14
4 & 6 grid references
4 & 6 grid references
What are grid references?
How can we use grid references to
find places on maps?
Key terms (3)
Eastings: Vertical grid lines on an O.S. Map.
Grid lines: Blue, horizontal and vertical lines on an O.S. map which divide it up into grid squares.
Northings: Horizontal grid lines on an O.S. map.
Grid references on O.S. maps
Grid references on O.S. maps
Being able to give a grid reference and find a place on a map using one is an essential map skill.
Without this skill you will not be able to fully complete the route cards required for the expeditions.
You may be unfortunate and find yourself in an emergency situation and may need to give a grid reference for your exact location.
4 Figure grid references on O.S. maps In order to locate places on maps, all O.S. maps are divided by numbered grid lines, turning the map into a series of grid squares. The vertical lines are called ‘eastings’ and the horizontal ones, ‘northings’.
Eastings
Northings
02
Eastings; vertical grid lines are numbered at the top and bottom of the map. Northings are numbered on either side of the map. Each square has a number or ‘reference’.
02
03
03
04
04
05
05
06
06
35 35
36 36
37 37
There is a pub (PH) on the map, what’s it’s four figure grid reference?
02
02
03
03
04
04
05
05
06
06
35 35
36 36
37 37
The answer is 03 35 In order to give a 4 figure grid reference, first look at the
vertical grid line which runs down the left hand side of the grid square, here it’s ’03’.
Next, look at the line which runs along the bottom of the grid square, here it’s ’35’.
Never do it the
other way around!
Never do it the
other way around!
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
33
35
34
36
37
38
39
4 Figure grid references on O.S. maps
Time to practice your 4-figure grid references . . .
1. Egg timer ______________ 2. Scissors ______________ 3. PC mouse ______________ 4. Golf course ______________ 5. Gift box ______________ 6. Candle ______________ 7. Question Mark _____________ 8. Ship ______________ 9. Paper ______________
01 05
02 03
04 02 03 04 05 04
03 01 01 01
04 05 02 02
1. Bike ______________ 2. Police car ______________ 3. Ambulance ______________ 4. Information ______________ 5. Plane ______________ 6. No Smoking ______________ 7. Telephone ______________ 8. Train ______________
04 02
04 04
01 02
02 01 03 01 03 04
01 04
03 03
4 Figure grid references on O.S. maps
If you can do four figure grid references, you should be able to easily get the hang of six figure grid references!
Whether you are using a Landranger map or an Explorer map, the way you do grid references is exactly the same.
Being able to give and also find grid references is an essential map skill to have when navigating. A six figure grid reference allows you to pinpoint a place down to 100 metres.
04
04 05
05
11
12
11
12
This is one grid square taken from a larger map.
The 4-figure grid reference for it is: 0411
When doing six figure grid references you have to imagine that the grid square has another set of vertical grid lines within it.
And another set of horizontal grid lines within it.
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
3 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9
04_11_ 5 6
Sch 04_11_ 2 1
04_11_ 9 8
0 0
6 figure grid references
Look at mapzone.
32
32 33
33
17
18
17
18
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
3 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9
PH
fm
0 0
51 52 53 54
08
09
10
11
Non-coniferous woodland
Footpath
Stream
Contour lines Pond: 536 099
School: 535 096
Imagine that you are on a weekend expedition, in what situation might you have to:
•Give a six figure grid reference?
•Find a six figure grid reference?
Remember, you can look at any of these power-point resources again by going onto the DofE area on the
school website.
Find the Bronze D of E folder then pick which of the training sessions you would like to look at again.
Remember to check your e-mails at least once a week.
