Map Reading and Field Craft
What the exam tests
This domain checks grid references, scale, bearings, conventional signs, contours and basic field craft such as camouflage and concealment.
Core rules
A map scale compares map distance with ground distance. On a 1:50,000 map, 1 cm represents 0.5 km, so 4 cm represents 2 km. Grid references are read eastings before northings; a four-figure reference locates a grid square, and a six-figure reference adds tenths within that square. North can be true north, magnetic north or grid north; the difference matters when converting a compass bearing. Contours show height and slope: closely spaced contours mean steep ground. Field craft uses cover from fire, concealment from view, camouflage suited to the surroundings, and field signals.
Worked example
A map distance of 6 cm is measured on a 1:50,000 map. Reasoning: 1 cm = 50,000 cm = 500 m = 0.5 km. Therefore 6 cm = 6 × 0.5 km = 3 km. If the same map distance were on a 1:25,000 map, 1 cm would be 0.25 km and the answer would be 1.5 km. The scale must be checked before multiplying.
Traps
Do not read northings before eastings. Do not treat a four-figure grid reference as a precise point. Do not confuse magnetic north with grid north. Do not assume widely spaced contours are steep. Do not use bright camouflage in a green area. Do not expose yourself on a skyline when concealment is needed.