Marine Corps Common Skills Handbook (1B)

NOTE: Each map may use different symbols for manmade features. The index (found in the lower left hand corner of
most maps) will give the symbols for manmade features used by that particular map (figure 18). Consult and
review it every time you are issued a new map.
Figure 18
f. Measure the straight line distance between two points on a map.
(1) To determine the straight line distance between two points on a map, lay a straightedge piece of paper on the map so that the
edge of the paper touches both points and extends past them. Make a tick mark on the edge of the paper at each point (figure
19). Remember that the center of the topographic symbol designates the exact location of the object on the ground.
MEASURE ALL MAP DISTANCES FROM THE CENTER
OF THE TOPOGRAPHIC SYMBOL
Figure 19
1-18-36