IRON NEST Map and Triangulation Guide

The map problem in IRON NEST has two separate stages: first locate the target from the intelligence you received, then measure the firing line from your IRON NEST to that target. Keeping those stages separate prevents the classic 180-degree bearing error.

Evidence status: The geometric methods are cross-checked across independent hands-on and community sources. Grid labels, pen colours, sub-grid orientation, and clipboard behaviour still need direct verification on build 1.0 (1558).

Set the map before drawing

Place every known object first: your IRON NEST, observation posts, and any coordinate or reference point named in the order. A line drawn from a marker in the wrong sub-grid will remain wrong no matter how carefully you measure it later.

Use one visual layer for known positions and another for candidate targets. Remove or clearly separate old mission lines. When the Nest relocates, update its marker before creating a new firing solution; range and bearing measured from its old position are no longer valid.

Method 1: two bearings

When two known observers report bearings to the same target:

1. Put both observers at their known positions.
2. Draw a ray from observer A in its reported bearing.
3. Draw a ray from observer B in its reported bearing.
4. Treat the intersection as the target candidate.
5. Measure from the Nest to that intersection for the firing range and bearing.

A shallow crossing angle makes a less stable intersection: small drawing errors move the target farther. When possible, use observers with meaningfully different viewpoints or confirm with a third clue.

Method 2: bearing plus distance

A bearing describes a direction; a distance describes a circle around the known point.

1. Draw the reported bearing from the correct observation point.
2. Draw the reported distance radius from its stated reference point.
3. Select the point where the bearing ray intersects the distance circle.
4. Verify that the selected point fits the order and target context.
5. Measure Nest → target for the firing solution.

Do not assume both pieces of information originate from the same point. Read the order literally and label each input before drawing.

Method 3: two distances

Two distance circles can intersect at two locations. Both are mathematically valid until another fact removes the ambiguity.

Keep both candidates visible and wait for a bearing, reconnaissance result, terrain clue, or illumination. Guessing between the two can waste a shot and may trigger a mission timer. A previous confirmed target can also become a new reference point when the order states a relative range or direction.

The final measurement must start at the Nest

Target-location lines answer “where is it?” They do not automatically give the gun’s bearing. For the actual shot, draw or measure from the IRON NEST marker toward the selected target.

If you reverse that direction, the result is about 180 degrees away. If a solution looks internally consistent but points the turret away from the target area, inspect the line direction before changing any other value.

Send the resulting range and bearing to the firing solution calculator. Then choose the intended shell with the ammo reference.

Troubleshooting checklist

• Confirm the grid square and smaller sub-grid for every known point.
• Confirm each bearing begins at the named observer, not the Nest by default.
• Extend lines far enough to expose their intersection.
• Keep both intersections when two circles produce two candidates.
• Clear old target marks or label them by mission.
• Re-measure after an Emergency Move or any Nest relocation.
• Do not treat an old reconnaissance image as proof of a later-spawned target.

For the timed artillery mission, prepare the known positions before triggering reconnaissance. See the Counter-Battery guide for the wave and timer evidence.

Sources and limitations

• Rock Paper Shotgun hands-on feature — independent map-measurement description.
• AllThings.How beginner guide — workflow reference published before full release.
• Tpose triangulation guide — triangulation cases, but its own text references demo experience.

Reviewed August 9, 2026. Exact interface labels and colours remain needs in-game verification; they are intentionally not asserted here.