The National Grid

The National Grid

In order to reference any point in mainland Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) the area has been divided into a grid of 100km squares. Each square has then been given a unique two letter code (see right).

Each 100km x 100km square is then further subdivided into 1km x 1km lines which are overprinted on Ordnance Survey maps.

By further subdividing this 1km x 1km grid it is possible to give coordinates to any 100m x 100m square anywhere in the country using a 6 figure reference number.

Since this 6 figure reference number can be duplicated in each of the 100km x 100km squares, you must add the two letter grid identifier to make the grid reference truly unique.

For more details see Giving a Grid Reference.


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› Basic Navigation Tips

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› Gathering Feature

› Reading and Giving Grid References or OS Coordinates

› Handrailing

› How to sound like an expert

› Jargon

› Line Feature

› The National Grid

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› Post-it Note Scale

› Setting the Map

› Suitable Maps for Walking

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› Walking in the Dark

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