X Tables
Cross Curricular Maths

Maths in maps

Use coordinates, scale, direction and distance.

Quick answer

Maths in maps helps us find places, understand distances, and follow directions using numbers, coordinates, and scales. You can use maths to read a map and find your way around!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use maths to read a map, find locations using coordinates, understand how scale works, and follow directions using distance and direction. Success signs:
  • You can read a simple map and find a place using coordinates
  • You can understand how a scale shows real distances
  • You can follow directions using compass points and distance
  • You can use maths to plan a simple journey on a map

Why this matters

Maps use maths every day to help us find our way. Whether you're walking to school, going on a trip, or playing a game, you use maths to understand where you are and where you need to go. Maps help us plan journeys, avoid getting lost, and even play games like treasure hunts or board games. Learning about maths in maps helps you become a better navigator and problem solver.

How it works

Maps use several maths ideas to help us find our way:
  • Coordinates are numbers that tell you exactly where something is
  • Scale shows how distances on the map match real distances
  • Direction tells you which way to go (north, south, east, west)
  • Distance helps you understand how far you need to go
Let's look at each one in detail.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're going on a treasure hunt using a map. Your map shows a grid and a treasure chest at a specific place. Here's how you can use maths to find it. 1. Coordinates A map might show a grid with letters and numbers. If the treasure is at point B3, that means:
  • Go to the B column (counting from left to right)
  • Go to the 3 row (counting from top to bottom)
2. Scale A map might say "1 cm = 100 m". This means that every centimetre on the map is 100 metres in real life. If the treasure is 3 cm away, you need to walk 300 metres. 3. Direction You might need to go "north 30 degrees" or "east for 5 steps". These are directions that help you know which way to go. 4. Distance If you are 150 metres from the treasure, you know how far you have to walk. If you walk 30 metres every minute, it will take you 5 minutes.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Map Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt in your garden or a local park. Here's how to use maths to find it:
  1. Start at the big oak tree (this is your starting point)
  2. Walk 4 steps north
  3. Turn right (east) and walk 3 steps
  4. Walk 2 steps south
  5. Turn left (west) and walk 1 step
  6. Find the treasure!
Challenge: Draw your own treasure map using compass directions and steps. Write down the directions you took to find the treasure.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Confusing east and west when reading directions.
    Why it happens: Children mix up left and right or don't know which way the compass points.
    Fix: Use a compass or remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
  • Mistake: Not understanding how scale works.
    Why it happens: Children think that 1 cm on a map equals 1 cm in real life.
    Fix: Practice with simple examples like "1 cm = 10 m". Use a ruler to measure and calculate real distances.
  • Mistake: Getting confused with coordinates.
    Why it happens: Children mix up rows and columns or don't know which way to read them.
    Fix: Use a simple grid and practice with letters and numbers. Start with just one letter and number, like "A1", then move to more complex ones.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Practising with a simple map at home or in a local park
  • Using compass directions while walking or driving
  • Playing treasure hunt games using simple maps
  • Using real-life examples like "if we walk 2 steps north and 3 steps east, where do we end up?"
  • Encouraging your child to draw their own simple maps
What to say:
  • "Let's look at the map together and find the school"
  • "What do you think the scale means?"
  • "Can you tell me which way we need to go?"
What not to worry about:
  • Don't expect perfect accuracy at first
  • It's okay if your child gets directions mixed up at first
  • Encourage more practice, not correction

Practice questions

  1. On a map, a place is at coordinates (C, 5). What does this mean?
  2. If the scale is 1 cm = 50 m, how far is 4 cm on the map?
  3. If you walk 3 steps north, then 2 steps east, what direction are you going?
  4. What does "scale 1:1000" mean?
  5. If a map shows 1 cm = 1 km, how far is 6 cm on the map?
Answers:
  1. Go to the C column and the 5th row
  2. 200 metres
  3. East
  4. 1 cm on the map represents 1000 cm in real life
  5. 6 km

FAQ

What is a coordinate on a map?

A coordinate is a pair of numbers or letters that tells you exactly where something is on a map. For example, (A, 3) means the first column and the third row.

How do you use a scale on a map?

A scale shows how distances on the map match real distances. For example, if the scale is 1 cm = 100 m, then every centimetre on the map equals 100 metres in real life.

Why do we need maps?

Maps help us find places, understand distances, and plan journeys. They are used in everyday life for walking, driving, hiking, and even in games and puzzles.

Can you use maths in other games?

Yes! Many games use maths in maps, such as video games, board games, and treasure hunts. You use coordinates, directions, and distance to play these games.

How can I practice maths in maps at home?

You can draw a simple map of your house or garden, use a compass, or play a treasure hunt game using directions and distances.