About “Orientating the map”
Here you learn how to hold the map so it matches the terrain.
How to orientate the map
Every time you need to read the map, you should first turn it the correct way. This is called orientating the map. Here is how: Hold the map horizontally in front of you. Look around the terrain and find clear paths, roads, streams, field edges, buildings or sports fields. Find the same details on the map. Turn the map until it matches the terrain. The map follows the terrain – the map is orientated and therefore easier to read!
The map is orientated
Click the buttons and you will see that the maps are orientated according to the terrain.
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As you move forward, you should always practice keeping the map orientated, especially when you change direction.
The map should follow the terrain at all times. But it often tends to follow the body and twist the wrong way when you change direction. Make it a habit to orientate the map again every time you need to read it.
Which map is orientated so that it matches the terrain?
ShowHide answer
Tips
Use something far away that you can still see, such as a tall mast, a mountain peak or a tall building, and orientate the map using that feature. You can use a compass to orientate the map. You will learn more about that later
What have you learned?
Answer all questions correctly and win a gold medal!
What should you do with the map every time you need to read it?
What does it mean to orientate the map?
Why is it important to orientate the map?
When do you know the map is orientated?
Which map is correctly orientated so it matched this aerial photo?
Activities
Play: Map Symbol Maze (Activity Bank).
With orienteering map: Line Orienteering (Activity Bank).