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How to use maps

We generally get the students to use a range of maps, but the main focus is on the ability to read and interpret a range of different Ordnance Survey maps.  The students should develop a range of skills as they progress through the school but the main focus is on;

Reading 4 and 6 figure grid references
Reading height on maps
Interpreting height, gradient and relief on a map
Drawing cross sections
Calculating straight and curved line distances on a map
Interpreting direction on a map
Identifying land forms and features
Identifying and interpreting human features on a map such as towns and communication links.

For more practise in these areas I have put together a list of websites and exercises that you can use, but the most obvious is the education section of the Ordnance Survey website.  Happy mapping!

Mr G's exercises

A journey around Tynemouth

Height on maps - the Isle of Arran

Using Symbols - Oxford

Using Cross Sections - The Lake District

Visit Mapzone from the Ordnance Survey - a fully interactive site that will get you suing and interpreting maps online. Within this site you could try;
Maptivity - which will test your knowledge of map symbols, direction, grid references and scale
Mapability - an interactive guide into how to fully use and read maps
Map builder - here you can construct your own maps of the British Isles, Europe and the World. You will need to download it to your PC so get permission first.

Play some map based games

How to use and interpret Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - this includes a full guide and some GIS missions.

Here are some really good map reading tips from the scouts association

Click here to read an informative piece on how the British Grid Reference system works