When positioning a map to relate to features on the ground, what is this process called?

The process of positioning a map to relate it accurately to features on the ground is known as map orientation. This involves adjusting the map so that it corresponds correctly with the physical landscape, ensuring that the compass rose (or north direction) of the map aligns with the actual north on the ground. This technique can be vital for navigation and understanding the spatial relationships between various landmarks and terrains.

Map orientation helps in recognizing how features on the map relate to each other and to corresponding real-world locations, enabling individuals to navigate effectively and make informed decisions based on the geographic information represented. Understanding how to orient a map is a fundamental skill in navigation and is critical for practical tasks in various outdoor activities, military operations, and geographic studies.

The other terms presented do not accurately capture this specific process. For example, aligning the map might imply adjusting the map against certain features but does not encompass the full idea of orienting the map in relation to cardinal directions. Similarly, setting the map could refer to simply placing it down, and mapping technique is too broad to specifically denote the orientation process.