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Grid References.pptxGrid References
Grid References
Topic Lead: 2LT S Kelland
Target Level: Basic
Objective: Identify 4 and 6 figure grid references
Need: The ability to accurately determine a location on a map requires an ability to identify and use grid references. This is a core navigational skill required for anyone heading into the outdoors
Scope:
Introduction to grid references
4 figure and 6 figure grid references
How to find a grid reference
Date Updated: 10/04/20
Um....what?
Um....what?
Grid references (GRs) are a set of numbers that allow you to accurately find a position on a map. This requires an understanding of how northings and eastings work. There are two main types of GRs:
4 figure GRs: these can provide a location of 1 kilometre squared by using northings and eastings to determine the GR of an entire grid square. Grid squares are the small squares on a map made by the northings and eastings
6 figure GRs: these provide a location of 100 metres squared by breaking each grid square into tenths. These are preferred to 4 figure GRs because they are more accurate
Grid references take the form of 'EEE NNN' (or 'EE NN' for 4 figure GRs), where 'E' is the easting and 'N' is the northing.
Calculating Grid References
Calculating Grid References
Locate the place you want to find on the map - we will find X.
Locate the easting to the left of X. This number is our 'EE'. In this case, the easting to the left of X is 18, so 'EE' is '18'.
Locate the northing below X. This is your 'NN'. In this case, the northing below X is 82, so 'NN' is 82.
Our 4 figure GR is 18 82.
Want a 6 figure GR? Break the easting into tenths. In this case X is approximately halfway between easting 18 and easting 19, so 'EEE' is '185'.
Repeat for the northing. In this case 'NNN' is '825'.
Our 6 figure GR is 185 825.
Now have a go at finding Y and Z. You will need these answers for the quiz below
Don't forget - when giving a grid reference over a radio or phone, make sure you include the name, number of reference of the map you are using. Otherwise, the person you are contacting could be looking at a different map so may not find you!
Why do I need to know this?
Why do I need to know this?
Grid References are one of the most important aspects of being able to navigate from A to B - you can't get to B if you don't know where B is! In future navigation lessons we're going to combine your knowledge of maps and your knowledge of compasses to work out how to plot a bearing (direction) between two points, and then follow that bearing to find your next destination!
Still having no luck? Check out the PowerPoint at the top of the page or watch the videos below for some extra explanation
Still having no luck? Check out the PowerPoint at the top of the page or watch the videos below for some extra explanation
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