A map provides information on the existence of, the location of, and the distance between
ground features such as populated places and routes of travel and communication. It also
indicates variations in terrain, heights of natural features, and the extent of vegetation cover.
With our military forces dispersed throughout the world, it is necessary to rely on maps to
provide information to our combat elements and to resolve logistical operations far from our
shores. Soldiers and materials must be transported, stored, and placed into operation at the
proper time and place. Much of this planning must be done using maps. All operations
require a supply of maps; however, the finest maps available are worthless unless the map
user knows how to read them.