Elevation
and Relief A
knowledge of map symbols, grids, scale, and distance provides enough information
to identify two points. You locate them, measure between them, and determine
the length of time required to travel between them. But what happens if there
is a 300-foot cliff between the two points? The map user must also become
proficient in recognizing the various landforms and irregularities of the
surface of the earth. Then he is able to determine the elevation and
differences in the height of all terrain features.
1.
DATUM PLANE. This is a reference from which vertical measurements are taken.
The datum plane for most maps is mean, or average, sea level.
2.
ELEVATION. This is defined as the height (vertical distance) of an object above
or below a datum plane.
3.
RELIEF. Relief is the representation of the shape and height of landforms and
the characterization of the surface of the earth.
The
elevation of points and the relief of an area affect the movement and
deployment of units by limiting the route of travel, their speed of movement,
and the ease or difficulty of attacking or defending an area. Also relief
affects observation, fields of fire, cover, concealment, and the selection of
key terrain features.
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