Lesson 2/Learning Event 6
LEARNING EVENT 6:
PREPARE A RADIOLOGICAL SURVEY OVERLAY
Radiological survey overlays are used to provide guidance to survey teams. To prepare a radiological
survey overlay, you will need a map of the area of interest, overlay paper, tape or pins, and pencils or
makers. After securing the overlay paper over the area of interest on the map, mark any known
contamination. The route to be surveyed and any critical points or points of special interest for
immediate reporting must be considered. The route to be followed will depend upon the location of the
suspected contamination, tactical situation, the commander's guidance, and the time available for the
survey. If time is critical, pick survey routes over easily negotiable terrain and avoid obstacles which
are difficult to maneuver around or cross. In choosing the survey routes, also consider the size, type,
and composition of the unit to operate in or cross the area after the survey. Also consider cover and
concealment available for the survey party. Orient on key terrain and critical features such as bridges,
but avoid suspected enemy locations and fields of fire. If the survey party is not familiar with the
terrain, routes should include easily recognizable terrain features to preclude the survey team becoming
lost.
Along the survey route, select check points that are easily identified on the map, such as streams, road
junctions, small bodies of water, bridges, buildings, and any other points which are of concern to the
commander.
Plot the checkpoints on the overlay paper with a circle using a pen or a pencil that makes a lasting mark
without cutting the overlay and number the check points in the order that you want the survey party to
travel. (Figure 16 on page 61 is an example of an overlay showing selected checkpoints in the Tenino
area.) Plot observed positions of any topographic or cultural features such as new roads or destroyed
bridges that are not shown on the map. From time to time, lift the overlay to check its orientation with
the map.
For an aerial survey, connect preselected check points which fall within the fallout prediction to show
course legs or routes to be followed.
Figure 14 in Learning Event 4 of this lesson shows an example of an overlay for an aerial radiological
survey. Note that the check points for course legs are connected by thin dashed lines and check points
for an aerial route are connected by heavy dashed lines.
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