map grid
Navigation reference squares
A map grid is a network of horizontal and vertical lines overlaid on a map, creating a coordinate system for locating specific points.
The grid divides the map into squares or rectangles, each identified by numbers or letters along the edges.
Military and topographic maps rely heavily on grid systems, allowing users to communicate precise locations: Give me the map grid coordinates for the extraction point.
Grid references typically combine a letter-number designation that pinpoints a location within the larger mapped area.
- northingMovement toward the pole
- eastingDistance moved toward sunrise
- UTMCartographic coordinate system
- latitudeGeographic or personal freedom
- longitudeEast-west angular distance
navigation · projection · graticule · military strategy · Cartesian coordinates · tessellation · cartographer · topographic maps · military maps · land surveying · contour lines · quadrant · triangulation · plotting · bearing · lines · terrain · terrain features
- gridsmatrix, lattice, mesh, raster, checkerboard
- mapmakingcartographer, mapmaker, compass rose, topographer, surveyor
- map gridsgraticule, UTM, gridlines, easting, northing
- placescity, town, village, hamlet, building
- Latitudesequator, Arctic Circle, Antarctic Circle, North Pole, South Pole
- reference systemsDewey Decimal, library system, filing system, catalog, database
map gridmap legend
Symbol explanation box
key · legend · map key · scale bar · compass rose