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Maths In Jobs

Be a junior cartographer for a day maths challenge

An imaginative role-play challenge where children use maps, coordinates, scale and direction like a real cartographer.

Quick answer

You can be a junior cartographer for a day by using maps, coordinates, scale, and direction to find your way around and create your own treasure maps!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use maps, coordinates, and direction to find your way around and create a simple treasure map. Success signs:
  • You can read a simple map with symbols and a compass rose
  • You can use coordinates to find a hidden location
  • You can give clear directions to get from one place to another
  • You can create a simple treasure map with a key

Why this matters

Being a cartographer is a real job that uses lots of maths! Cartographers (map-makers) use maths to work out how far apart places are, what direction they are in, and how to draw accurate maps. Whether you're planning a walk in the park, playing a treasure hunt game, or even building a LEGO city, you're using the same skills as a real cartographer. Understanding maps and directions helps you navigate the world and solve problems every day.

How it works

Being a junior cartographer means you’ll use these maths skills:
  1. Reading maps – You’ll learn to understand symbols, compass directions, and scales
  2. Using coordinates – You’ll find secret locations using number pairs
  3. Following directions – You’ll learn how to give clear steps to get from one place to another
  4. Creating maps – You’ll design your own treasure map with a key

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you're on a treasure hunt in your garden. You have a map with a compass rose and a key to help you find the treasure. Example 1: Reading a compass rose Your map shows a compass rose with north, south, east, and west. If the treasure is 5 steps to the east, you know to walk 5 steps to the right from your starting point. Example 2: Using coordinates On your treasure map, the treasure is at point (3, 4). This means:
  • Move 3 steps to the right (across the map)
  • Move 4 steps up (towards the top of the map)
Example 3: Following directions To get from your house to the park, you might say:
  1. Start at the house
  2. Walk 10 steps north
  3. Turn right and walk 5 steps
  4. You are at the park!

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great Garden Treasure Hunt You are a junior cartographer! Your mission is to find the hidden treasure in your garden using a map and clues. Step 1: Draw a simple map of your garden. Include your house, a tree, a flower bed, and a bench. Step 2: Place a treasure at a secret spot. Use coordinates to mark where it is. For example: (2, 5) means 2 steps right and 5 steps up. Step 3: Write directions to find the treasure from your house. Step 4: Give your map to a friend or family member to solve. Step 5: Swap roles and let someone else be the cartographer!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Confusing left and right when giving directions Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused when you’re not facing the same way Fix: Use landmarks like “turn left when you see the tree” or “walk past the garden shed”
  • Mistake: Mixing up the order of coordinates Why it happens: Coordinates are always written as (x, y) – but it’s easy to get them wrong Fix: Remember: first number is right/left, second number is up/down
  • Mistake: Not using a compass rose to check direction Why it happens: You might think you know which way is north Fix: Always look at the compass rose on your map to make sure you’re going the right way

Parent and carer guide

Here’s how to help your child become a junior cartographer in just 5-10 minutes:
  • Start with a simple map: Draw a map of your home or garden together
  • Use everyday items: Use a toy car or a small stone to mark locations
  • Play the game: Give your child directions to find a hidden toy
  • Ask questions: “Where did you start?” and “How did you know which way to go?”
  • Encourage creativity: Let them design their own treasure map with a key
What to watch for:
  • Do they understand that (3, 4) means 3 right and 4 up?
  • Can they follow simple directions?
  • Are they excited to explore and solve problems?
What not to worry about:
  • They might make small mistakes – that’s how they learn!
  • They don’t need to know all the compass points yet
  • They can use drawings or symbols to represent places

Practice questions

  1. On a map, if the treasure is at (4, 3), how do you get there from the start?
  2. What does the compass rose tell you?
  3. If you start at the house and walk 7 steps north, then 3 steps east, where are you?
  4. What does the key on a map help you do?
  5. How many steps east and north would you walk to get to (6, 2)?
Answers:
  1. Move 4 steps right, then 3 steps up
  2. It shows the directions (north, south, east, west)
  3. You are 7 steps north and 3 steps east of the house
  4. It explains what symbols mean on the map
  5. 6 steps east and 2 steps north

FAQ

What is a cartographer?

A cartographer is someone who makes maps. They use maths to work out how far apart places are, what direction they are in, and how to draw accurate maps.

Why do we need maps?

Maps help us find our way around, plan journeys, and understand where we are. They are like roadmaps that help us get from one place to another.

How do I read a map?

You read a map by looking at the compass rose to know which way is north, and the key to understand what symbols mean. You can also use coordinates to find exact locations.

Can I make my own map?

Yes! You can draw a map of your house, garden, or even your bedroom. Add symbols for your things and use a compass rose to show directions.

How can I practice being a cartographer?

You can practice by playing treasure hunts, following directions, or drawing maps of your home. You can also use a compass to find directions outside.