NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research Training Exercise


Underground Coal Mine Map Reading Training

May 2009

See also: NIOSH mining products
Type: Computer Based Training
Version: 1.1  (11-08-2010)
OS: Windows® (XP, Vista, 7)
Audience: This material is designed primarily for new miners.
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Skills Reviewed: The trainee will utilize map reading techniques to effectively and safely navigate a coal mine and identify in-mine cues used for mine navigation.
Installation Notes:

Download the appropriate ZIP archive for the version of Windows® you are using (32-bit or 64-bit), unpack into a temporary folder and double-click Install.htm. If you are not sure what version of windows you are running go to this Microsoft® site for help - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions. Changes in this version include:

  • Created separate installation programs for 64 bit (x64) ad 32 bit (x86) versions of Windows
  • Fixed the 64-bit Unreal Engine detection process
  • Fixed bug where multiple error messages would display for missing Unreal Engine
  • Updated the HTML to be fully compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera
  • Added full support for installer error reporting and shortcut creation
  • Fixed a bug with the status bar default display text
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ZIP 64 Bit
221.91 MB
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ZIP 32 Bit
221.91 MB

Simulated minerThis training includes three components for teaching and testing map reading skills. The first, Map Reading Basics (MRB), covers terminology and concepts needed to read and understand an underground coal mine map. An opportunity to practice using those skills while navigating through a simulated mine is provided in the second part, Mine Navigation Challenge (MNC). These two parts can be used together or separately according to trainee needs. Trainees can get additional practice by going on a scavenger hunt in the simulated mine.

After completing training, participants will be able to read a mine map to identify and navigate to specified locations in an underground coal mine.

Page last updated: May 19, 2011
Page last reviewed: April 30, 2011
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division