Grids and grid coordinates
The geographic grid system
was created to locate all
places on Earth.
It uses latitude and
longitude to describe
the location of any
place on Earth.
Grids and grid coordinates
One way of mapping
the world is on a globe,
because Earth is a sphere,
which is a 3D shape.
A map is usually a
2D drawing, and
shows an accurate
image of a place.
Most people find 2D maps
easier to use than globes.
Grids and grid coordinates
Grids and geographic
coordinates are used to
locate places on a map.
Grids and geographic
coordinates are used to
locate places on a map.
Grids are evenly spaced
horizontal and vertical
lines placed on a map.
Grids are evenly spaced
horizontal and vertical
lines placed on a map.
Letters or numbers are placed along the
sides of a grid. They are combined to
give grid coordinates for any location.
Letters or numbers are placed along the
sides of a grid. They are combined to
give grid coordinates for any location.
Grids and grid coordinates
When have you had to
locate places on a map?
When have you had to
locate places on a map?
Why is it useful to be
able to quickly locate
places on a map?
Why is it useful to be
able to quickly locate
places on a map?
Grids and grid coordinates
Maps in atlases and street directories are common
examples of where you might use grid coordinates.
Grids and grid coordinates
On this map, the grid coordinates are alphanumeric.
Alphanumeric means
a combination of
letters and numbers.
Alphanumeric means
a combination of
letters and numbers.
Grids and grid coordinates
On this map, the grid coordinates are alphanumeric.
What common type of map generally
uses alphanumeric coordinates?
What common type of map generally
uses alphanumeric coordinates?
Grids and grid coordinates
Locate the sports oval at Blair College.
The oval is easily
located within the
square bounded by
the grid coordinates.
The grid
coordinate
is C3.
Grids and grid coordinates
Note that the coordinate for the horizontal grid lines
is given first, and the vertical grid coordinate second.
Grids and grid coordinates
List one or two features that appear
at the grid coordinates.
Answer –
Church,
Blair Rd/High
St intersection
Answer –
Church,
Blair Rd/High
St intersection
B4
Grids and grid coordinates
List one or two features that appear
at the grid coordinates.
Answer –
Bowling alley,
houses
Answer –
Bowling alley,
houses
A2
Grids and grid coordinates
List one or two features that appear
at the grid coordinates.
Answer –
Tent shop,
houses
Answer –
Tent shop,
houses
D1
Grids and grid coordinates
Give the grid coordinates for the doctor.
Answer –
B1
Answer –
B1
Grids and grid coordinates
Give the grid coordinates for the fire station.
Answer –
F1
Answer –
F1
Grids and grid coordinates
Give the grid coordinates for the hospital.
Answer –
C2
Answer –
C2
Grids and grid coordinates
Answer –
D4
Answer –
D4
Give the grid coordinates for the corner of
Brown Street and Blair Road.
Eastings, northings and area references
This diagram uses a different type of grid system.
It is made up of numerals located on grid lines.
Eastings, northings and area references
The numbers that refer to the vertical grid lines
are called eastings.
Eastings, northings and area references
They increase in value as you move across
in an easterly direction.
Eastings, northings and area references
The numbers that refer to the horizontal grid lines
are called northings.
They increase in value as you move up in a
northerly direction.
Eastings, northings and area references
The two eastings numbers are joined with
the two northings numbers to make a
four-figure area reference.
Eastings, northings and area references
For example, a % symbol is located at eastings 46
and northings 22, so its area reference is 4622.
Eastings, northings and area references
Which symbol appears at these area references?
4124
4425
4323
4120
Answer –
Answer –
Answer –
Answer –
Grid references
Grid references locate places on a map more
accurately than area references.
A grid reference is a six figure number, made up
of a three-figure eastings reading and a three-figure
northings reading.
A grid reference is found by mentally subdividing
each grid square into tenths.
The third figure in each eastings and northings
reading is found by estimating how many tenths
across or up the exact location is.
Grid references
What is the grid reference for the Post Office?
Answer – 283579
Grid references
Name the feature at 280570.
Answer – An island
Grid references
Name the feature at 258576.
Answer – The river mouth
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
To locate different places
around Earth, we use
geographic coordinates –
measurements of
latitude and longitude.
Lines of latitude are
imaginary parallel lines
that circle the globe in an
east–west direction.
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
The Equator divides Earth into
northern and southern hemispheres.
Latitude measures how many degrees north
or south a point on Earth lies from the Equator.
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
What is the name given to the imaginary line of
latitude at:
Tropic of CapricornTropic of Capricorn
23.5
O
south of the Equator?
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
What is the name given to the imaginary line of
latitude at:
23.5
O
north of the Equator?
Tropic of CancerTropic of Cancer
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
What is the name given to the imaginary line of
latitude at:
66.5
O
south of the Equator?
Antarctic CircleAntarctic Circle
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
What is the name given to the imaginary line of
latitude at:
66.5
O
north of the Equator?
Arctic CircleArctic Circle
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Lines or meridians of longitude are imaginary lines
between the North and South Poles.
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Longitude measures how many degrees east or west
a point on Earth is from the Prime Meridian.
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
The Prime Meridian is the meridian of longitude at 0
O
.
It divides Earth into eastern and western hemispheres.
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
What is the name given to the imaginary line at 180
O
from the Prime Meridian?
International Date LineInternational Date Line
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Find out why it is given this name.
Suggest why it is this shape.
Find out why it is given this name.
Suggest why it is this shape.
International Date LineInternational Date Line
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
The exact location of any
place on Earth is given by
its geographic coordinates.
You can find examples in
the index of your atlas.
Measurements for latitude
and longitude are given in
degrees (and minutes).
Latitude is stated first,
then longitude.
Sydney’s geographic coordinates are:
33.52S 151.10E
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Tokyo’s geographic coordinates are:
35.40N 139.45E
Tokyo
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Washington’s geographic coordinates are:
38.55N 77.00W
Washington
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Cairo’s geographic coordinates are:
30.03N 31.15E
Cairo
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Cape Town’s geographic coordinates are:
33.56S 18.28E
Cape Town
Grid coordinates – latitude and longitude
Geographic coordinates and alphanumeric
references are used in the index of an atlas.
One atlas gives Sydney’s reference as
Map 50 J12 33.52S 151.10E.
To locate a place in your atlas, check:
•the map number
•the grid
•geographic coordinates –
latitude first, then longitude.
Latitude and longitude quiz
What is maximum number of degrees it is possible
to move north of the Equator?
Answer – 90
O
What is this point called?
Answer – The North Pole
Latitude and longitude quiz
What is maximum number of degrees it is possible
to move south of the Equator?
Answer – 90
O
What is this point called?
Answer – The South Pole
Latitude and longitude quiz
Fill in the gaps.
Lines of longitude are used as the
basis of the world’s _____ zones.
They measure degrees _____ and
west of the ______ Meridian.
The _______ measurement is always given
first, followed by the _________ measurement.
Measurements are in _________ and minutes.
latitude degrees time
longitude east Prime
latitude
longitude
degrees
time
Prime
east
Atlas activities
You need an atlas for these activities.
Atlas activity
Name the continent that includes a
place at these geographic coordinates:30
O
S 120
O
E
Australia
AustraliaAustralia
Atlas activity
Name the continent that includes a
place at these geographic coordinates:60
O
N 120
O
W
North America
Australia
North AmericaNorth America
Atlas activity
Name the continent that includes a
place at these geographic coordinates:90
O
S 180
O
Antarctica
North America
Australia
AntarcticaAntarctica
Atlas activity
Name the continent that includes a
place at these geographic coordinates:0
O
30
O
E
Africa
Antarctica
North America
Australia
AfricaAfrica
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
Darwin
Canberra
Brisbane
Adelaide
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
34.52S, 138.30E34.52S, 138.30E
Darwin
Canberra
Brisbane
Adelaide
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
34.52S, 138.30E34.52S, 138.30E
Darwin
Canberra
27.25S, 153.02E27.25S, 153.02E
Brisbane
Adelaide
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
35.15S, 149.08E35.15S, 149.08E
34.52S, 138.30E34.52S, 138.30E
Darwin
Canberra
27.25S, 153.02E27.25S, 153.02E
Brisbane
Adelaide
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
35.15S, 149.08E35.15S, 149.08E
34.52S, 138.30E34.52S, 138.30E
12.25S, 130.51E12.25S, 130.51E
Darwin
Canberra
27.25S, 153.02E27.25S, 153.02E
Brisbane
Adelaide
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
Sydney
Perth
Melbourne
Hobart
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
42.50S, 147.21E42.50S, 147.21E
Sydney
Perth
Melbourne
Hobart
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
37.50S, 145.00E37.50S, 145.00E
42.50S, 147.21E42.50S, 147.21E
Sydney
Perth
Melbourne
Hobart
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
37.50S, 145.00E37.50S, 145.00E
31.57S, 115.52E31.57S, 115.52E
42.50S, 147.21E42.50S, 147.21E
Sydney
Perth
Melbourne
Hobart
Atlas activity
Use your atlas to find the capital cities
of Australia’s states and territories.
List the latitude and longitude for each one.
37.50S, 145.00E37.50S, 145.00E
31.57S, 115.52E31.57S, 115.52E
42.50S, 147.21E42.50S, 147.21E
Sydney
Perth
33.53S, 151.10E33.53S, 151.10E
Melbourne
Hobart
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
North
South
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Order the capitals from north to south.
North
South
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
Atlas activity
Now order the capitals from west to east.
Sydney 33.53S, 151.10ESydney 33.53S, 151.10E
Hobart 42.50S, 147.21EHobart 42.50S, 147.21E
Brisbane 27.25S, 153.02EBrisbane 27.25S, 153.02E
Darwin 12.25S, 130.51EDarwin 12.25S, 130.51E
Adelaide 34.52S, 138.30EAdelaide 34.52S, 138.30E
Canberra 35.15S, 149.08ECanberra 35.15S, 149.08E
Melbourne 37.50S, 145.00EMelbourne 37.50S, 145.00E
Perth 31.57S, 115.52EPerth 31.57S, 115.52E
West
East
History of longitude
Early sea navigators
didn’t know how to
measure longitude.
How would this affect
their sea journeys?
How would this affect
their sea journeys?
Find out how they
discovered longitude.
Find out how they
discovered longitude.