Starter quiz
- A magnetic compass is used to measure...
- 'direction' ✓
- Which way does a compass arrow always point?
- North ✓
- South
- East
- West
-
- A grid reference is …
- a network of lines drawn on a map
- a series of numbers that tell someone the location of a feature ✓
- a part of the map that tells someone what the symbols mean
- a bar that shows the distances between two points
-
- Why might geographers prefer to use six rather than four figure grid references?
- They locate places more accurately. ✓
- They are easier to calculate.
- They work with all scales of map.
- They are unique locations across the UK.
-
- On an OS map, what units would you most likely use to describe distance?
- centimetres
- metres
- kilometres ✓
- square kilometres
-
- Why do map makers use scale?
- To make the map small enough to use practically. ✓
- To make really detailed representations of real life.
- To allow them to fit everything into a space.
- To make political maps easier to read.
-
Exit quiz
- North, south, east and west are known as …
- cardinal points ✓
- intercardinal points
- secondary intercardinal points
- bearings
-
- A grid reference is made-up of …
- northings and eastings ✓
- nothings and southings
- eastings and westings
- southings and westings
-
- Which of the following statements are true?
- Across the UK there will be multiple locations with the same grid reference. ✓
- In a four figure grid reference one states where the top right grid lines cross.
- A system of grid lines runs from values of 00 to 100.
- Gridlines are always four centimetres apart.
-
- If the scale ratio of a map is 1:25 000, this means that one centimetre on the map is representing ______ centimetres in real life.
- '25 000' ✓
Worksheet
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Direction on a map can be understood by using compass points or bearings.
- Four and six figure grid references are a way of finding a specific place on a map.
- The scale of the map can be used to calculate the distance between two features or places.
Common misconception
A six figure grid reference refers to only one point in the UK.
A six figure grid reference will be specific to a larger grid square in the OS National Grid. Each of these 100km2 squares are denoted by a two letter code, often seen in faint blue on the map. This means it refers to more than one point in the UK.
Keywords
Cardinal points - the four main compass points (north, south, east and west)
Easting - vertical lines running north to south on a map that divide it into east and west parts
Northing - horizontal lines running west to east on a map that divide it into north and south parts
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