# MapTools

> MapTools makes precision map-reading instruments — transparent coordinate grids, plotters, protractors, and scale rulers for UTM, MGRS/USNG, and latitude/longitude — used by search-and-rescue teams, the military, surveyors, and educators. The site also hosts free printable tools, an in-depth Learn section on land navigation (coordinate systems, magnetic declination, plotting bearings, map reading, and GPS use), and a free Knowledge Base that answers plain-English navigation questions.

## Start here

- [MapTools home](https://maptools.com/): Product categories and an overview of what MapTools makes and who it serves.
- [About MapTools](https://maptools.com/about): Company background, mission, and the kinds of customers MapTools serves.
- [MapTools Knowledge Base](https://maptools.com/knowledge-base): Free question-and-answer tool — ask a land-navigation question in plain English and get an answer drawn from the MapTools knowledge base.
- [Frequently asked questions](https://maptools.com/frequent_questions): Datums, shipping, ordering, and common coordinate-system questions.

## Products & catalog

- [UTM tools](https://maptools.com/utm_tools): Coordinate grids and corner/slot tools for UTM and MGRS map reading.
- [Other map tools](https://maptools.com/other_tools): Protractors, plotters, scale rulers, and specialty instruments.
- [Custom tools](https://maptools.com/custom): How MapTools builds custom-scale and custom-grid instruments to order.
- [Wholesale & dealers](https://maptools.com/wholesale): Information for resellers and bulk buyers (no pricing detail or accounts).

## Learn (coordinate systems & navigation)

- [Learn land navigation](https://maptools.com/learn): The in-depth Learn section — coordinate systems, map reading, GPS, and compass work, organized as a topic library.
- [Choosing a coordinate system](https://maptools.com/learn/choosing-a-coordinate-system): How to choose between UTM, MGRS/USNG, and latitude/longitude for a task.
- [Latitude & longitude](https://maptools.com/learn/latitude-longitude): Lat/lon formats, datums, and plotting points by hand.
- [UTM coordinates](https://maptools.com/learn/utm-coordinates): Reading and plotting UTM coordinates on USGS and military maps.
- [MGRS coordinates](https://maptools.com/learn/mgrs-coordinates): Reading the Military Grid Reference System and 100 km square IDs.
- [North references & declination](https://maptools.com/learn/north-references): True, grid, and magnetic north, and how to adjust for magnetic declination.
- [Compass bearings](https://maptools.com/learn/compass-bearings): Taking and plotting bearings with a compass, including declination adjustment.

## Free tools & reference

- [Free printable map tools](https://maptools.com/free_tools): Downloadable PDF grids, protractors, and scale rulers to print at home.
- [Resources](https://maptools.com/resources): Curated links and references for map reading and land navigation.
- [Video tutorials](https://maptools.com/videos): Short videos on UTM, lat/lon, and compass techniques.