BY ORDER OF THE AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 91-215 SECRETARY ...

A2.B.4. THE MAPPING TOOL
A2.B.4.1. FORMAL NAME. The mapping tool
A2.B.4.2. ALTERNATIVE NAMES. Map analysis
A2.B.4.3. PURPOSE. The map analysis is designed to use terrain maps and other system models and
schematics to identify both things at risk and sources of hazards. It is a powerful and convenient tool
because military operations rely so heavily on maps and the tool can be easily tied to these military uses.
Properly applied the tool will reveal the following:
Mission elements at risk
The sources of risk
The extent of the risk (proximity)
Potential barriers between hazard sources and mission assets
A2.B.4.4. APPLICATION. The mapping tool is an extremely versatile tool that can be used in a wide
variety of situations. The explosive quantity-distance criteria is a classic example of map analysis. The
location of the explosives is plotted and then the distance to various targets (inhabited buildings, highways,
etc.) is determined. The same principles can be extended to almost any facility. We can use a diagram of a
maintenance shop to note the location of hazards such as gases, pressure vessels, flammables, etc.. Key
assets can also be plotted. Then potentially hazardous interactions are noted and the layout of the facility
can be optimized in terms of risk reduction. Another obvious use is in the layout of billeting and bivouac
areas from the point of view of both safety and force protection.
A2.B.4.5. METHOD. The mapping tool requires some creativity to realize its full potential. The starting
point is a map, facility layout, or equipment schematic. The locations of potential hazard sources are
noted. The easiest way to detect these sources is to locate energy sources. All hazards involve the
unwanted release of energy. Figure A2.22 lists the basic kinds of energy to look for. Mark the locations
of these sources on the map or diagram. Then, keeping the mission in mind, locate the personnel,
equipment, and facilities that the various potentially hazardous energy sources could impact. Note these
potentially hazardous links and enter them in the hazard inventory for risk management.
Figure A2.22. Major Types of Energy.
Electrical
Kinetic (moving mass e.g. a vehicle, a machine part, a bullet)
Potential (not moving mass e.g. a heavy object suspended overhead)
Chemical (e.g. explosives, corrosive materials)
Noise and Vibration
Thermal (heat)
Radiation (Nonionizing e.g. microwave, and ionizing e.g. nuclear radiation, x-rays)
Pressure (air, water)
A2.B.4.6. RESOURCES. When working with terrain maps, someone who has actually seen the terrain in
question is an invaluable asset. Maps can convey a great deal of information, but they can not replace the
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