When units are spread out it is not possible to call out contacts or reference positions simply by pointing at them or relaying the direction. In that case it is necessary to reference the position on the map. This is done by communication a set of digits corresponding to the desired position on the map. The grid references may vary depending on the map being used.

In Arma most maps use a 6 digit grid system. The distance between the lines marked with three digits is 100 meters. Similarly if the lines are marked with two digits the distance is 1 kilometer and if they are marked with 1 digit, it’s 10 km.

On the picture above you can see the proper way of reading grid coordinates. We read them left to right first (number on the top/bottom) and bottom to top second (number on the left/right). In this case we can see that the grid square marked with red is called 124 144.

If better accuracy is necessary additional, imaginary squares can be created to help. For that we divide the grid square into nine equal squares and we number them as shown on the picture. Of course this operation is not written down on the map but rather quickly conducted in one’s mind. For example the building in the north-west corner of the red square is on coordinates: 124 144 numpad 7.

Additionally a brake or stop can be added between the digits to make it easier to understand. The correct way of relaying grid coordinates should go something like this:

Target X is located on grid coordinates, 1 2 4 BRAKE 1 4 4 numpad 7.

Notice the spaces between digits. We do not relay the information as one hundred and twenty four, but one two four.