This document discusses how to locate features on topographic maps using grid references and area references. It explains that topographic maps use a grid system of eastings and northings to precisely locate points, while area references specify the grid square that a feature falls within using the coordinates of the bottom left corner. Examples are provided to demonstrate how to determine both 6-figure grid references and 4-figure area references. Interactive exercises are also included to allow practice of these skills.

1. 1Geography Skills and Tools
Area and Grid Reference
Mr Shipp

2. Grid & Area References
• It can be difficult to find places or features easily on a map.
• So far we have learnt that to find places on a street
directory we use an alpha-numeric grid (e.g. B7)
• We also know that to find places on a larger scale, such as
a world map we use Latitude & Longitude coordinates to
help us find what we are looking for.

3. Topographic maps are large scale and we use these for Area and Grid references

4. So how do we locate features on a
Topographic map?
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/7824895.stm
• This BBC link details the importance of Grid References
for emergency services to reach rural areas.
• We can locate places easily on a topographic map by
using the maps gridlines.
• On a topographic map the vertical ( )lines are
called eastings because they increase in value as we
move eastward.
• The horizontal ( ) lines are called northings
because they increase in value as we move northwards.

5. Eastings
Northings
N
18
17
16
15
22 23 24 25 26 27

6. Area Reference
• Features such as a small lake, quarry or village are
usually located by means of an Area Reference
(AR)
• To find the (AR) of a feature we use the coordinate
in the lower left-hand corner of the grid square in
which the feature is located.
• You always read the easting first then the northing.
(hint to remember E comes before N in the
alphabet)
• An area reference always has 4 figures
• Into the house and up the stairs” may help you
remember!!
EXAMPLE: AR3363
easting northing

7. Eastings
Northings
N
18
17
16
15
22 23 24 25 26 27
The Area
Reference of
the house is:
AR2317
Remember with
(AR) you use the
bottom left hand
corner
What is the
(AR) for:
The plane:
AR2215
The boy:
AR2316

8. Area references
21 22 23 24 25 26
39
38
35
36
37
A
Time now for a little test. FOUR squares are going to be highlighted and you
have TEN seconds to write down the area reference for each square.
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
ACLICK to
start.....
CLICK for
the next
square

9. Area references
21 22 23 24 25 26
39
38
35
36
37
A
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
BCLICK for
the next
square
B

10. Area references
21 22 23 24 25 26
39
38
35
36
37
A
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
CCLICK for
the next
square
C
B

11. Area references
21 22 23 24 25 26
39
38
35
36
37
A
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
DCLICK for
the next
square
C
B
D

12. Area references
21 22 23 24 25 26
39
38
35
36
37
A
CLICK TO CHECK
EACH ANSWER
C
B
D
A = 2238
B = 2536
C = 2235
D = 2337
How did you get on?

13. Grid References
• We can locate relatively small and more specific features
on map by using Grid Reference (GR).
• (GR) locates the exact point on the grid.
• Unlike (AR), Grid Reference uses 6 figures.
-The first two numbers of each coordinate refers to the eastings and
northings that surround the map.
- The third number needed to complete each coordinate is obtained by
dividing each easting and northing into tenths.
Example: GR335638
easting northing
Dividing the easting and northing into
tenths

15. Eastings
Northing
N
18
17
16
15
22 23 24 25 26 27
What is the
grid
reference
(GR) for the
ball in which
the boy is
about to
catch?
Answer:
GR238169

16. 6-figure grid references
Come up to the
Interactive White
Board

17. Compass Directions
21 22 23 24
66
67
68
F
A
B
GC
H
E
I
D
J
N
E
S
W
NW NE
SE
SW
What direction are you walking ?
D F H I JGA C EB A

18. Interactives
• http://mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/
mapzone/PagesHomeworkHelp/maptivity/
gridreferences/
• http://geographyfieldwork.com/
TestGridIntro.htm

19. CLASS EXERCISE
Give the (AR) for the
following
features:
1. Church;
2. Village Hall;
3. Grove farm;
4. The dairy farm;
5. The town of Little
Plumpton;
6. The entire (AR)’s
for Gibbet Wood;
7. The (AR)’s that
Dale Road passes
through;
8. The approximate
(GR) of Grove
farm.

20. Interactives
• http://www.mape.org.uk/startower/maps/
resources/map1.htm
• http://www.mape.org.uk/startower/maps/
resources/map1b.htm