1.1.3

Grid References

Test yourself

Grid References

OS Maps have a grid covering the map, which allow you to work out where different places are.

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Grid lines

  • The map is covered in a grid and each line is labelled with numbers.
    • The horizontal lines from east to west are called eastings.
    • The vertical lines from north to south are called northings.
  • Each line has numbers along the side so that we can create grid references.
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Four-figure grid reference

  • We use four-figure grid references to identify a feature within a single square.
  • To find a four-figure grid reference we follow the grid lines down from the bottom left corner to the axis.
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Six-figure grid references

  • We use six-figure grid references to be more specific within a square.
  • To find the six-figure grid reference, you have to imagine the square is divided into 100 mini squares.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

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