How to Read 6 figure Grid References

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Grid References can be a little confusing, however the Map Gridfinder is a simple to use Overlay with two scales 1:25 000 and 1:50 000.

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These scales are suitable for most popular walking maps giving an accuracy of 100 metres.

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The Grid System

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Most popular maps have grid lines which run vertically and horizontally and form 1km squares. The Map Gridfinder divides the 1km square accurately, into 100 small squares.

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When reading Grid References, read along the bottom of the map first, going from left to right (Eastings). Then read up the side of the map, from bottom to top (Northings).

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A memory aid is 'along the corridor, then up the stairs'

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For Grid Reference 345 678 find 34 along the bottom and 67 up the side, that will locate which square. The 5 and 8 are sub divisions of that square.

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It's easy with a scale of 1: 25 000 and with practice you can calculate 8 figure Grid References.