U.S. Army Map Reading and Land Navigation Handbook (U.S. Army)

For a soldier, knowing where you are is a matter of life and death, and so it comes as no surprise that the Army has produced the most complete, clear, and thorough guide to map reading and navigation available.
The book starts with a comprehensive explanation of the meaning and uses of maps, whether photographic, planimetric (standard-style) or topographic, then progresses to discuss the use of those maps, discussing compass techniques, celestial navigation, and determination of distance. There is a detailed section on interpreting topographic maps, with notes on tactical considerations for differing terrain, as well as determining the ease of movement through an area.

Chapters include:

Training Strategy - Maps -Marginal Information and Symbols - Grids - Scale and Distance -Direction - Overlays - Aerial Photographs - Navigation Equipment and Methods - Elevation and Relief - Terrain Association - Mounted Land Navigation - Navigation in Different Types of Terrain - Unit Sustainment

There is also information on field sketching, the tricky art of map folding, units of measure and conversion factors, map symbols, orienteering, and the global positioning system (GPS).
For the adult outdoorsman venturing into the wild, the Boy Scout, or the serious military buff, the Army's guide to map reading and navigation is an indispensable must.