Geography Topic
6-Figure Grid References
- Read notes
- Flashcards
- Quiz
- Confident
Study focus - 3 things
- A 6-figure grid reference locates a feature more precisely than a 4-figure reference
- Read eastings first, then northings: along the corridor, then up the stairs
- Estimate tenths across the grid square for the third and sixth digits
Section 1What a 6-figure reference does
A 4-figure grid reference identifies a whole grid square. A 6-figure grid reference narrows the position to a smaller part of that square, usually about 100 m by 100 m on a standard topographic map.
Section 2Start with the 4-figure square
First find the easting line to the left of the feature and the northing line below it. This gives the first four digits. For example, easting 24 and northing 36 starts as 2436.
Section 3Add the easting estimate
Divide the grid square mentally into ten equal parts from left to right. Estimate how many tenths across the feature is. Add that digit after the two easting digits.
Section 4Add the northing estimate
Divide the square into ten equal parts from bottom to top. Estimate how many tenths up the feature is. Add that digit after the two northing digits.
Section 5Final order
Write the three easting digits first, then the three northing digits. If the feature is in square 2436, six tenths across, and three tenths up, the 6-figure reference is 246363.
Examples
A clinic is in grid square 4152, about 7 tenths across and 4 tenths up. Give the 6-figure grid reference.
Easting becomes 417 and northing becomes 524, so the 6-figure reference is 417524.
A bridge lies in square 0831, 2 tenths across and 9 tenths up. Give the reference.
Keep leading zeros. Easting 08 plus 2 gives 082. Northing 31 plus 9 gives 319. The reference is 082319.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.