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How to draw range rings for weapon and threat zones

A common operational-planning task is drawing range rings — circles of a fixed radius around a point, used to show weapon ranges, SAM threat zones, communications coverage, or any radius-based area of effect.

Choose the right graphic

map.army supports several circle-style tactical graphics under the Tactical Graphics category in the Symbol Gallery. The most common picks for range rings:

• Range fan / Threat radius — a single circle of configurable radius around a point.
• Position area for artillery (PAA) / engagement zone — circles or arcs grouped around a unit.

The exact symbol name depends on Work Mode (Standard MIL-STD-2525 vs. Extended) — search the symbol gallery for range or radius if the expected symbol is not visible at first glance.

Drawing a single range ring

1. In the Symbol Gallery, pick the range / radius tactical graphic.
2. Click on the map at the centre of the ring.
3. Drag outward until the displayed radius matches the value you need, then release.
4. To set the radius numerically, open the Point Editor on the placed graphic (see Symbols → Point Editor) and enter the exact radius in the units configured under Options → General → Distance Unit.

Stacking concentric rings

For multiple concentric rings around the same point (for example “max effective”, “max effective at 80 %”, “max engagement”):

1. Place the first ring as above.
2. Use Ctrl+click to mark the first ring, then duplicate it (standard copy / paste).
3. Open the Point Editor on the duplicate and change only the radius.
4. Repeat for each additional ring; place them all on the same layer for easy show / hide.