A map summarizing the situation and experience in the course of combat is an important historical document for studying the laws of war. In the frontier technology of map science development, many of them first appeared in military departments, such as satellite image maps, digital maps, miniature maps, video maps and so on.

China's military maps were highly valued in ancient times and developed greatly. 1972 Among the silk maps unearthed in Mawangdui, there is a map of the garrison in southern Changsha more than 2,000 years ago, which is the earliest preserved clear and accurate military map and occupies a glorious page in the world map history. The characteristic of military maps is that they should be very detailed about terrain, environment and contact according to the requirements of arms. For example, if the topographic dike is used by the army, the scale can reach1:50,000 to L: 1 0,000,000, and the contour spacing on the map can reach 5 meters. It is necessary to show the water system, ferry, ferry water depth, bridge load, river bottom soil and military geography with humanistic background. The representation methods of military maps involve individual symbols, linear symbols and area symbols, and topographic maps have norms and standards in color use.