Map reading instruction

[Guest]

To all who are interested in this subject?

Through this forum, I intend to run some map reading instruction (I have available 10 maps, all of the same area for instructional purposes. I will post these out to members individual addresses via snail mail. So if you have an interest please e - mail your home address to me through the club. I think Shark1e is setting me an e - mail address up. Please DO NOT post your address on here for security reasons. First come first served. All that I ask is that the map is returned to me when you no longer have need of it so another club member can benefit. Should you have need to mark the map please do so only in pencil, so marks can be later erased.

I will be aiming initial instruction at the very basic moving on as individuals progress. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you need to understand and digest the subject before moving on. I will try time permitting, to pop into the chatroom on a Friday evening to answer any questions directly. Hopefully, by the end of the instruction you will be able to plan a legally driveable off road route, linked by tarmac, and be able to state basic information about the route for the use of others: ie;

Start GR 202781 Minor road approx 14 miles east of Lincoln

1. From start point at GR 202781 turn South and follow the obvious track for 400 yards crossing a small river to a ‘T’ junction, GR 205774

2. Turn left - East - up hill and follow the track crossing a minor road in 350 yards. 300 yards beyond this is a fork in the track at GR 215774 ………………..etc etc (this extract is taken from a route I have planned for instructional purposes only, on Sheet 122 Skegness - the map I will be sending out).

Follow this link to the ordanace survey website, which gives a basic guide to the grid reference system and much more. http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/gi/nationalgrid/nationalgrid.pdf

Now just sit back and think for a moment - if this post gets just 10 replies and each member, later plans just one local route that will give the club one off road per month for the majority of the year. Converted to mini meets the possibilities are endless.

Thanks for taking the time to read this rather long post, and please read my other on planning greenlaning.

 

[Guest]

7 taken up the offer so far,

Gego
Rbrt
Iandouglas
Shark1e
Toolbox
Ern1e
Wolf

any more? You can now e - mail me direct at the club.

 

[Guest]

great idea Andy, glad to hear you have accepted the R.O.W.O (rights of way officer) position.

ok just to make it fair on all members who may want to take this offer up, we need to put a few little rules in place so there are no arguments later.

1: map is on free loan and to be returned to R.O.W.O upon request (for extra map loan time please e-mail R.O.W.O)

2: non returned maps and non compliance of above rule will result in membership suspension until returned if requested.

3: the club will post the maps out at clubs expense, but the member will be required to cover return postage cost,

please take care of these maps at all times.

thanks again

Shark1e + R.O.W.O

 

[Guest]

If you look in the bottom left hand corner of this dialouge box, you will see an e mail link. Please use that to send me your home address

Thanks

 

[fingers]

training

hi its fingers
how will this work need some info

 

[Guest]

Hi Fingers,

If you want to take part, e mail me your home address. I will post out to you via snail mail, a map to practice with. I then post on this thread instructions on what to do, if I can work it out I may use diagrams. All you have to do, is read along follow the instructions, ask questions, and given time, answer questions I intend to ask on the map you will have.

This is a useful link http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/gi/nationalgrid/nationalgrid.pdf
It explains the grid reference system, which I will be doing, once you have mastered GRs, everything else falls into place. Well at least untill we do interpretation of contours.

3 Maps left if anyone else wants to join in.

 

[Guest]

Map reading instruction - lesson one

Map reading lesson 1

Introduction, Use, Care, reliability, and marginal information.

What is a map?

A map is a bird’s eye view of the ground, drawn to scale on a piece of paper.

Use of maps. Interpretation of information.

Map reading is not an end to itself. A map is just a means of communicating information between users. It is the responsibility of the user to select and interpret the information required for the purpose in hand.

Care

Whilst maps are relatively inexpensive abuse is never warranted, wherever possible avoid marking maps, as marks obscure other information, and in extreme cases can lead to false interpretation of information. Rain ruins maps, as does repeated folding making new creases.

Reliability

A map is only reliable when it is being drawn. On the date it is published, it is already out of date. For example: woods come and go as do buildings. New roads are constantly being laid and houses built in areas previously considered inaccessible. Foreign maps can be out of date by up to twenty years when first published and showing first edition. Maps are frequently reprinted without revision. Therefore, a new map may not actually be that, and as a result, care should be exercised when interpreting any information contained.

Marginal Information

Contains all the details needed for interpretation of the map. Because maps are generally folded and the margins normally out of sight, users should familiarise them selves with all information. Especially the conventional signs used to interpret the topographical information. It is always worth spending time checking this information as from time to time conventional signs do change. Other information contained include map title and sheet numbers, details of scale, publishing dates, the grid magnetic angle and annual change, and a reminder of the grid reference system.

For this basic introduction, I would like you all to study the marginal information, mainly the conventional signs, and familiarise yourselves with the differences between similar signs ie; Footpaths, Bridleways and roads used as a public paths.

Next lesson, which will be more hands on will be, Understanding the grid reference system.

 

[Toolbox]

Cameraman,
What type of road is classed as a green lane for motors with out a hard surface, as I see and I quote from the map " The representation on this map of any other road, track or path is no evidence of the existence of a right of way" so I presume its not these.

 

[Guest]

On the map you have in front of you, the roads you require are called 'Road used as a public path' and are represented by a red dot dash line.

There are also 'Other road, drive or track' represented by 2 parallel lines plain inside, shown as small dashes for unfenced. This does not mean they are a right of way and may be someones drive (access to a farm or similar)

The reason the quote you gave is included is because, as I mentioned, things change, and maps only record a birds eye view of the ground. For this reason it is up to the individual to check out the legality of each proposed route.

As the maps you have are dated 1980, they are in fact considerably out of date and I retain them only for instructional purposes. Newer maps include newer conventional signs for 'Byway open to all traffic' (BOATS) and 'Other route with public access'. They too contain a quote "The exact nature of the rights on these routes and the existence of any restrictions may be checked with the local highways authority"

Hope this helps

 

[Guest]

Map reading instruction lesson 2

Map Reading 2

The Grid Reference system

The grid reference system can be used on all ordanance survey maps of Great Britain at all scales. Britain is divided into 100km grid squares, each square being identified by two letters. These letters can be found in the corners of each map in hollow blue letters. Generally, these should always be quoted before the figures in a GR sequence.

Each map is divided into 1km squares by fine blue lines. The lines running vertically and progressively numbered from left to right (in an easterly direction) are known as Eastings and are the first set of figures quoted in a GR. The lines running horizontally and progressively numbered from bottom to top (in a northerly direction) are known as Northings, and are the second set of numbers quoted in a GR. To remember this sequence, say, “Along the corridor and up the stairs”

Four figure GRs

To find a four figure GR (correct to 1km on the ground). First - along the corridor, read the two numbers found on the bottom of the map. Second - up the stairs, read the two numbers on the side of the map. Follow the line up and across, where the lines meet you have the bottom left hand corner of a 1km grid square. Four figure Grs are useful to give a general area or an obvious feature.

Using the conventional signs in marginal information answer the following questions:

1. Describe the difference between the woods in grid square TF 3368 and TF 3068

2. What is the farm called in grid square TF 4384

3. What is the village called in grid square TF 2975

4. What is the main feature of grid square TF 3063

5. What is the right of way leading North from the buildings in grid square TF 3279

Six figure GRs

These are the Grs normally used in map reading and are accurate to 100m on the ground. A deviation of no more than one digit incorrect is the minimum acceptable standard.

To find a six figure GR first separate the six figures into two groups of three. Using the first, two figures in the first group, and the first two figures in the second group, find the four figure GR you now have. Having found the square using the third figure of each group, estimate the approx number of tenths - along the corridor and up the stairs. Where the imaginary lines intersect, you now have a six figure GR.

Find Pyewipe farm at GR TF 433854. So……TF….43 & 3 tenths...85 & 4 tenths

What is at the following Grid references? TF omitted in all cases.

a. 239770
b. 270762
c. 237744
d. 216766
e. 213791
f. 187735
g. 189734
h. 205716
i. 297730
j. 315761
k. 254790
l. 225792
m. 424778
n. 258757
o. 244726

Now, find and post the six figure grid references of the following conventional signs: Do not use the ones above!

1. Public house
2. Telephone
3. Post office
4. Viewpoint
5. Camping or caravan site
6. Picnic area
7. Windmill
8. Toilets
9. Radio or TV mast
10. Church

Please PM or e - mail answers to me.

 

[JonathanM]

Don't forget though guys that while Andy is asking for you to use RUPP's, under the new NERC legislation RUPPs no longer have vehcile access. Its BOATs & ORPAs only (and not all of them, either)

 

[Guest]

Just to try and clear a few points raised:

The maps being used for instruction are just that and retained by me for instructional purposes. If I was to keep buying new maps as published I would be even more skint than I am already. They are Ok to teach the basics, and little else. Everyone seems to wanting to run before they can walk. Yes some of the conventional signs have changed and yes new laws have come in place. But please be patient and learn the basics first, before rushing out and planning routes.

I have added some images explaining the new signs with GRs. I hope this clears things up:
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.co.uk/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=47&pos=0
323892 to 317894 ORPA(other route with public access)
317894 to 306892 BOAT(byway open to all traffic)
A larger scale version of same, note change in colour of signs
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.co.uk/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=47&pos=2
Again this does not mean they are legally open. These are just 500 metres from my home.

And finally one in North west Norfolk, legally open as I write this, and possibly being driven in August: 916438 to 935415

 

[Guest]

Map reading Instruction - lesson three

Map Reading lesson 3

Scales and measuring distance

All maps as we know are drawn to scale. The most popular scales we use are 1:50 000 and 1:25 000. This just means that, for example 1:50 000, each item in reality is 50 000 times smaller on paper. Alternatively, 1cm on the map is 50 000 cm on the ground (500 metres). Making it easier still each grid square is 2cm square; therefore, each grid square is 1 kilometre square. On a 1:25 000 map each grid square is still 1km square but measures 4cm, so there is more detail shown. There are many other scales used on maps, possibly the other one you will come across is 1:63 360, 1” to 1 mile, if you remember old money. These are quite commonly used on motoring or tourist maps.

This makes it easy for us to estimate distances between points in a straight line. As by now, you should be familiar with six figure grid references and subdividing each square into tenths, so you can into equal tenths that equal 100 meters.

From GR 327874 to GR 206860 is approximately 12.1km, 12ks would be near enough if driving.

To be more accurate, you need to use other methods. There are various small-wheeled devices available to draw over the route and then reverse the procedure on the drawn scale at the bottom centre of the map. This gives a more accurate distance. Other methods include, non-stretchy string, held at the start point and moved around the chosen route, following each twist and turn. Again measured on the scale at the bottom. Paper method, Taking a straight edge of paper mark a line for the start, move the paper round the route following each twist and turn, similar to string, again re measure on the scale at the bottom of the map. Probably the most accurate method.

Using one of the above methods, measure the distance from:

GR 202781 to GR 272761 via the Roman road

GR 272761 to GR 301828 via the A153

GR 497869 to GR 525813 via the quickest route.

Please PM or e - mail answers to me.

 

[Guest]

Come on people, its a bit disheartening to post these lessons for you and receive very little feed back. I've now posted two lessons (three including tonights) and received only two replys. Am I to take it that you are all fully confident on what I've posted already and wanting to move on? Or do you need some thing explained again. Its new to me as well, as I've only ever given instruction face to face, been able to use diagrams and give examples. I'm not yet computer literate to do this here. I would appreciate some feed back even its if negative.

Thanks in advance for your co operation
Cameraman

 

[Guest]

ok all those with maps can you please reply to this post and let andy know if you are struggling or not getting something,
don't be shy to ask, he is putting a lot of work and time into this map reading tuition and has not had many replies so far,

all your answers need to be sent to andy by private message or by e-mail NOT posted in the forums ok.

help is on hand if you just don't understand what to do,

i came in from doing 300 miles driving at 02:30 and did mine straight away so there really is no excuse not have your answers in,

don't be embarressed just ask for help or it's not going to work.

thanks

shark1e

 

[Guest]

Map reading instruction - lesson four

Map Reading lesson 4

Introduction to the compass

During this course of instruction we will not be using a magnetic compass. However, you still need to know the four cardinal compass points of North, East, South, and West. You also need to know the four intermediate points of Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest. If you imagine a clock face,

North is 12, East is 3, South is 6, West is 9.

Northeast is between 1 and 2. Southeast is between 4 and 5. Southwest is between 7 and 8. Northwest is between 10 and 11.

In addition, on a map we have three North points:

True North, which as it states points true North.

Magnetic North, which is influenced by the earths magnetic field and varies a few degrees(or mils if you prefer) each year. More information of how this varies is found in marginal information at the top centre of the map. This is called the Grid magnetic angle, and the annual change is given. The grid magnetic angle is measured between magnetic North and Grid North.

Grid North is simply the direction of the vertical grid lines (which we now know as eastings). North is always the top of the map. If grid lines were to magnetic or true north, they would not form squares, but be wider at the bottom and narrow at the top(at least they would in the northern hemisphere).

For your home work this time, Simply work out the grid magnetic angle now (2006) from when the map was published in 1980. Read carefully the GMA. This is just to give you some advance on should we use magnetic compasses in the future, and need to convert bearings from magnetic to grid or vice versa.

Also, try and fit in these points:

North north east, East north east, East south east, South south east, South south west, West south west, West north west and North north west.

 

[Guest]

Map reading instruction - lesson five

Map Reading lesson 5

Setting a map to ground, compass and landmarks

When using a map on the ground, it is usually easier to orientate the map to the ground. Ladies tend to do this instinctively, whilst men tend to look at the map with grid north to the top. Reading the map on the ground with grid north to the top requires practice, is usually harder and can lead to some basic mistakes, especially when tired or rushed into a decision.

The easiest way to align a map is with a compass. The compass needle points to magnetic north, line magnetic north on the map with the compass needle. Your map is now set to ground and normally easier to follow.

If you already know the direction of true north, you can use this method and turn the map. Just be 100% sure you are correct.

Alternate methods of finding north will be dealt with later.

The most common method of setting map to ground is by landmarks and eye. Pick out two or three prominent objects, road junctions, churches, woods or similar. Turn the map so that the chosen objects you can see are in the correct place in relation to the map.

This is not something you can readily practice until out on the ground, but once mastered makes position and route finding easier.

 

[Guest]

Map reading lesson 6

Relief, Vertical Interval and Interpretation of Contours

To understand the shape of the ground from a map is a skill. Once learnt it needs practice. Understand the basics and the rest will follow. A contour line is a pale brown line joining points of equal heights above sea level. The interval between contour lines (vertical interval) is normally 10m, but can vary with the scale of map. Older maps, non-metric, show contours at 50 feet (16m) so check in marginal information.

If contour lines are close together then the ground is steep. In some very steep areas, contour lines can merge or blend. Take a look around Grid 323757.

One way of visualising contour lines as landscape is to think of the sea at high tide leaving a mark, and another every 10m on its way out.

Land with little or no contours, is generally flat When trying to visualise the land, remember contours are numbered upwards in height. Two flat areas, Grid 3886 and grid 4878.

Try to imagine, stood at the bottom contour looking up. If the lines are tighter at the bottom and more spaced towards the top you have a convex slope, Grid 330780 to grid 342795. If spaced at bottom, tight at top, concave, Grid 310750 to grid 314762. Even all way, even slope. Of course, you have all the variants in between.

Other things to look for are rivers; these always run downhill and tend to run into or along valleys, Grid 3471.

A valley is a V shaped hill, two ways to interpret a valley, rivers and the V. The V should be pointing upwards in height, Grid 348784. If the V is pointing downwards in height then it is a spur. A spur is a hill that juts out, Grid 304748.

You should also look for the conventional signs for Cliffs, Rocks, Scree and Outcrops to give a guide, Grid 289779.

It is always worth bearing in mind that fluctuations of 9m or less do not show on maps with a vertical interval of 10m. When planning walks, this can give a few surprises, like false summits. When planning drives, this can also mean little surprises although embankments and such will be shown.

Now using the skills you have acquired; examine carefully an area of the map of your choice. E mail or PM me a detailed description like the example I’ve given. Use Grid references, conventional signs, distance and a description of the ground. DO NOT pick an airfield and say it’s flat, whilst this maybe true, it does not demonstrate whether you have gained any knowledge.

Route Card. Sheet 122 Skegness, Approx 6½ miles, Old Roman road

Start GR 202781 Minor road approx 14 miles east of Lincoln:
1. From start point GR 202781 turn to the South east and follow the obvious track for 400 yards, crossing a small river to a ‘T’ junction, GR 205775
2. Turn left - East - uphill and follow the track crossing a minor road in 350 yards, to a fork in the track at GR 215778 in a further 300 yards

3. Take the right fork, South East and downhill along the edge of a small wood, cross a minor road in 700 yards, continue downhill for 900 yards to Market Bridge, cross river Bain. At this point, you are in a small valley.

4. Do not take the bridleway due South, but follow the unmade RUPP South East, uphill for ½ mile. Rejoin the made lane and cross a minor road in 300 yards, (the spur of land to your right and the minor road, leads to the village of Hemingby) continue uphill and South East for a further 1½ miles, passing a trig point to the finish point at GR 273761
Finish GR 273761 junction with A153, Left and North for Louth. South and Right for Horncastle

Please note that the above is only an example and not a legally open route to drive

 

[Guest]

Two weeks and only one reply, is anyone still following this thread?

 

[iandouglas]

still catching up

hi camaraman.
yes we are still here although a little behind.
been away twice in the last four weeks so not had much time
will buckle down to it over the next week so we should catch up soon.
iandouglas @sheila :mexwave: