Product Overview
A grid reference tells you where to look on a map; a coordinate scale helps you pinpoint the location within that grid. The Rothco Coordinate Scale Protractor combines coordinate-reading cut-outs with angular measurement scales, giving you one tool for plotting positions and working out directions on compatible scaled maps. It is useful for outdoor navigation, map-reading practice, and airsoft events that use grid references to identify objectives or meeting points.
Match the tool to your map
The triangular cut-outs provide coordinate scales for four map ratios, allowing you to work with maps that show different levels of detail. Choose the cut-out that matches your map’s printed scale before taking a reading: using the correct ratio is important when translating a position on paper into a coordinate reference.
This protractor supports UTM, USNG, MGRS, and other metric-based coordinate systems. For field navigation, that means you can use it to establish a location or plot a destination using the grid system on your map, rather than relying only on nearby landmarks.
- Dimensions: 5 inches x 5 inches.
- Map scale cut-outs: 1:25,000, 1:50,000, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000.
- Angular markings: Mils on the outer scale, degrees on the center scale, and back azimuths on the inner scale.
Work with bearings as well as coordinates
The angular markings let you measure directions in either mils or degrees. The back-azimuth scale provides a reference for the opposite direction of a bearing, useful when working out a return direction during a navigation exercise.
A hole at the center provides an attachment point for string or paracord. With a line attached, you can align it with a direction on the map and read the corresponding mil or degree marking. Before choosing the protractor for your navigation kit, check that your map uses one of the supported scale ratios and a compatible coordinate system.
