Learn how to read maps and use compass directions to navigate.
Maps are drawings that represent real places from above, like a bird’s eye view. They help us navigate, understand where places are, and see how the world is organised. One of the most important tools for using a map is the compass. A compass always points north because of the Earth’s magnetic field. Knowing the four main compass points — North, South, East and West — lets you describe and follow directions. A helpful sentence to remember the order is: ‘Never Eat Shredded Wheat’. Once you know the four main points, you can add the four in-between ones: North-East, South-East, South-West and North-West. These eight points make up the compass rose you’ll often see on maps. Maps also use a key or legend — a box that explains what all the symbols, colours and lines on the map mean.
