How is a grid reference derived from the map grid?

• A. A numeric location on a map used to pinpoint a point of interest.
• B. A color code indicating terrain type.
• C. The distance between two known features.
• D. The name of the nearest town on the map.

Answer: (D)

A grid reference is created by using the map’s grid lines to pin down a location with numbers. Each point sits inside a grid square defined by easting (how far to the east) and northing (how far to the north) from the map’s origin. By reading the easting and northing values at the location and putting those digits together, you obtain a numeric coordinate that uniquely identifies that spot. On more precise maps you add more digits to subdivide the square for greater accuracy, but the principle remains: you derive coordinates from the grid, not from a town name, color code, or a distance between features.