Using Maps
Map Skills
Essential Features of a Map - B.O.L.T.S.
Watch: Bolts and Map Symbols
Grid References
Maps are often divided up in to a number of grid squares using a series of horizontal and vertical lines. These are known as Easting’s and Northing’s. These lines are numbered with the easting’s scale increasing from west to east (left to right) and the northing’s increasing when read from south to north (bottom to top).
Each square can be identified by reading off the easting’s scale followed by the northing’s scale.
Or if you prefer; "along the corridor and up the stairs".
Reading off the scale in this way will give you a 4 figure area reference (AR).
In the map below Point A is at area reference AR 8553
Maps are often divided up in to a number of grid squares using a series of horizontal and vertical lines. These are known as Easting’s and Northing’s. These lines are numbered with the easting’s scale increasing from west to east (left to right) and the northing’s increasing when read from south to north (bottom to top).
Each square can be identified by reading off the easting’s scale followed by the northing’s scale.
Or if you prefer; "along the corridor and up the stairs".
Reading off the scale in this way will give you a 4 figure area reference (AR).
In the map below Point A is at area reference AR 8553
Getting more precise
To distinguish between several features within a single grid square, we need a system which has greater accuracy.
This is why we use 6 figure grid references.
With a 6 figure grid reference, the grid square is further broken down in to an imaginary 10 by 10 grid.
In the map below the grid references for points B and C are:
Point B = GR 842528
Point C = GR 848524
To distinguish between several features within a single grid square, we need a system which has greater accuracy.
This is why we use 6 figure grid references.
With a 6 figure grid reference, the grid square is further broken down in to an imaginary 10 by 10 grid.
In the map below the grid references for points B and C are:
Point B = GR 842528
Point C = GR 848524
Understanding Topographic maps
Gem Island Activity
| gem_island_mapping_skills_worksheet.docx |
| mapping_skills_answers.pdf |
| map_of_australia_activity.docx |
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