Map Skills and Compass Directions

Maps are tools that help us understand the world. To use a map correctly, you need to know how to read directions, symbols, and the scale. Every well-made map has a compass rose, a legend (key), and a scale to help you understand what you are looking at.

The Compass Rose

• A compass rose is the symbol on a map that shows directions.
• The four cardinal directions are: North (N), South (S), East (E), and West (W).
• The four intercardinal (or ordinal) directions are halfway between the cardinal directions: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), and Southwest (SW).
• North is always at the top of most maps unless otherwise stated.
• Opposite directions: North is opposite South; East is opposite West.

Cardinal vs Intercardinal Directions

• Cardinal directions (4): North, South, East, West — the main four points.
• Intercardinal directions (4): Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest — the in-between points.
• Northeast is halfway between North and East.
• Southwest is halfway between South and West.

Map Key / Legend

• A map key (also called a legend) explains what the symbols on a map mean.
• Common map symbols include icons for cities, roads, mountains, rivers, forests, and airports.
• Without a key, you cannot correctly interpret what a map is showing.

Map Scale

• A map scale shows the relationship between a distance on the map and the real distance on Earth.
• For example: 1 cm on the map = 100 km in real life.
• A scale can be shown as a ratio (1:100 000) or as a bar scale (a drawn line with measurements).
• Scales help us measure distances and understand how large an area is.

Grid References

• Many maps use a grid — a set of horizontal and vertical lines that divide the map into sections.
• Grid references use a letter and a number (e.g. B3) to identify a specific square on the map.
• To read a grid reference, find the column letter first, then the row number.