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Symbol gallery: browse MIL-STD-2525 tactical symbols
All available military symbols are present in the gallery. From there they can be selected and placed on the map.
Overview
Clicking on this button opens the symbol gallery.
Areas and groups
All basic symbols are stored in areas and subgroups under the ‘Symbol Gallery’ tab. These areas are available:
| Area | Content |
|---|---|
| My Favorites | Each marked symbol can be added to the favorites with the right mouse button |
| Formations | 1-point symbols that define formations |
| Equipment and Installations | 1-point symbols for vehicles, weapons and facilities |
| Tactical Graphics | Multipoint symbols for tactical representations |
| Funktion-Specific Symbols | 1- and multi-point symbols for special functions (emergency, peacekeeping, etc.) |
| Metoc | 1- and multi-point symbols for the display of weather information |
Within each area, the icons are divided into groups to make them easier to find. If a symbol is highlighted, it can be placed on the map with one click.
Search Symbols
Under the tab ‘MSS Symbol Search’ you can search for symbols with a specific designation. The designations correspond to the definition in the military standard (e.g. MIL-STD-2525).
The search results are listed and you can select a basic symbol by clicking on it. If a symbol is highlighted, it can be placed on the map with one click.
Symbol standard versions
map.army implements MIL-STD-2525C as its baseline symbology set. The bulk of NATO-recognised tactical symbols and modifiers from that standard are present in the gallery and the MSS Symbol Search tab.
What is not in the public app:
- MIL-STD-2525D / 2525E / APP-6D / APP-6E-exclusive symbols (e.g. Advance to Contact from newer NATO publications) — these are roadmap items targeted for a future editor expansion.
- APP-6(C)-only categories that are not in MIL-STD-2525 (for example CIMIC — Civil-Military Cooperation, Combat Support — Manoeuvre Enhancement) — outside the current scope.
- Custom symbology beyond the standards (unit crests, fictional formations, non-military emblems) — see the image-overlay workaround in Layers → Import Overlays — Image overlays for custom graphics.
If you cannot find a symbol you expect:
- Switch Options → General → Work Mode to Extended — the Swiss country-specific symbols and additional modifiers are only visible in Extended.
- Use the MSS Symbol Search tab with the English MIL-STD-2525 terminology rather than alternative names from local doctrines.
- For symbols outside the supported standard, the Icon Extension Modifier (Extended mode only) can attach up to two indicator icons to an existing symbol — see Symbols → Symbol Editor. For full custom symbology, contact gs-soft AG via the contact form.