Map skills: grid references, scale and direction

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Compass Points and Direction

Compass points are used to describe direction on a map.
The 8-point compass includes the four cardinal points (North, East, South, West) and the four intercardinal points (North-East, South-East, South-West, North-West).
The 16-point compass adds intermediate points such as North-North-East, East-North-East, etc., allowing more precise direction descriptions.
On a map, North is usually at the top, but always check the compass rose or north arrow.
To give a direction from one place to another, identify the starting point and the destination, then state the compass direction between them.

Four-Figure Grid References

A four-figure grid reference locates a square on a map to the nearest kilometre (or grid square).
The reference is written as a two-digit easting followed by a two-digit northing (e.g., 23 45).
Eastings are the vertical grid lines; they increase in value from left to right.
Northings are the horizontal grid lines; they increase in value from bottom to top.
Always read the easting first (along the corridor), then the northing (up the stairs).

Six-Figure Grid References

A six-figure grid reference pinpoints a location more precisely within a grid square.
It is written as a three-digit easting followed by a three-digit northing (e.g., 234 456).
The first two digits of each part give the grid square; the third digit estimates tenths of the square.
To find a six-figure reference, divide the grid square into 10 equal parts both horizontally and vertically.
Six-figure references are useful for identifying exact features such as a building or a bridge.

Map Symbols and Keys

Map symbols are small pictures or letters that represent real-world features on a map.
A key (or legend) explains what each symbol means.
Symbols are used to save space and make maps easier to read.
Common symbols include blue lines for rivers, green areas for woodland, and black lines for roads.
Always check the key before interpreting a map, as symbols can vary between different map series.

Scale: Linear and Ratio

Scale shows the relationship between distance on a map and distance on the ground.
A linear scale (or bar scale) is a line divided into segments that represent actual distances, such as kilometres.
A ratio scale expresses the relationship as a ratio, e.g., 1:50 000, meaning 1 unit on the map equals 50 000 units on the ground.
On a 1:50 000 map, 1 cm represents 0.5 km (or 1 km is represented by 2 cm).
To measure a straight-line distance, use a ruler and convert using the scale.
To measure a curved distance (e.g., along a road or river), use a piece of string or a map measurer, then convert using the scale.

Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude are coordinates used to locate places on the Earth's surface.
Latitude lines run east-west and measure distance north or south of the Equator (0°).
Longitude lines run north-south and measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (0°).
Latitude and longitude are measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
They form a geographic coordinate system (GCS) that is based on the three-dimensional shape of the Earth.

Map Projections and Coordinate Systems

A map projection transforms the curved surface of the Earth onto a flat map.
A projected coordinate system (also called a grid reference system) uses Cartesian coordinates (x, y) on a flat surface.
In many systems, the x-coordinate is called the easting and the y-coordinate is called the northing.
Examples of projected coordinate systems include the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) and the British National Grid.
Projected coordinate systems are defined by a map projection, a geodetic datum, an origin point, and a unit of measure.
Different projections distort the Earth's surface in different ways, so no single projection is perfect for all purposes.

Using Grid References and Scale Together

Grid references and scale are often used together to describe locations and measure distances.
First, locate the feature using a grid reference; then use the scale to measure distances to other features.
For example, you can measure the distance between two grid references by using the scale on the map.
When measuring distance, always ensure you use the correct unit (e.g., km or miles) as indicated by the scale.

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練習問題

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1.Which of these is a grid reference system used in the United Kingdom?
Easy
- ABritish National Grid
- BState Plane Coordinate System
- CUniversal Transverse Mercator
- DMilitary Grid Reference System
2.In which decade was the State Plane Coordinate System developed in the United States?
Easy
- A1920s
- B1930s
- C1940s
- D1950s
3.Why did the U.S. Army Map Service print grids on maps during World War II?
Medium
- ATo make maps look more modern
- BTo help soldiers quickly and accurately measure and report their location
- CTo replace latitude and longitude entirely
- DTo confuse enemy forces
4.What does MGRS stand for?
Easy
- AMilitary Grid Reference System
- BMap Grid Reference Standard
- CMilitary Geographic Reference System
- DMap Grid Resolution System
5.Which organisation developed the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system?
Medium
- AThe British Ordnance Survey
- BThe German Wehrmacht
- CThe U.S. Army Map Service
- DThe United Nations
6.In which year was the first version of the British National Grid released?
Easy
- A1918
- B1938
- C1945
- D1980
7.What was the main reason for creating the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS)?
Medium
- ATo replace the Universal Transverse Mercator system
- BTo make UTM coordinates easier to communicate unambiguously
- CTo provide a system for civilian use only
- DTo align with political boundaries
8.Why did several countries create their own national grid systems after World War II?
Medium
- ABecause UTM zones do not align with political boundaries
- BBecause UTM was too expensive
- CBecause they wanted to use different units of measure
- DBecause the United Nations required it

もっと問題

9.What was the main advantage of Cartesian coordinate systems over geographic coordinate systems for surveying and engineering in the 1930s?
Medium
- AThey were more accurate
- BThey required less training
- CCalculations such as distance are much simpler
- DThey could be used without maps
10.Which of the following is NOT one of the three parts of a projected SRS specification?
Medium
- AAn abstract two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system
- BA choice of map projection
- CA choice of geodetic datum
- DA choice of map scale
11.Why was the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system developed?
Medium
- ATo replace the British National Grid
- BTo provide a global system after confusion with custom projections in World War II
- CTo simplify map projections for the Enlightenment
- DTo align with political boundaries
12.Which coordinate system was developed first?
Medium
- AUniversal Transverse Mercator
- BState Plane Coordinate System
- CBritish National Grid
- DMilitary Grid Reference System
13.Which of the following are parts of a projected coordinate system specification? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AAn abstract two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system
- BA choice of map projection
- CA choice of geodetic datum
- DA choice of map scale
- EA choice of compass direction
14.Which of the following statements about the history of coordinate systems are true? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe State Plane Coordinate System was developed in the 1930s.
- BThe British National Grid was first released in 1938.
- CThe Universal Transverse Mercator was developed during World War I.
- DMGRS was created to make UTM coordinates easier to communicate.
- EUTM zones align with political boundaries.
15.The Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) is an alphanumeric encoding scheme for UTM coordinates.
Easy
True or false?
16.The British National Grid was first released in 1938.
Easy
True or false?
17.UTM zones align with political boundaries.
Easy
True or false?
18.The use of projected coordinate systems to specify precise locations is a 20th-century innovation.
Easy
True or false?
19.Match each coordinate system with the country or region where it was developed.
Medium
- State Plane Coordinate System
- British National Grid
- Universal Transverse Mercator
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Germany
20.Place the following events in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- State Plane Coordinate System developed
- British National Grid first released
- Universal Transverse Mercator developed
- Military Grid Reference System created
21.Which of the following are defining parts of a projected coordinate system specification? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- Aa choice of map projection with specific parameters
- Ba choice of geodetic datum including an earth ellipsoid
- Can abstract two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with an origin and unit of measure
- Da list of every country that uses the system
- Ea table of average annual rainfall
22.Place these developments in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- State Plane Coordinate System developed in the United States
- First version of the British National Grid released
- Grids printed on maps by the U.S. Army Map Service during World War II
- Military Grid Reference System created as an encoding scheme for UTM coordinates
23.Which of the following statements about the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) are true? (Select all that apply)
Hard
- AIt is an alphanumeric encoding scheme for UTM coordinates.
- BIt was created to make coordinates easier to communicate.
- CIt was developed before the Universal Transverse Mercator system.
- DIt replaced the need for any map projection.
- EIt is used by the military to report locations unambiguously.
24.The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system was developed before the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS).
Easy
True or false?
25.Why do UTM zones not align with political boundaries?
Medium
- ABecause they are based on lines of latitude and longitude, not on country borders
- BBecause they were designed to follow the borders of the United States
- CBecause they were created before countries had fixed borders
- DBecause they are only used within a single country
26.Which organisation developed the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS)?
Medium
- AThe United States
- BThe United Kingdom
- CThe German Wehrmacht
- DThe United Nations
27.Which of the following are advantages of using a projected coordinate system such as UTM over a geographic coordinate system (latitude and longitude)? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- ADistance calculations are much simpler in a Cartesian coordinate system.
- BIt avoids the need for spherical trigonometry when computing distances.
- CIt uses only three-dimensional coordinates.
- DIt makes it easier to specify precise locations for GIS.
- EIt removes the need for a geodetic datum.
28.Why was the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS) developed in the United States during the 1930s?
Medium
- ABecause distance calculations are much simpler in a Cartesian coordinate system than in the three-dimensional trigonometry of a geographic coordinate system
- BBecause it was needed to encode military grid references during World War II
- CBecause UTM zones did not align with political boundaries
- DBecause satellite navigation required precise coordinates
29.During World War II, why did the U.S. Army Map Service and other combatants begin printing grids on maps?
Medium
- ATo make maps look more modern
- BBecause soldiers needed to quickly and accurately measure and report their location
- CTo show political boundaries more clearly
- DTo replace latitude and longitude entirely
30.What problem led to the development of the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system?
Medium
- AThe British National Grid was too accurate
- BEach theater of war was initially mapped with its own custom projection and coding system, causing confusion
- CThe State Plane Coordinate System was not precise enough
- DLatitude and longitude were too easy to use
31.Why did several countries create their own national or regional grid systems after World War II?
Medium
- ABecause UTM zones do not align with political boundaries
- BBecause UTM was too expensive to use
- CBecause the British National Grid was the only system available
- DBecause GIS had not yet been invented
32.Why did the use and invention of national grid systems proliferate during the 1980s?
Medium
- ABecause of the emergence of geographic information systems (GIS)
- BBecause World War II had just ended
- CBecause satellite navigation became widely available
- DBecause the State Plane Coordinate System was invented
33.In recent years, what has led to a resurgence in the use of geographic coordinate systems (latitude and longitude) rather than projected systems?
Hard
- AThe decline of satellite navigation
- BThe rise of global GIS datasets and satellite navigation, along with abundant processing speed in personal computers
- CThe invention of the Universal Transverse Mercator
- DThe need to align with political boundaries
34.Why is the choice of geodetic datum important in a projected coordinate system?
Medium
- AIt determines the colour of the map
- BIt binds the coordinate system to actual locations on the Earth by controlling the measurement framework for latitude and longitude
- CIt sets the unit of measure
- DIt defines the map projection parameters
35.Why might the same location have different coordinates in 'UTM NAD83 Zone 14N' and 'UTM NAD27 Zone 14N'?
Medium
- ABecause the UTM formulas are different
- BBecause the zones are different
- CBecause the underlying latitude and longitude values differ due to the choice of geodetic datum
- DBecause one uses meters and the other uses feet
36.What is the main purpose of a projected coordinate system specification?
Medium
- ATo make maps look attractive
- BTo accurately and unambiguously measure, communicate, and perform calculations on locations
- CTo replace all geographic coordinate systems
- DTo show political boundaries
37.Which of the following are reasons why Cartesian coordinate systems are preferred over geographic coordinate systems for certain tasks? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- ADistance calculations are simpler
- BThey avoid the need for three-dimensional trigonometry
- CThey automatically align with political boundaries
- DThey are better for performing numerous calculations when computing power is limited
- EThey do not require a datum
38.On a map with a scale of 1:50 000, 4 cm on the map represents what real-world distance?
Easy
- A2 km
- B20 km
- C0.2 km
- D200 km
39.A map has a scale of 1:50 000. What real-world distance is represented by 4 cm on the map?
Easy
- A2 km
- B20 km
- C200 m
- D5 km
40.A map has a scale of 1:25 000. On the map, two schools are 8 cm apart in a straight line. What is the real-world distance between them?
Medium
- A2 km
- B3.2 km
- C200 m
- D8 km
41.What does the abbreviation UTM stand for?
Medium
42.What does the abbreviation MGRS stand for?
Medium
43.Which two-dimensional coordinates are also called easting and northing in many systems such as UTM?
Medium
44.Complete the sentence about the development of coordinate systems.
Easy
The State Plane Coordinate System was developed in the ____s, and the British National Grid was first released in ____.
45.Complete the sentence about the parts of a projected coordinate system.
Medium
A projected SRS specification consists of three parts: an abstract two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, a choice of map ____, and a choice of geodetic ____.
46.What does UTM stand for?
Easy
47.Give the name of the horizontal line marked 0° latitude, from which latitude is measured north and south.
Easy
48.Using a map with a scale of 1:25 000, how many metres on the ground does 6 cm on the map represent?
Medium
49.Complete the sentence about grid references.
Easy
A four-figure grid reference gives a location to the nearest ____ on the map, while a six-figure grid reference gives a location to the nearest ____.
50.On a map with a scale of 1:50 000, how many centimetres on the map represent 1 kilometre on the ground?
Medium
51.On a map with a scale of 1:25 000, how many metres on the ground does 6 cm on the map represent?
Medium
52.Complete the sentence about compass directions.
Medium
The four cardinal compass points are ____, ____, ____, and ____.
53.Explain why several countries created their own national grid systems after World War II.
Medium
54.Describe the main advantage of using a projected coordinate system over a geographic coordinate system for surveying and engineering.
Hard
55.Explain why a six-figure grid reference is more useful than a four-figure grid reference when describing the location of a small feature such as a post box.
Hard
56.Describe how you would use a linear scale to measure the straight-line distance between two points on a map.
Hard
57.Using a map with a scale of 1:25 000, how many metres on the ground does 6 cm on the map represent?
Medium
- A1350 m
- B1650 m
- C1800 m
- D1500 m
58.On a map with a scale of 1:25 000, how many metres on the ground does 6 cm on the map represent?
Medium
- A1350 m
- B1650 m
- C1800 m
- D1500 m

復習ノート

## Map Skills: Grid References, Scale and Direction ### Compass points - **8 points**: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW. - **16 points** add intermediate directions (e.g. NNE, ENE) between the 8 main points. - Direction is measured in degrees from north (0°), clockwise: E = 90°, S = 180°, W = 270°. ### Grid references - A **projected coordinate system** (also called a planar coordinate system or grid reference system) represents locations on Earth using **Cartesian coordinates (x, y)** on a flat surface created by a map projection. - Coordinates are called **eastings** (x) and **northings** (y). - **Four-figure grid reference**: gives the grid square — easting first, then northing. - **Six-figure grid reference**: gives a more precise point within the square — again easting first, then northing. - **Rule: along the corridor, then up the stairs** (eastings before northings). ### Map symbols and keys - Maps use symbols; the **key** explains what each symbol means. Always check the key before answering questions. ### Scale - **Linear scale**: a line marked with distances, used to measure straight-line and curved distances (use a piece of paper or string for curves). - **Ratio scale**: written as a ratio, e.g. **1:50 000** — 1 unit on the map equals 50 000 of the same units on the ground (so 1 cm = 50 000 cm = 0.5 km). ### Latitude and longitude - **Latitude**: distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees. - **Longitude**: distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees. - Together they form the **geographic coordinate system (GCS)**. ### Map projections - A **map projection** creates the flat surface for a coordinate system and connects it to locations on Earth. - A projected coordinate system is defined by: a **map projection** (with parameters), a **geodetic datum** (including an earth ellipsoid), an **origin point**, and a **unit of measure** (usually the metre or US foot). - The **datum** binds the system to real locations; the same location can have different coordinates under different datums (e.g. UTM NAD83 vs UTM NAD27). - Examples of grid systems: **Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)**, **British National Grid**, **State Plane Coordinate System**. - The **Military Grid Reference System (MGRS)** encodes UTM coordinates as alphanumeric grid references. ### Exam tips - Always give eastings before northings. - Check the scale before measuring; convert units carefully (1 km = 100 000 cm). - Use the key for symbols and the compass for direction.

Projected coordinate system: A type of spatial reference system that represents locations on Earth using Cartesian coordinates (x, y) on a planar surface created by a particular map projection. Also called a projected coordinate reference system, planar coordinate system, or grid reference system.
Easting and northing: The x and y coordinates in a projected coordinate system; eastings are measured along the x-axis and northings along the y-axis.
Four-figure grid reference: A grid reference giving the grid square, quoted as easting first, then northing.
Six-figure grid reference: A more precise grid reference giving a point within a grid square, quoted as easting first, then northing.
Linear scale: A line marked with distances on a map, used to measure straight-line and curved distances.
Ratio scale: A scale written as a ratio, such as 1:50 000, meaning 1 unit on the map equals 50 000 of the same units on the ground.
Latitude: The distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees.
Longitude: The distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees.
Geographic coordinate system (GCS): A spatial reference system based on latitude and longitude.
Map projection: A method that creates a planar surface for a coordinate system and connects it to locations on the Earth.
Geodetic datum: A choice of earth ellipsoid that binds a coordinate system to actual locations on the Earth by controlling the measurement framework for latitude and longitude.
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM): A projected coordinate system developed after World War II, widely used in science and mapping.
British National Grid: A national grid system for the United Kingdom, first released in 1938.
Military Grid Reference System (MGRS): An alphanumeric encoding scheme for UTM coordinates, created to make locations easier to communicate.

フラッシュカード

What is a projected coordinate system?

A type of spatial reference system that represents locations on Earth using Cartesian coordinates (x, y) on a flat surface created by a map projection.

What are the three main parts of a projected coordinate system specification?

An abstract two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, a choice of map projection, and a choice of geodetic datum.

In a projected coordinate system, what do the x and y coordinates often represent?

They are often called the easting and northing, representing distances east and north from an origin point.

What is the purpose of a geodetic datum in a projected coordinate system?

It binds the coordinate system to actual locations on Earth by controlling the measurement framework for latitude and longitude.

Why might the same location have different coordinates in UTM NAD83 Zone 14N and UTM NAD27 Zone 14N?

Because the underlying latitude and longitude values differ due to the different geodetic datums used, even though the UTM formulas are identical.

What is the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system?

A projected coordinate system that divides the Earth into zones, each with its own transverse Mercator projection, used for accurate location measurement and reporting.

What is the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS)?

An alphanumeric encoding scheme for UTM coordinates, created to make coordinates easier to communicate unambiguously.

What is the British National Grid?

A projected coordinate system used in the United Kingdom, first released in 1938, based on earlier experiments during World War I.

What is the State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS)?

An early projected coordinate system developed in the United States during the 1930s for surveying and engineering, because calculations like distance are simpler in Cartesian coordinates.

Why are Cartesian coordinates preferred over latitude and longitude for many calculations?

Calculations such as distance are much simpler in a Cartesian coordinate system than the three-dimensional trigonometry required for geographic coordinate systems.

What is a map projection?

A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat plane, creating a planar surface for a projected coordinate system.

What is a geographic coordinate system (GCS)?

A spatial reference system that uses latitude and longitude to define locations on the Earth's three-dimensional surface.

What are the eight compass points?

North, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest.

What are the sixteen compass points?

The eight main points plus north-northeast, east-northeast, east-southeast, south-southeast, south-southwest, west-southwest, west-northwest, and north-northwest.

What is a four-figure grid reference?

A location reference using four digits: the first two give the easting (horizontal position) and the last two give the northing (vertical position), locating a grid square.

What is a six-figure grid reference?

A more precise location reference using six digits: three for the easting and three for the northing, locating a point within a grid square to one-tenth of a square.

How do you measure straight-line distance on a map using a linear scale?

Place a straight edge between the two points, mark the distance, then compare it to the linear scale to convert to real-world distance.

How do you measure curved distance on a map, such as along a road?

Use a piece of string or a map measurer to follow the curve, then straighten it and measure against the linear scale.

What does a ratio scale of 1:50 000 mean?

One unit of measurement on the map represents 50 000 of the same units on the ground. For example, 1 cm on the map equals 50 000 cm (or 0.5 km) in reality.

What are latitude and longitude?

A coordinate system using angles to define positions on Earth: latitude measures north-south position from the equator, and longitude measures east-west position from the Prime Meridian.

What is a map key or legend?

A list explaining the symbols and colours used on a map, helping to interpret features accurately.

Why do different map projections exist?

Because it is impossible to represent the curved Earth on a flat map without some distortion; different projections preserve different properties (e.g., shape, area, distance) for specific purposes.

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