FM 5-33 Terrain Analysis.pdf

Field Manual

No. 5-33

*FM 5-33

HEADQUARTERS

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Washington, DC, 11 July 1990

Terrain Analysis

Preface

SCOPE

Terrain analysis, an integral part of the intelligence preparation of the battlefield

(IPB), plays a key role in any military operation. During peacetime, terrain analysts

build extensive data bases for each potential area of operations. They provide a base for

all intelligence operations, tactical decisions, and tactical operations. They also sup-

port the planning and execution of most other battlefield functions. Because terrain

features continually undergo change on the earth’s surface, data bases must be

continuously revised and updated.

PURPOSE

This field manual prescribes basic doctrine and is intended to serve as a primary

source of the most current available information on terrain analysis procedures for all

personnel who plan, supervise, and conduct terrain analysis. The manual discusses the

impact of the terrain and the weather on operations.

USER INFORMATION

The proponent of this publication is the US Army Engineer School. Submit changes for

improving the publication on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications

and Blank Forms) to Commandant, Directorate of Training and Doctrine, US Army En-

gineer School, ATTN: ATSE-TDM-P, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473-6500.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Unless otherwise stated, whenever the masculine gender is used, both men and

women are included.

*This publication supersedes FM 21-33, 15 May 1978, and FM 30-10, 27 March 1972.

FM 5-33

DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS

CHANGE

NO. 1

Washington, DC, 8 September 1992

Terrain Analysis

1. Change FM 5-33, 11 July 1990, as follows:

Page 10-1. Table 10-1, 2. Circles, change formulas to read:

Page 10-3. Table 10-3. Change entry in last line, last column, to ’’118 lb.”

Page 10-4. To the second paragraph under the subheading “Six Functions’’add the following

drawing:

2. Post these changes according to DA Pamphlet 310-13.

3. File this transmittal sheet in front of the publication.

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

Official:

GORDON R. SULLIVAN

General, United States Army

Chief of Staff

MILTON H. HAMILTON

Administrative Assistant to the

Secretary of the Army

02181

DISTRIBUTION:

Active Army, USAR, and ARNG: To be distributed in accordance

with DA Form 12-11E, requirements for FM 5-33, Terrain Analysis

(Qty rqr block no. 4329).

PART ONE Terrain Evaluation and Verification

FM 5-33

Natural Terrain

Chapter 1

SURFACE CONFIGURATION

Maneuver commanders must have accurate intelligence on the surface configura-

tion of the terrain. Ravines, embankments, ditches, plowed fields, boulder fields,

and rice-field dikes are typical surface configurations that influence military

activities. Elevations, depressions, slope, landform type, and surface roughness

are some of the terrain factors that affect movement of troops, equipment, and

material.

Landforms

Landforms are the physical expression of the land surface. The principal groups

of landforms are plains or plateaus, hills, and mountains. Within each of these

groups are surface features of a smaller size, such as flat lowlands and valleys.

Each type results from the interaction of earth processes in a region with given

climate and rock conditions. A complete study of a landform includes determina-

tion of its size, shape, arrangement, surface configuration, and relationship to the

surrounding area.

Relief

Local relief is the difference in elevation between the points in a given area. The

elevations or irregularities of a land surface are represented on graphics by

contours, hypsometric tints, shading, spot elevations, and hachures.

Slope or Gradient

Slope can be expressed as the slope ratio or gradient, the angle of slope, or the

percent of slope. The slope ratio is a fraction in which the vertical distance is the

numerator and the horizontal distance is the denominator. The angle of slope in

degrees is the angular difference the inclined surface makes with the horizontal

plane. The tangent of the slope angle is determinedly dividing the vertical distance

by the horizontal distance between the highest and lowest elevations of the inclined

1-1

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