Question on Map Coordinates

[The Cooler King]

After reading Bill's thread on the Battle for Hill 996 (http://www.militaryimages.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1526), I was wondering how the map coordinate system works. I didn't want to ruin such a great thread with my stupid question so I made a new thread.

From what I could find on the net, the first and second digits of a coordinate are horizontal grid numbers and the fourth and fifth digits are the vertical grid numbers. I got that part down but I don't understand how the third and sixth digits pinpoint the location within the grid. How does that work? Also, what do the two letters that precede the numbers mean?

Mike

[Bill Farnie]

It isn’t that hard Mike but you have to have a map with the grid letters. Rather then try and explain to you in this post, here’s two sites that cover it pretty good.


http://www.vietvet.org/visit/maps/basicmap.htm

http://www.landscaper.net/maproom.htm#Simplified%20Military%20Map%20Reading

click on the simplified map reading tab.

[The Cooler King]

Thanks Bill. That was a huge help. Check out this map I found of the A Shau... http://www.rjsmith.com/A_Shau_Valley_Hamburger_Hill_01.html You can locate Hill 996 on this one.

Mike

[Advisor]

Thanks Bill. Been a long time since I read a map. Funny thing. The only, rpt only training I had in map reading was OJT & that was only to be able to do the six digit grid. Other than that I couldn't find my arse without a guide dog and an adult. Sure glad I never had to call in air or arty..not sure where it would have landed. ;)

[Eagledriver]

CK, In order to read a topo map at anything more than 4-digit coordinates, ie; 6 or 8 digit coordinates, you have to have a map protractor and a compass to find a specific spot on a map. I'm gonna try to post you a pic.



http://www.therangerdigest.com/Tips___Tricks (http://www.therangerdigest.com/Tips___Tricks)

[Eagledriver]

CK, In order to accurately read a topo map at anything more than a 4 digit coordinate, you need a protractor and compass if you are navigating.

Here ya go.sal;

http://www.therangerdigest.com/Tips___Tricks/IMPROVED_PROTRACTOR/compass_protactor_layout.jpg

[The Cooler King]

Thanks Eagledriver. I kind of got the gist of the whole idea now. (Y)

Mike