MAP READING

Maps are the basic tools of geography. They enable us to depict spatial phenomenon on paper. There are conventions used in cartography which allow a map to be read efficiently and quickly.

A good map will have:

1. LEGEND or KEY- which shows the user what different symbols mean.

2. TITLE- provides information on what the map is about.

3. BORDER- helps to define the edge of the map area and keep things "neat".

4. NORTH POINT- tells the orientation of the map.

5. SCALE- as every map is a representation of a portion of the earth. 

GRID REFERENCES

Maps are divided into numbered squares. These squares can be used to give a place a four or six-figure grid reference. It is very important to know both four-figure and six-figure grid references.

Eastings

Eastings are lines that run up and down the map. They increase in number the further you move east (or right). You can use them to measure how far to travel east.

Northings

Northings are lines that run across the map horizontally. They increase in number the further you move north (or up the map). You can use them to measure how far to travel north.

Remember: numbers along the bottom of the map come first and the numbers up the side of the map come second.