Map references allow you to easily refer to any position on a map. It is very important
that you know how to determine and interpret map references.
In an emergency, you may need to tell a rescue team where you are. You do this with a map reference.
Knowing how to give a correct map reference could save your life!
We use a 'six figure map reference' - this simply means that the reference is made up from 6 numbers.
The Scout Hut is at 676961. How would we find it on the map?
First we split the reference into two groups of 3 numbers. The first set of 3 numbers (676) is called the eastings
This tells us how far east our reference is. Along the top and bottom of the map, we see numbers that
increase from left to right. These are the eastings on the map. 676 will fall between
the lines marked 67 and 68. We use the third number in the reference to figure out how far between the two lines
the reference can be found. If we imagine the space split up into 10 parts, then 676 will be in the
sixth part. - this is just like using centimetres and millimetres. 676mm comes between 67cm and 68cm. In the same
way, the map reference 676 comes between the eastings 67 and 68.
The second part of our reference (961) tells us the northings, i.e. how far north our reference is.
On the left and right sides of the map, you will see numbers increasing from the bottom to top, i.e. the further north,
the bigger the number. 961 will be between the 96 and 97 lines, one tenth of the way up.
Now we know how far east, and how far north, we can find the location of the Scout hut on the map with ease.
To increase accuracy, you can use a 'Roamer' to find map references. This is simply a square the same size as a
grid square, with 10 divisions. You point the top right corner of the roamer at the position on the map, and you
can read off the third part of the reference by seeing which number ligns up with the grid lines.
You might have one built into your compass, or you can make one from cardboard. You can practice using the 'virtual
roamer' on our map below.
Remember - eastings, then northings - walk the corridor before climbing the stairs
