大象传媒

Interpretation and analysis of mapsUsing grid references

Maps represent the real world. Atlas maps show large areas and Ordnance Survey maps show smaller areas in more detail. Sketch maps, satellite images, photos, GIS maps and geology maps are all useful.

Part of GeographyMapping skills

Using grid references

OS maps are divided into numbered squares. These squares can be used to give a place a four or six-figure . It is important that you know both four-figure and six-figure grid references.

Make sure you know that:

  • numbers along the bottom of the map come first and the numbers up the side of the map come second
  • the four-figure reference 2083 refers to the square to the east of Easting line 20 and north of Northing line 83
  • the six-figure reference 207834 will give you the exact point in the square 2083 - 7/10s of the way across and 4/10s of the way up

The six-figure reference 207834 on the map below shows a church in Bamford.

An Ordnance Survey map of Bamford
Figure caption,
Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey 100039117

Note: when using an OS map to answer mapping questions, you MUST always give grid references and/or map evidence in your answer. Map evidence includes the names of different things e.g. places, roads or rivers.

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