Learning intention
I am learning to use the eight compass points to describe direction on a map, and to calculate real distances from map measurements using a scale.
Success criteria — I can…
✓Name and spell all 8 compass points
✓Use compass points to describe direction between two places on a map
✓Measure map distance and use a scale to find the real distance
✓Write a full answer that includes direction and distance
Key words
Cardinal
The 4 main directions: N, S, E, W
Ordinal
The 4 diagonal directions: NE, NW, SE, SW
Scale
Ratio of map distance to real distance
Map distance
Length you measure on the map
Real distance
The actual distance in the real world
Compass rose
Diagram showing directions on a map
The 8 compass points
Tap or click any arrow on the compass to learn about that direction.
Tap any arrow to learn about that direction
Red = North |
Cyan = S / E / W |
Gold = NE / NW / SE / SW
Memory trick: Never Eat Soggy Weetbix — going clockwise from North:
NESW
How to find direction on a map
1Find the starting place — where you begin.
2Find the destination — where you are heading.
3Imagine you are standing at the starting place and looking toward the destination.
4Use the compass rose to name the direction you are looking (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW).
Example: The library is to the ______ of the school.
→Start at the school.
→The library is above and to the right on the map.
→Above = North. To the right = East. Together = North-East (NE).
✓Answer: The library is to the North-East of the school.
How to calculate distance from a map
A map scale tells you what each centimetre on the map represents in real life.
1Read the scale on the map (e.g. 1 cm = 5 km).
2Measure the distance between the two places on the map (in cm).
3Multiply: Real distance = map distance × scale number.
4Write your answer with the correct unit (km, m, etc.).
Example: Scale 1 cm = 10 km. Two towns measure 3.5 cm apart on the map. How far apart are they in real life?
→Map distance = 3.5 cm
→Scale: 1 cm = 10 km
→Real distance = 3.5 × 10 = 35 km
✓Answer: The towns are 35 km apart in real life.
Putting it together — direction AND distance
A complete map answer always includes how far and which direction. Use this sentence structure:
[Destination] is [distance] to the [direction] of [starting place].
Example: The lake is 3 cm from the campsite on the map. Scale: 1 cm = 2 km. The lake is above and to the left of the campsite.
→Direction: above = North, left = West → North-West (NW)
→Real distance: 3 × 2 = 6 km
✓Answer: The lake is 6 km to the North-West of the campsite.