Compass directions, bearings and measuring distance

To use a map in the field you need to say exactly which way to go and how far. Compass points, bearings and careful measuring do the job.

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Compass points

An 8-point compass has north (N), north-east (NE), east (E), south-east (SE), south (S), south-west (SW), west (W) and north-west (NW).
On an OS map, north is at the top. The blue grid lines point to grid north.
To describe direction, always say where you start: 'The church is north-east of the school.'

Bearings

A bearing is a more exact direction. It is an angle measured clockwise from north, written with three figures.
North is 000 degrees, east is 090, south is 180 and west is 270. North-east is 045.
To measure a bearing on a map: draw a line between the two places, put a protractor with 0 on north at the starting place, and read the angle clockwise.
DirectionBearing
N000
NE045
E090
SE135
S180
SW225
W270
NW315

Straight and curved distance

Straight-line distance ('as the crow flies'): measure with a ruler, then use the scale.
Route distance along a winding road or river: lay the straight edge of a piece of paper along the route, turning it at each bend and marking it, or use a piece of string. Then measure the total against the scale line.
On a 1:25,000 map, 4 cm = 1 km. On a 1:50,000 map, 2 cm = 1 km.
Worked example

On a 1:25,000 map, a footpath measures 10 cm along all its bends. How long is the walk?

  1. On a 1:25,000 map, 4 cm = 1 km.
  2. 10 cm / 4 cm = 2.5.
  3. So the walk is 2.5 km.

Answer: 2.5 km

Key idea

There are 8 compass points; describe direction from a starting place. Bearings are measured clockwise from north in three figures (E = 090, S = 180, W = 270). Use a ruler for straight-line distance, and paper or string for curved routes, then convert with the scale.

Key words
Compass directions
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW. Wind direction is named after where the wind comes FROM.
Scale
The link between distance on a map and on the ground. On a 1:50,000 map, 2 cm equals 1 km.

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Common mistakes
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Extra practice

2 more questions

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  1. What is the bearing of due south?

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    Answer: 180 degrees

    Bearings go clockwise from north: east 090, south 180.

  2. What is the bearing of north-east?

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    Answer: 45 degrees

    North-east is halfway between north (0) and east (90): 45.

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Sources and references

Checked by the GCSE-ready editorial team, 23 October 2026. Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

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