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Lesson 8 of 12
Four and Six Figure Grid References
I can use four and six-figure grid references to locate features on an OS map accurately.
Lesson 8 of 12
New
New
Four and Six Figure Grid References
I can use four and six-figure grid references to locate features on an OS map accurately.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Maps have grid lines that help us locate places on a map.
- Horizontal lines are called northings and vertical lines are called eastings.
- Each grid square has two sets of numbers, giving a four-figure grid reference.
- To increase location accuracy, features can be located using six-figure grid references.
Keywords
Northings - numbered horizontal lines found on maps
Eastings - numbered vertical lines found on maps
Grid reference - a number which combines northings and eastings to help you to locate a feature on an Ordnance Survey map
Common misconception
Northings come before eastings.
Eastings come first, then northings.
Bring in an OS map so students can have a look at the gridlines on a physical OS map and see where they are labelled.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.What does OS stand for?
What does OS stand for?
Over Survey
Ordnance Satellite
Q2.What do OS maps help us do?
What do OS maps help us do?
show information on who owns the land
Q3.Where can you find what the symbols mean on a map?
Where can you find what the symbols mean on a map?
the back of it
the scale bar
the internet
Q4.Which is the correct order?
Which is the correct order?
South, West, North, East
East, South, North, West
South, North, West, East
Q5.What do you use to figure out the real life distance from looking at a map?
What do you use to figure out the real life distance from looking at a map?
key
north arrow
contour lines
Q6.Which of these is not a map?
Which of these is not a map?
sat nav
OS map
atlas
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.What are the faint blue lines called over the top of maps?
What are the faint blue lines called over the top of maps?
Contours
Scale lines
Q2.What are the vertical lines on a map called?
What are the vertical lines on a map called?
Northings
Westings
Q3.What are the horizontal lines on a map called?
What are the horizontal lines on a map called?
Eastings
Westings
Q4.Which do you find first when finding a four figure grid reference?
Which do you find first when finding a four figure grid reference?
Northings
Westings
Southings
Q5.Which is true of six figure grid references?
Which is true of six figure grid references?
They are less accurate than four figure grid references.
They cannot be used on Ordnance Survey maps.
Q6.Which of these is a six figure grid reference?
Which of these is a six figure grid reference?
3247
32476
3224765