Why standard speed is often misleading
The standard walking speed of 5 km/h is based on an unloaded person on flat ground without a backpack. In an operational context this is a dangerously optimistic estimate. A soldier with 35 kg of equipment over mountainous terrain achieves 2.5–3 km/h. A SAR team in forest achieves 1.5–2 km/h. A realistic speed estimate is the difference between being on time or not.
Naismith's Rule: the classic mountain time calculation
Naismith's Rule states: allow 1 hour per 5 km horizontal distance, plus 1 hour per 600 metres of ascent. Tobler's adjustment adds a correction for descent (descent also costs time, but less than ascent). MilMap applies a modern version of this rule when you set the terrain type to 'mountainous'.
Speed profiles in MilMap
MilMap has five speed profiles: Relaxed walk (4 km/h), Field navigation (3 km/h), Military march with equipment (2.5 km/h), Heavy terrain (1.5 km/h), and Night navigation (1 km/h). You can also set a custom speed. The chosen speed affects the calculated arrival times at each waypoint.
Segment speeds
A route rarely has a constant speed over the entire distance. Set a different speed per segment: flat path to first waypoint at 4 km/h, uphill section at 2 km/h, track road back at 3 km/h. This gives a more realistic total picture than an average for the entire route.
Including rest breaks
Add rest waypoints to your route with a stop time. Military standard: 10 minutes rest per hour of march. More at heavy load or high temperatures. A waypoint "Rest point — 15 min" gives the time calculation the correct input and ensures team members know when and where breaks are planned.
Calibration via field experience
After each exercise or operation, compare planned with actual times. Note deviations and adjust your speed profile. After five calibrations you will have a personal profile that is accurate for your team and equipment. MilMap stores historical routes — use the actual GPS track timestamps as a reference.