Map Identifications

a. Purpose. Map identifications are those items appearing in the margins of maps which serve to identify any individual map completely. On maps prepared for the Department of the Army, these identifications are the series name and scale, the series number, the edition number, the sheet name, the sheet number, the unit imprint, and the geographic location name.

b. Series Name and Scale. A map series, which normally consists of a common scale of maps which collectively cover a specific area, is generally assigned the geographic or political name of the area covered. The map scale is written as a ratio of map distance to ground distance. Example: GERMANY 1:25,000.

c. Series Number. The series number is a comprehensive reference composed of four and sometimes five elements, usually four numerals or a letter and three numerals. The number is unique for the series. It identifies the area and scale of the series. Example: M841.

d. Edition Number. The edition number is a specific identification based on the publication sequence of a particular map. Edition numbers run consecutively; thus, it can be assumed that a map labeled with a higher edition number contains more recent information than another printing with a lower edition number. The edition number also identifies the agency which produced the map. Example: Edition 4-AMS.

e. Sheet Name. Generally, a map is named after its outstanding cultural or geographic feature. The name of a cultural feature is customarily chosen, but if a geographic feature is better known than any cultural feature appearing on the map, the geographic name is chosen. Example: FORT KNOX.

f. Sheet Number. Sheet numbers for large-scale maps are based on an arbitrary geographic coordinate system covering the area to be mapped. The sheet number of a 1:25,000 scale sheet is directly related to the number of a 1:50, 000 scale sheet covering the same area, which in turn is directly related to the sheet number of a 1:100,000 scale sheet covering the same area. Sheet numbers for 1:250,000 and 1:1,000, 000 scale maps are based on the International Map of the World (IMW) numbering system. Examples: 1:25,000--6123 III NW; 1:50,000--6123 III; 1:100,000--6123 ; 1:250,000--NJ 16-4 ; 1:1,000,000--NJ 16.

g. Unit Imprint. The unit imprint is the signature of the agency responsible for printing the map. This is followed by the date identifying the particular printing. Example: Printed by Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers, 7-60.

h. Geographic Location Name. The geographic location name indicates the country, state, or general geographic area within which the map lies. The geographic location name includes the sheet name, which is repeated in the lower margin. Large-scale maps of the United States which cover an area entirely within one county or parish, carry the county or parish name below the sheet name and geographic location name. Example: FUJI--SAN, JAPAN.

i. Refer to Note. In the upper right corner of the map margin, the sheet number and series number are grouped under a note, REFER TO THIS MAP AS. This group provides the primary identification for ordering copies of a map.

j. Identification Panels. For quick identification of maps when filed or stacked, identification panels in opposite corners of the map sheet, outside the printed limits of other marginal information, are provided. These panels contain the series number, sheet number, and edition number.