Quick questions on Reading maps and grid references explained: N(A)-Level Geography skills

A topographic map is covered by a grid of numbered lines. The lines running up and down the map are called eastings, and their numbers increase as you go east (to the right). The lines running across the map are called northings, and their numbers increase as you go north (up). The golden rule is to read the easting first, then the northing: "along the corridor, then up the stairs."

A four-figure grid reference names a whole grid square. You read the easting line at the bottom-left corner of the square (two digits), then the northing line at the bottom-left corner (two digits). For example, 3247 means easting 32, northing 47. Use a four-figure reference for a large feature, such as a forest, a lake or a built-up area, where naming the square is enough.

A six-figure grid reference pinpoints a precise spot inside a square. Imagine each square divided into ten equal parts both ways. Estimate how many tenths across (east) your point lies and add that digit to the easting, then how many tenths up (north) and add that digit to the northing. For example, a point four-tenths across and eight-tenths up square 3247 has the reference 325478 (easting 325, northing 478).

The scale tells you how map distance relates to real distance. A scale of 1:50,000 means 1 cm on the map represents 50,000 cm on the ground. To find a real distance: measure the map distance in centimetres, multiply by the scale number, then convert to metres (divide by 100) or kilometres (divide by 100,000). For a curving feature such as a road, lay a piece of string or the edge of paper along it, mark the start and end, then measure the straightened length.

Direction is given using the compass. The four main points are north, east, south and west; the points between are north-east, south-east, south-west and north-west. North is always up the map unless an arrow says otherwise. For a more precise direction you can give a bearing, an angle measured clockwise from north in degrees, from 000 degrees (north) round to 360 degrees.

A feature lies in the square with easting 28 and northing 65. Give its four-figure grid reference. [1 mark]

On a 1:50,000 map, a straight road measures 5 cm. Work out its real distance in kilometres. [2 marks]

Two points have the same easting, but the second has a larger northing than the first. State the compass direction from the first point to the second. [1 mark]