To read a map you need 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. You will need to be able to describe a feature's location on a map by giving a map reference. You will need to be able to use a compass to find your direction when using a map to navigate a route.
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
Compass directions are vital for finding your way around a map. There are many ways to remember where each direction goes. Starting at the top and moving clockwise the directions on a compass or map are: North, East, South, West.
OS maps are divided into numbered squares. These squares can be used to give a place a four or six-figure grid reference. Four-figure grid references Each square has a grid reference which you get by putting together the numbers of the easting (along the corridor)and northing (up the stairs)that cross in its bottom left hand corner.
Six-figure grid references In your head, you should be able to divide all sides of the square into ten equal sections. By doing this, you can pinpoint locations within the square – these are called six-figure grid references.
What is the scale for the OS Chelmsford & Rodings Map? Look up the following grid references on your OS Chelmsford & The Rodings Map.
PARKING CHURCH HAMMONDS FARM FOOTBRIDGE FOOTPATH RIVER CHELMER ST CLERES HALL
keys on a map helps you to unlock the information stored in the colours and symbols on a map. You must understand how the key relates to the map before you can unlock the information it contains. The key will help you to identify types of boundaries, roads, buildings, agriculture, industry, places of interest and geographical features. You must memorise some of the more used map symbols i.e churches, pylons, types of roads,footpaths etc.
From left to right Campsite, information center, parking/carpark Church with spire or dome, coniferous trees; non coniferous; coppice. phone box Church with tower, country park, picnic area/site
PO SCH …………………
From left to right Toilet, water, mud, duel carriageway Windmill, secondary road, path Viewpoint, station, footpath, bridleway Wind turbine, motorway, post office, school
As part of your expedition preparation you have to complete a route card. This route card shows you the route you will be taking and is a step by step detailed guide to your route. It shows you the length of time journeying, the distance you cover in kilometres, the direction of travel, time taken for each leg of the journey, details of route, your team name, name of team members and phone numbers.
STEP 1 Fill in colour of group, group participants names including surname and mobile phone numbers. The day of the week, date and either day 1 or day 2. STEP 2 Plan your route carefully. Ask Mrs James what starting point you are. Draw your route on the map. STEP 3 Day 1 route card. Divide your route into 16 legs of the journey. YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING CHECKPOINTS ON YOUR ROUTE CARD: Rumbolds Farm , Church Paper Mill Lock (where you will have lunch) , Colam lane end of footpath Complete all the information on the route card. Adding up each column and row. STEP 4 Day 2 Using a different colour pen from Day 1 plan your route and draw it onto the map. Your starting point is the campsite. Your end point is East Hanningfield church There will be no scheduled checkpoints. The assessor will give you the checkpoints on the day. STEP 5 Day 2 Complete your route card using the same format as day 1. STEP 6 Print 3 copies of each route card. Place in your folder. Upload your route cards onto the eDofE.
