Using your Ordnance Survey Map and Compass

The Ordnance Survey have put online eight excellent videos on YouTube presented by TV presenter, adventurer and OS champion Steve Backshall which take you through the basics of how to read an OS map and how to use a compass. Here they are.

(You do need to watch some in order, for example "Taking a 6-figure grid reference" refers back to "Taking a 4-figure grid reference" and the three compass ones are really a set.)

Choosing the right map

Understanding map symbols

Understanding contour lines

Taking a 4-figure grid reference

Taking a 6-figure grid reference

How to use a compass

Taking a compass bearing

Understanding magnetic north


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