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Description

Plot routes on maps of different scales, and learn how to pick the right map for the right task.

From Scouts.org.uk
https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/scale-it-up/

I do not take any credit for this activity

Resources

Scrap paper
Pens or pencils
Local, waterproof OS maps of scale 1:25000 and 1:50000, or printed sheets of the same local map pages
Waterproof map cases, if needed
Tables and chairs, if needed
Whiteboard marker and cleaner
Paper towels

Instructions

Before you begin:
- Photocopy or print a section from the local 1:25000 map. Draw a route on it that follows footpaths and roads with right of access. This should come full circle, starting and finishing in the same place.
- Check that your maps for this activity have the location of your meeting place on them. If not, find some that do.
- Set out both types of local map (1:25000 and 1:50000), whiteboard pens, paper and writing materials around your meeting place.

Route Drawing:
- Split everyone into small groups of no more than four. Each group should go and sit by some maps, pens and paper.
- Explain that everyone will be creating a set of directions for another group to follow. When followed, these should become a route on a map. Show everyone the example route created earlier and explain that their finished route should look like that, but a different shape.
The directions should be clear and easy to follow. Imagine a sat nav in a car or on someone’s phone: ‘Head north-east on the path for one kilometre.’
- Groups should lay out both their maps so everyone can see. Discuss the differences between the maps. Think about the scenarios in which you might choose one of the maps over the other. Think about the level of detail, size of area covered and the colours.
More information on map scales can be found here. https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/understanding-map-scales/
- Have everyone fold up the 1:50000 maps for now, and orientate the 1:25000 maps by turning them to show the same direction you’re facing. If anyone knows which way north is, they should point the top of their map that way.
- As groups, they should decide on a route. Pick a place to start and end, and write down its six-figure grid reference on some paper. Next, begin writing the route directions, using specific instructions rather than road or place names (for example, ‘go left’ instead of ‘head down the high street’).
If the maps are in waterproof cases, they could draw the route onto the map with whiteboard pens. Use this to help write the directions, but remember to wipe it off when you’re done.
- When everyone’s finished their directions, they should swap them with another group. Using the 1:25000 map in a waterproof case, follow the directions using the whiteboard marker on the map.
- Unfold and case the 1:50000 map, and follow the same set of directions on this map. Remember to orientate it first!
When everyone’s done this, place all the maps in the centre of the activity area. Both of each group’s maps should be next to one another.
- See if anyone can explain why the pictures are different sizes. Ask the group which map they found the easiest to use, and which one they’d take if they were going on a hike around the local area.

Tags

• map scale
• Navigation Skills
• orienteering
• scale

Badge Links

• Navigator - Equipment
• Navigator - OS Maps
• Navigator - Use map
• Orienteer - Set map