1. Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
Map Reading
Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

2. Maps
2D representation of the ground, showing recognisable features and contour lines.

3. Types of Maps
Orienteering, topographical, park, track & aerial maps.

4. Map Reading – Map Keys
Most maps use symbols to represent certain types of features – eg a little fir tree symbol to indicate a forest.
So that everyone can read the map, there must be a “key” which explains what each symbol means.

5. Margin Information
Includes when the map was printed & by whom etc

6. Map Information
Includes keys, scales, North line, Major lines, Minor lines, Point features etc

7. Map Features: Colours Brown – landforms Blue – water Black – man-made
Green – vegetation
White – open land

8. Map Features: Contours
Contour lines join all land formations at the same level
Closer together contour lines, the steeper the slope
Follow the contour line – you won’t be going up or down-hill

9. Map Features: Thumbing
It may help you to mark the map periodically with your current position
You can do this by making a mark with your thumb

10. Map Orientation
Orientate the map to the land when you read it – everything on the map goes the same way as on the ground
Map pointer – use a blade of grass on the map to show your current position or intended the direction

11. Map Features: Thumbing
It may help you to mark the map periodically with your current position
You can do this by making a mark with your thumb

12. Grid References
Used to pinpoint exact locations within a grid square. Eg square 4531 32 x 31
X is midway between 45 & 46  455
31 & 32  315
Grid reference is