Map Marking & Terrain Use

Clear map markings are essential to synchronized operations. Whether in pre-mission planning or live execution, good markings help units move safely, cover one another, and avoid confusion in high-stress environments.

This guide provides platform-agnostic principles for effective map marking, usable across tactical simulation games.

🎯 Purpose of Marking

Markings help teams:

• Visualize intent before stepping off
• Coordinate movement between teams or elements
• Reduce radio traffic with shared visual references
• Avoid friendly fire or crossing lines of fire
• Build shared mental models of the battlefield

✅ Marking Best Practices

1. Keep It Minimal

Only mark what’s necessary for mission success:

• Routes
• Objectives
• Rally or hold points
• Breach or overwatch positions
• Known or suspected enemy locations

Too much clutter reduces clarity.

2. Prioritize Readability

Use short labels, consistent color coding, and clear icons or shapes. Avoid inside jokes, unnecessary naming, or visual noise.

• Names should be functional (“Hold 1”, “Overwatch Alpha”, “Route Red”)
• Use uppercase for clarity where possible

3. Use Consistent Categories

Markings typically fall into these types:

4. Align Markings to Terrain

Markings should reference natural terrain features:

• Rivers, ridgelines, forests, walls, buildings, road intersections
• Avoid abstract “floating” icons or grids with no visual anchor
• Use line-of-sight logic — overwatch should actually be able to see

5. Use Directional Arrows for Routes

Show direction of travel with arrows or tick marks. This prevents misinterpretation during multi-element moves.

6. Label Key Points Sequentially

Use logical naming for flow:

Example:

• PHASE LINE RED
• PHASE LINE BLUE
• OBJ ALPHA
• OBJ BRAVO

Keep naming intuitive — especially for missions involving multiple teams or dynamic movement.

7. Confirm Shared Understanding

Before stepping off, all element leads should:

• Review the map
• Confirm routes and hold points
• Clarify any ambiguous or unclear markings

Live coordination should build on the map plan — not replace it entirely.

⚠️ Notes on Platform Differences

SPECTRE operates across multiple games with different tools:

• Some platforms support persistent map layers
• Others use temporary markers, pings, or shared whiteboards

Work within the limits of your platform, but apply the same logic: clarity, coordination, and discipline in how the map is used.

Final Reminder

Your map is not just a planning tool — it’s a shared language between teams. Treat it like comms: clean, deliberate, and mission-focused.

“Bad markings cost lives. Good markings win fights.”