RANAPRATAP SCOUT GROUP
PM SHRI KV AFS AVADI CHENNAI - 600055
SPECIAL ONLINE SESSIONS FOR
RAJYAPURSKAR SCOUTS
SESSION 2 :-
MAPPING AND COMPASS
RANAPRATAP SCOUT GROUP
PM SHRI KV AFS AVADI CHENNAI - 600055
SPECIAL ONLINE SESSIONS FOR
RAJYAPURSKAR SCOUTS
SESSION 2 :-
MAPPING AND COMPASS
What is a Map?
A map is a drawing or representation of a place seen from
above.
It shows important features like roads, rivers, mountains,
towns, buildings, and more.
• Maps can be printed on paper or seen on phones and
computers.
They help us understand, explore, and travel through any
area.
What Do You See in a Map?
When you look at a map, you can see many things like:
• Landforms – hills, rivers, lakes
• Man-made features – roads, buildings, railways
• Symbols – small signs that show hospitals, schools, etc.
• Compass rose – shows directions (N, S, E, W)
• Scale and legend – helps understand distance and meanings
Uses of Maps
Maps are very useful in daily life and for special tasks.
They help us:
• Find directions (like from home to school)
• Plan trips or routes
• Understand geography
• Study land features
• Do scouting activities like tracking or hiking
Contour Lines
Contour lines show the height and shape of the land on a
map.
They connect points that are at the same height above sea
level.
Here’s how they work:
• Close contour lines = Steep slope (like a hill)
• Far contour lines = Gentle slope or flat land
Grid System
Maps are divided into small squares using straight lines.
This is called the grid system.
These squares help us locate places easily on a map.
Each box is like a mini section of the map.
We name these boxes using numbers and letters (like A1, B2, C3).
• The grid makes it simple to give directions or find exact spots.
Northings and Eastings
The grid system is made using two types of lines:
• Eastings:
These are the vertical lines (go up and down).
Numbers increase as you move east (right).
• Northings:
These are the horizontal lines (go left to right).
Numbers increase as you move north (up).
• 💡 We always read Eastings first, then Northings.
Example: If a point is at (12, 34), 12 is Easting, 34 is Northing.
SIMPLE QUIZ
•What do contour lines show?
a) Roads
b) Height and shape of land
c) Buildings
•Which lines go up and down on a map grid?
a) Northings
b) Eastings
•Which line number increases as you move up?
a) Eastings
b) Northings
•What should you read first in a grid reference?
a) Northings
b) Eastings
RANAPRATAP SCOUT GROUP
PM SHRI KV AFS AVADI CHENNAI - 600055
SPECIAL ONLINE SESSIONS FOR
RAJYAPURSKAR SCOUTS
SESSION 2 :-
MAPPING AND COMPASS
CONVENTIONAL SIGNS
Conventional signs are symbols used on
maps to show features like roads, rivers,
schools, and temples.
They make maps easy to read without
using too many words.
Map Reading
• Map reading means understanding the information shown on a map.
WeMaplook atreading means scales,
symbols, directions, understanding
and contour linesthe
to know what's
information shown on a map.
where.
It helps
We uslookfind at
places, plan routes,
symbols, and know the
directions, shape ofand
scales, the land.
contour lines to know what's where.
It helps us find places, plan routes, and
know the shape of the land.
Map Making ✍️
• Map making is the process of drawing a
map of an area.
It involves measuring, observing, and
marking important features.
We use different methods to make accurate
maps, depending on the area and tools.
5 Ds of Map 📌
When making a map, we follow the 5 Ds to make it clear, useful, and complete:
[Link] –
Explain the area with details like landmarks, surroundings, and purpose of the
map.
[Link] –
Show the correct direction. Always mark North clearly on the map.
[Link] –
Use a proper scale to show real distances between places.
[Link] –
Mark boundaries and borders clearly – like between states, zones, or plots.
[Link] –
Label everything properly – roads, rivers, schools, etc., using names or
symbols.
Plane Table Method 📐
The Plane Table Method is a simple and direct way of making maps
while standing in the field.
A plane table is a flat drawing board mounted on a tripod.
You draw the map directly on the paper as you observe the place.
✅ Steps:
• Set up the table at a point.
• Use a compass to set the direction.
• Sight objects using an alidade (a sighting tool).
• Draw lines and measure distances.
• Best for: Small areas like school grounds, parks, or campsites.
Triangulation Method 🔺
The Triangulation Method uses a series of triangles to map a large area.
You begin by choosing three known points to form a triangle.
Then, you measure the angles and distances from these points to
unknown points.
This method gives very accurate results, especially in hilly or open areas
where it's hard to move around.
✅ Steps:
• Create a baseline between two known points.
• Measure angles to a third point to form a triangle.
• Repeat to cover more area.
Best for: Mountains, forests, large open spaces.
ROAD TRAVERSE METHOD
In the Road Traverse Method, you walk along a path or road and take
measurements as you go.
This method uses tools like a compass, tape, or chain to measure distances
and angles.
You then draw the map step by step as you move along the route.
✅ Steps:
• Start at a known point.
• Measure distance to next point.
• Note changes in direction.
• Repeat and draw lines accordingly.
Best for: Roads, railway lines, rivers, or pipelines – long, narrow areas.