How to read compass directions on a map

Orient the map first

North is at the top of many maps, but not all of them. Look for a north arrow or an orientation note first. From north, east is a quarter turn clockwise, south is opposite north and west is opposite east.

Choose a starting point

A direction needs a starting point. On this map, the garden is east of the school. From the garden, the school is west. Reversing the journey reverses the direction, even though the map stays the same.

Combine two directions for a diagonal. The tower is northeast of the school because it lies both north and east of it. If a label has a leader line, follow the line to the actual map point before deciding the direction.

Try it

• 1. What direction is the library from the school?
• 2. What direction is the school from the garden?
• 3. What direction is the tower from the school?
• 4. What direction is the station from the library?
• 5. If the entire map is rotated on the page, should you still assume the page’s top edge is north?

Check your answers

• 1. North.
• 2. West.
• 3. Northeast.
• 4. South.
• 5. No. Read the north arrow again. Direction refers to the map’s orientation, not the page edge.

Use directions to remember locations

Add a direction when checking an answer: “Norway is west of Sweden,” or “Estonia is north of Latvia.” That gives you a reason to remember the location. For places with irregular shapes or positions, check the full map rather than relying on a short phrase alone.

• Use directions while locating countries
• Practice a north-to-south country sequence
• Read map symbols next