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Direction and Scale

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For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.1 of 15 © Boardworks Ltd 2006

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Lear

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What is scale and how is it shown on a map?

How are bearings measured?

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Anyone who has ever used a map to findtheir way, will know the importance of a scale.Knowing which direction to travel in is only partof using a map. To know how far it is to your destination, you need to use the map’s scale.

Scale is the ratio of objectson the map to the real world.For example on a map withthe scale 4cm:1km, fourcentimetres on the mapis used to represent onekilometre in the real world.

What is a scale?

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Any method of estimating distance on a map requires the use of a scale.

The scale for this map is

4 cm : 1 km

Each one ofthese grid boxes is 4 cm wide and long. This is equivalent to 1 km in distance.

How far is it from the X to

the Y?

We can estimate a

distance of 4 km.

X Y

Using scale on a map

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But this is more difficult if the two points are like this…

Using a ruler, measure thedistance between the two points.

Imagine the distance is

16 cm.

Now we need to do

some maths.

X Here we measure diagonally.

Y

Map measuring

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The scale on the map was:

This means that:

If our distance was16 cm how many kms is it?

The answer would be 4 km.

4 cm

8 cm

12 cm

16 cm

4 cm:1 km

1 km

2 km

3 km

4 km

Calculating distance using a scale

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Measuring and calculating scale

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1) What is the distance between the train station in Swanage and the end of Peveril Point?

2) What is the distance between the Town Hall and the woodland north of the groynes?

0 1km

Peveril Point

We can also show scale on a map by using a scale line.

1km0

Scale lines

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Find the treasure

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Make your own map

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Lear

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What is scale and how is it shown on a map?

How are bearings measured?

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‘Never eat shredded wheat!’

How can we remember the points of the compass?

Now think of your own slogan.

Compass rose

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Easy Guide to Bearings!1. Draw a north line from your starting point.

2. Join your starting point to your destination with a straight line.

3. Put the line of your protractor on the north line with the middle of it on the starting point.

You want to walk from your house (‘1’) to your friend's house by the beach (‘2’).

What bearing do you need to take?

Bearings

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Finding your bearings

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Finding your bearings