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Map: A graphic representation of a portion of the Earth’s surface drawn to scale, as seen from above.
Legend: Identifies the symbols used to depict the prominent natural and man-made objects that exist on the ground.
Scale: Gives the ratio of the distance on the map to the distance on the ground. The larger the ratio, the less detail can be placed on the map.
Contour Line: A line that joins points of equal elevation above a given level.
Contour Interval: Specifies the vertical distance between contour lines.
Declination Diagram: Depicts true north, magnetic north, and grid north.
True North: A line from any point on the Earth’s surface to the North Pole.
Magnetic North: The direction to the north magnetic pole, as indicated by the north-seeking needle of a magnetic instrument.
Grid North: The north that is established using the vertical grid lines on a map.
G-M Angle: The angular distance between grid north and magnetic north.
Topographic Symbols: Used to visualize man-made and natural features.
Map colors can be used as indicators.
Major Terrain Features: hills, saddles, valleys, ridges , and depressions.
Hill: An area of high ground.
Saddle: A dip or a low point between two areas of higher ground.
Valley: A groove in the land, usually formed by a stream or a river.
Ridge: A sloping line of high ground.
Depression: A sinkhole, pit, or low point in the ground.
Minor Terrain Features: draws, spurs, and cliffs.
Draw: A small valley.
Spur: A short ridge.
Cliff: A vertical or near-vertical feature.
Supplementary Terrain Features: cuts and fills.
Cut: A man-made feature that cuts through raised ground.
Fill: a man-made feature that fills a low area.
MGRS Coordinates
The world is divided into 60 grids, and each grid is given a short letter-and-number designator.
The grid zone designator and the 100,000-meter square indentification are required to convey information about your location.
Truncated position formats can be used for less precise positions.
Phonetic Alphabet: Used to spell out letters in place of saying the letter itself.
Geographic Coordinate System
Latitude (x-coordinate): Specifies north-south position.
Longitude (y-coordinate): Specifies east-west position.
Land Measurement
Acre: Equivalent to 43,560 square feet.
Hectare: Equivalent to 10,000 square meters.
Geographic Information System (GIS): A computer-based system that can be used to precisely map a property.
LiDAR (Laser imaging, Detection, and Ranging): A land measuring tool used by surveyors.
GPS (Global Positioning System): Used for precise positioning.
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