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What is Area and Grid Reference?
Area and grid references are one of our key skills used in Geography that help us pinpoint where specific locations are on a map, or in a larger geographical area!
Area Reference (AR):
Has four (4) numbers - this helps us find the general location of a feature on a map
To find AR we use the coordinates in the lower left-hand corner of the square that the feature is located in
Calculate the AR of a feature by reading the 'Easting' on the bottom axis of the map, and then the 'Northing' on the vertical axis
When writing the AR of a feature, write AR followed by the four numbers of the coordinate e.g. AR1234
Grid Reference (AR):
Has six (6) numbers - this helps us find the specific location of a feature on a map
We build upon AR
The first two numbers and the fourth and fifth numbers of the GR are the area reference
The third and sixth numbers are a number from 0-9 signifying the fraction of the distance between the grid lines
Divide the square into ten smaller boxes (0-9 across the top and bottom)
Use the form below to help you practice your AR and GR skills!
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