What's a map? A map is a graphic representation or a scale model of spatial concept.
To read a map you have to understand compass directions, grid references and the map's key and scale. You need to be able to find features when given a map reference.
To read a map you have to understand compass directions, grid references and the map's key and scale. You need to be able to find features when given a map reference.
There are five fundamental things you need to be familiar with to read a map successfully:
• 1. compass directions
• 2. grid references
• 3. map's key
• 4. title
• 5. scale
1. Compass directions
1. North
2. East
3. South
4. West
2. Grid references
OS maps are divided into numbered squares. These squares can be used to give a place a four or six-figure grid reference..
Eastings
Eastings are lines that run up and down the map. They increase in number the further you move east (or right).
Northings
Northings are lines that run across the map horizontally. They increase in number the further you move north (or up the map).
Tips..
• numbers along the bottom of the map come first and the numbers up the side of the map come second
• the four-figure reference 2190 refers to the square to the east of Easting line 21 and north of Northing line 90
• the six-figure reference 997864 will give you the exact point in the square9986
3. Map’s key
Keys on a map helps you to unlock the information stored in the colours and symbols. The key will help you to identify types of boundaries, roads, buildings, agriculture, industry, places of interest and geographical features.
4. Title
Make sure you read the title of a map before you start to use it. This will give you a general idea about the information it stores.
5. Scale
The scale of a map allows to calculate the size, height and dimensions of the features shown on the map. The scale on a map is the ratio between real life sizes and how many times it has been shrunk to fit it on the map.
Ordnance Survey maps, the most common type of map in the UK, come in several scales.
• Travel maps have a scale of 1:125,000. This means 1 cm on the map represents 125,000 in the real world or 1 cm = 1.25 km. These are used by drivers going long distances.
• Travel maps have a scale of 1:125,000. This means 1 cm on the map represents 125,000 in the real world or 1 cm = 1.25 km. These are used by drivers going long distances.
• Landranger maps are 1:50,000 (1 cm = 500 m). These are useful for drivers going shorter distances.
• Explorer maps are 1:25,000 (1 cm = 250 m). These are useful for exploration.
• Landplan maps are 1:10,000 (1 cm = 100 m). These show individual streets clearly and might be used by town planners.
