Lesson 11: How do we use six-figure grid references? Grid references are very useful in helping us to find places on maps. A four figure grid reference on an O.S. map equals an area on the ground of one square kilometre. This is quite a large area. To be more accurate we need to use a grid reference. This pinpoints a place exactly to within 100 metres. To find a 6-figure grid reference you start by finding your 4-figure GR one as normal. For example, the church below is found in grid square 7425. When we are looking for a 6-figure GR the easiest way to do this is to write your 4-figure GR like this: 74_25_ and then fill in the two missing numbers. The missing numbers are found by looking at only the square with the symbol in it. For example let’s zoom in to only GR 7425. In your head divide the square into tenths along the bottom and up the side to create a grid within the square. Follow the arrow along the bottom to line up with the church – it is about half way along so the number is 5. Insert this number into your first blank space. Now follow the arrow up the side to line up with the church – the number is 8. Insert this into the second blank space.
Lesson 11: How do we use six-figure grid references? Grid references are very useful in helping us to find places on maps. A four figure grid reference on an O.S. map equals an area on the ground of one square kilometre. This is quite a large area. To be more accurate we need to use a grid reference. This pinpoints a place exactly to within 100 metres. To find a 6-figure grid reference you start by finding your 4-figure GR one as normal. For example, the church below is found in grid square 7425. When we are looking for a 6-figure GR the easiest way to do this is to write your 4-figure GR like this: 74_25_ and then fill in the two missing numbers. The missing numbers are found by looking at only the square with the symbol in it. For example let’s zoom in to only GR 7425. In your head divide the square into tenths along the bottom and up the side to create a grid within the square. Follow the arrow along the bottom to line up with the church – it is about half way along so the number is 5. Insert this number into your first blank space. Now follow the arrow up the side to line up with the church – the number is 8. Insert this into the second blank space.
S1-Map-Work-Unit.docx