Map Grids – Tactical Precision on Any Map
AirAirsoft Force Tracking now supports Map Grids – a powerful feature that allows you to overlay professional coordinate grids on any raster map.
You can choose between:
- DMS Grid – Latitude and Longitude (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds)
- MGRS Grid – Military Grid Reference System
This is not cosmetic. It is operational.
In addition to visual overlays, AFT also allows you to search and navigate directly using both coordinate systems. You can enter either DMS or MGRS coordinates and instantly locate the exact position on the map — making radio-transmitted coordinates immediately actionable.
Why Map Grids Matter in the Field
In dynamic environments, verbal directions like “near the trees” or “behind the hill” create friction and delay. A grid eliminates ambiguity.
With Map Grids you can:
- Pass exact coordinates over radio
- Align with standard military communication formats
- Navigate using external GPS devices
- Work with paper maps using the same reference system
- Coordinate movements precisely during large-scale operations
Grids bring structure and discipline to command and control.
DMS Grid – Geographic Coordinates (Latitude / Longitude)
DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds) is the classic geographic coordinate (wikipedia) system based on Earth’s latitude and longitude.
Example format:
N 52° 14' 32"
E 021° 01' 15"When to use DMS:
- Civilian GPS devices
- Aviation-style navigation
- Integration with standard mapping tools
- Situations where geographic coordinates are expected
It is globally understood and universally supported.
MGRS Grid – Military Grid Reference System
MGRS (Military Grid Reference System) is derived from the UTM system and optimized for military operations (wikipedia).
Example format:
34U CT 12345 67890Why MGRS was created (if DMS already exists)
DMS works — but it is not ideal in combat environments.
MGRS was designed to:
- Eliminate long decimal strings
- Reduce radio transmission errors
- Allow fast grid-based movement planning
- Provide square-based tactical reference (100km → 10km → 1km → 100m precision)
- Enable quick distance estimation using grid squares
In short:
DMS is geographic. MGRS is tactical.
If you operate in structured units, run milsim events, or want authentic military-style coordination — MGRS is the standard.
Adaptive Scaling – Built for Real Operations
Both grids are adaptive.
As you zoom in:
- Grid resolution increases
- Labels show higher precision
As you zoom out:
- Grid density reduces
- Readability remains clean
No clutter. No visual noise.
Only operational clarity at every scale.
How to Enable a Map Grid
Enabling a grid takes seconds:
- Open the Navigation Menu
- Select Layers
- The map configuration window will appear
- Go to the Grids tab
- Choose:
- DMS Grid
- or MGRS Grid
Once selected, the grid is saved in the application and remains active until changed.
Operational Impact
With Map Grids enabled:
- Waypoints align with professional coordinate systems
- Radio communication becomes precise
- Large-scale events gain structure
- Command decisions are based on exact positioning
Grid discipline.
Clear coordinates.
Faster decisions.
Structured battlefield awareness — now built directly into your map.