Updated 30 December 2025
The following criteria will take effect from 1 January 2026.
Cadets may attain the Map Reading Badge through either one of the following pathways:
1. HQ-Administered Map Reading Online Assessment, OR
2. District / Corps-Conducted Map Reading Practical Activity as part of a hiking programme
1. Understanding Map Scale & Distance
Explain how map scale works and use appropriate methods (e.g. ruler, pacing) to measure distances on a map.
2. Interpreting Map Symbols
Read and interpret conventional signs on 1:25,000 topographic maps and other commonly used maps.
3. Reading Terrain & Relief
Understand contour lines and relief shading, and describe the shape and height of landforms represented on a map.
4. Using Map & Compass Together
Accurately orientate a map using a compass and identify directions for navigation.
5. Using Grid References
Use the map grid system to identify and refer to locations using grid coordinates.
6. Practical Navigation on Foot
Navigate on foot from one point to one or more checkpoints marked on a map, using appropriate navigation techniques.
7. Position Awareness During Navigation
Identify own position and nearby features along the route using the map and terrain features.
8. Care & Maintenance of Equipment
Demonstrate proper care and handling of map reading equipment such as maps, compasses, protractors and GPS devices.
For cadets completing the badge through the practical pathway, they must participate in a hiking activity of at least 6 km, using a map and relevant navigation equipment specified by the instructor-in-charge.
The activity and assessment are to be planned, supervised, and assessed by Corps or District officer who are deemed competent in map reading and navigation.
Documentary evidence of assessment results must be submitted.
Minimally, the following core competencies must be assessed during the practical activity:
Set up (orientate) a map and compass for reading
Use maps and measure distances accurately
Identify the grid coordinates of locations
Identify own and surrounding locations along the route
No submission is required from schools or districts. Cadets who pass will be awarded the badge directly through the St John Portal.
District / Corps-Conducted Map Reading Activity:
Where the assessment is conducted as part of a hiking activity, the respective District or Corps must submit the signed CPB-MPR (2026 Version) application form through the St John Portal as part of the badge application.
When in doubt of the criteria fulfillment, please get in touch with the CPB Committee at cpbs@brigade.stjohn.org.sg for further discussion.
