The Basics of Understanding 6 Figure Grid References

The Basics of Understanding 6 Figure Grid References

Have you ever been hiking or camping and needed to read a map in order to find your way back to camp? One essential feature of any map is the grid reference system. At its most basic level, a grid reference is a way to locate a point on a map using a series of numbers or letters.

In this article, we will explore the basics of understanding 6 figure grid references. By the end, you will have a solid grasp of this fundamental map reading skill and be well-prepared for your next outdoor adventure.

What are 6 Figure Grid References?

6 figure grid references are a specific type of grid reference used on Ordnance Survey maps, which are widely used in the United Kingdom. These references provide a more precise location than 4 figure grid references, which only give a general location within a 1-kilometer square on the map.

A 6 figure grid reference includes two sets of three digits that identify a location to within a 100-meter square. The eastings (the first three digits) refer to the horizontal lines on the map, while the northings (the second three digits) refer to the vertical lines. For example, a grid reference of 123456 would mean the location is 123 meters east and 456 meters north of the origin (the bottom left corner) of the grid square.

How to Read 6 Figure Grid References

Reading 6 figure grid references is a straightforward process. First, locate the grid square on the map that the reference refers to. This can be done by looking at the eastings and northings of the reference and finding the corresponding lines on the map.

Once you have located the correct grid square, look for the 100-meter divisions within it. Each 100-meter square is identified by a pair of digits, which can be used in conjunction with the first two digits of the grid reference to pinpoint the exact location.

For example, if your grid reference is 123456, you would first locate the grid square with eastings 120 and northings 450. Next, find the 100-meter square within that grid square that corresponds to the final two digits of the reference, 56. This will identify the exact location on the map.

Examples of 6 Figure Grid References

To give you an idea of how 6 figure grid references are used in practice, let’s look at a few examples.

Grid reference: SU143437
This reference corresponds to a point in a 100-meter square located 1430 meters east and 4370 meters north of the origin of the grid square. This location can be found by locating the grid square with eastings 140 and northings 430, and then finding the 100-meter square within it that corresponds to the final two digits of the reference, 37.

Grid reference: ST925915
This reference corresponds to a point in a 100-meter square located 9250 meters east and 9150 meters north of the origin of the grid square. This location can be found by locating the grid square with eastings 920 and northings 910, and then finding the 100-meter square within it that corresponds to the final two digits of the reference, 15.

Conclusion

Understanding 6 figure grid references is an essential skill for anyone who wants to read a map accurately. By using the two sets of three digits included in a 6 figure grid reference, you can pinpoint any location on an Ordnance Survey map to within a 100-meter square. With this knowledge, you can navigate with confidence on your next outdoor adventure.

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