What is the first step in making a map overlay?

The first step in making a map overlay is orienting the overlay material. This procedure is crucial as it ensures that the overlay aligns properly with the base map and accurately reflects the geographic area being represented. Orienting the overlay allows for a correct visual alignment and understanding of where features on the overlay will correspond to those on the base map.

By establishing the orientation, any additional information such as checkpoints, terrain features, or marginal information can be added with precision, maintaining the integrity and usability of the overlay. This foundational step is essential to ensure that the overlay can effectively support operations or decision-making based on spatial analysis.