Getting familiar with map reading
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

The lessons done to date have been discussions on several aspects of the School-based Assessment (SBA). I do trust that by now you are well on your way with that Field Study Report. As stated before, this is compulsory for all candidates now that the subject is being offered at the General Proficiency Level only.

Beginning today, I would like to direct your attention to map reading. Like the SBA, this is also compulsory for all candidates. I am cognizant of the fact that many of you struggle with this aspect of the geography syllabus, and therefore perform poorly on this question. May I assure you that map reading is certainly not as difficult as you think. Generally speaking, there are some basic concepts or skills which you must first know. Once you have grasped them, you can then apply them in doing this question. Keep practising these skills until you can master them. In the end you will be more confident going into the examinations.

Limitation on space

Using the map reading question given in the last examination, that is, June 2008, I will review some of the skills you are expected to know. The focus will be on those that the question tested. The questions were based on a map extract of Port Antonio. With the limitation on space for the lesson, it is not possible to publish the map extract. However, I will still share the question with you since I am assuming that some of you may not be quite familiar with how the question is structured. Those of you who can access the extract, take some time to use it and answer the question.

(a) (i) What is the six-figure grid reference of the junction of the Class B and Class C roads near the coast in Port Antonio?

As you would have observed, the skill tested here is that of GRID REFERENCE. Let me briefly review this. Grid references are used to locate places or features. The grid is made up of vertical and horizontal lines you see drawn on the Ordnance Survey Map, which you are given to use in the examination. The vertical lines are called EASTINGS. They increase in numbers going easterly (to the right). The horizontal lines are called NORTHINGS. They increase in numbers going towards the north (to the top of the map). When giving a grid reference, both lines are used. The easting to the west of the point or area to be located is the one used and is always given first. The northing to the south of the same point or area is the one used and is given AFTER the easting. When asked to give the grid reference for an area, a four-figure grid reference is used, that is, easting and the northing. However, when you are required to give a six-figure grid reference as in the question, a third digit is added both to the easting and the northing.

Simple procedure

To obtain this, there is a simple procedure that you need to follow. This is set out below:

(i) Divide the area between the two adjacent eastings into 10 equal parts. You could do this by using a bit of paper, extend it between the two lines, mark the points of the two lines on the paper, then use a ruler and divide the area between the eastings equally into ten. If you wish, you can number those points from 1 to 9. The 10th point would fall on the easting to the right. If you have access to the map extract for the question, the grid lines are 2cm apart so each division would be 2mm apart.

(ii) Place that bit of paper again on the map extending it across the grid, that is, from one grid line to the other, within which the point is found. Make a note of the easting to the left, then add to that the number for the point that falls directly on or is closest to the point for the grid reference. That would be the 3rd digit for the easting. Again, in reference to the map, the easting to the west (left) within which the road junction is found is 08 and the point that touches the junction is 1. The easting then would be 081.

(iii) Apply the same principle to the northing working from south to north. On the map, that northing is numbered 69 and the junction is between the 4th and 5th points. Either can be used in the answer so your northing is either 694 or 695. Combine both easting and northing now and you will have your six-figure grid reference, that is, 081694 or 081695.

If you do not have a copy of the map extract for the question, apply the concept to any map you have in your possession.

Students pose for a photograph, while their work is displayed in the background. -Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor.