Introduction to the map. When familiarizing with the map, according to the information placed in the marginal design, the scale, the height of the relief section and the time the map was created are determined. Data on the scale and height of the relief section will allow you to establish the degree of detail of the image on this map of local objects, forms and details of the relief. Knowing the scale value, you can quickly determine the size of local objects or their distance from each other.

Information about the time the map was created will make it possible to preliminarily determine whether the content of the map corresponds to the actual state of the area.

Then they read and, if possible, remember the declination of the magnetic needle, the direction corrections. Knowing the direction correction from memory, you can quickly convert directional angles into magnetic azimuths or orient the map on the ground along the kilometer grid line.

General rules and sequence of studying the area on the map. The sequence and degree of detail of the study of the terrain is determined by the specific conditions of the combat situation, the nature of the subunit's combat mission, as well as seasonal conditions and the tactical and technical data of the military equipment used in the performance of the assigned combat mission. When organizing defense in the city importance has a definition of the nature of its layout and development, the identification of solid buildings with basements and underground structures. In the case when the route of movement of the unit passes through the city, it is not necessary to study the features of the city in such detail. When organizing an offensive in the mountains, the main objects of study are passes, mountain passes, gorges and gorges with adjacent heights, the forms of slopes and their influence on the organization of the fire system.

The study of the area, as a rule, begins with determining its general nature, and then studies in detail individual local objects, forms and details of the relief, their influence on the conditions of observation, camouflage, maneuverability, protective properties, conditions of firing and orientation.

Determining the general nature of the terrain is aimed at identifying the most important features of the relief and local objects that have a significant impact on the fulfillment of the task. When determining the general nature of the area on the basis of familiarization with the relief, settlements, roads, hydrographic network and vegetation cover, the variety of the given area, the degree of its ruggedness and closeness are revealed, which makes it possible to preliminarily determine its tactical and protective properties.

The general character of the area is determined by a cursory survey on the map of the entire area under study.

At first glance at the map, one can say that there are settlements and individual tracts of forest, cliffs and gullies, lakes, rivers and streams indicating rough terrain and limited visibility, which inevitably makes it difficult for military and transport equipment to move off-road, creates difficulties in organizing observation . At the same time, the rugged nature of the terrain creates good conditions for sheltering and protecting units from the effects of enemy weapons of mass destruction, and forests can be used to mask unit personnel, military equipment, etc.

So, as a result of determining the general nature of the terrain, they make a conclusion about the availability of the area and its individual directions for the actions of units on vehicles, and also outline the lines and objects that should be studied in more detail, given the nature of the combat mission to be performed on this area of ​​the terrain.
A detailed study of the area is intended to determine quality characteristics local objects, forms and relief details within the boundaries of the unit's actions or along the forthcoming route of movement. Based on the receipt of such data on the map and taking into account the relationship of the topographic elements of the terrain (local objects and relief), an assessment is made of the conditions of passability, camouflage and observation, orientation, firing, and the protective properties of the terrain are also determined.

The definition of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of local objects is carried out on the map with a relatively high accuracy and great detail.

When studying the map of settlements, the number of settlements, their type and dispersal are determined, the degree of habitation of a particular section (district) of the area is determined. The main indicators of the tactical and protective properties of settlements are their area and configuration, the nature of planning and development, the presence of underground structures, the nature of the terrain on the outskirts of the settlement.

Reading the map, according to the conventional signs of settlements, they determine the presence, type and location of them in a given area, determine the nature of the outskirts and layout, building density and fire resistance of buildings, the location of streets, main thoroughfares, the presence of industrial facilities, outstanding buildings and landmarks.

When studying the map of the road network, the degree of development of the road network and the quality of the roads are specified, the conditions for the passability of the area and the possibility of the effective use of vehicles are determined.

With a more detailed study of roads, the following are established: the presence and characteristics of bridges, embankments, excavations and other structures; the presence of difficult areas, steep descents and ascents; the possibility of exit from the roads and traffic next to them.

When studying dirt roads, special attention is paid to identifying the carrying capacity of bridges and ferry crossings, since on such roads they are often not designed for the passage of heavy wheeled and tracked vehicles.

Studying hydrography determine the presence on the map water bodies, specify the degree of ruggedness of the terrain. The presence of water bodies creates good conditions for water supply and transportation by waterways.

Water surfaces are depicted on maps in blue or cyan, so they stand out clearly from the conventional signs of other local objects. When studying the map of rivers, canals, streams, lakes and other water barriers, the width, depth, speed of the current, the nature of the soil of the bottom, banks and the surrounding area are determined; the presence and characteristics of bridges, dams, locks, ferry crossings, fords and areas suitable for forcing are established.

When studying the soil and vegetation cover, the presence and characteristics of forest and shrub massifs, swamps, solonchaks, sands, rocky placers and those elements of the soil and vegetation cover that can have a significant impact on the conditions of passability, camouflage, observation and the possibility of shelter are established on the map.

The characteristics of the forest plot studied on the map allow us to conclude that it can be used for the covert and dispersed location of units, as well as the forest's passability along roads and clearings. Good landmarks in the forest for determining your location and orienting yourself on the move are the forester's house and clearings.

The characteristics of swamps are determined by the outlines of conventional signs. However, when determining the passability of swamps on the map, the time of year and weather conditions should be taken into account. During the period of rains and mudslides, swamps, shown on the map as passable by a symbol, in reality may turn out to be difficult to pass. In winter, during severe frosts, impassable swamps can become easily passable.

The study of the relief on the map begins with determining the general nature of the irregularities of the section of the terrain on which the combat mission is to be carried out. At the same time, the presence, location and interconnection of the most characteristic for this area typical forms and relief details are established, determined in general view their influence on the conditions of cross-country ability, observation, firing, camouflage, orientation and organization of protection against weapons of mass destruction. The general nature of the relief can be quickly determined by the density and outline of contour lines, elevation marks and conventional signs of relief details.

A detailed study of the terrain on the map is associated with solving problems of determining the heights and mutual excess of points, the type and direction of the steepness of the slopes, the characteristics (depth, width and length) of hollows, ravines, gullies and other details of the relief.

Naturally, the need to solve specific tasks will depend on the nature of the assigned combat mission. For example, the definition of fields of invisibility will be required when organizing and conducting surveillance reconnaissance; determination of the steepness, height and length of the slopes will be required when determining the terrain conditions and choosing a route, etc.

Read also: