Cardinal Directions

Every map has four main directions called cardinal directions:

• North (N) – points to the top of the map
• South (S) – points to the bottom of the map
• East (E) – points to the right side of the map
• West (W) – points to the left side of the map

On most maps, you will see a North arrow (often marked with the letter "N") that shows which way is north. This arrow helps you determine the direction of other places on the map.

How to Find Direction Between Two Places

To find the direction from one place to another:

1. Locate your starting point on the map
2. Locate your destination on the map
3. Use the North arrow to determine which direction the destination lies from your starting point

Worked Example

Look at the simple school map below:

        NORTH ↑
  ┌─────────────────────────────┐
  │  Classroom │ Classroom │ Store│
  │     IV     │     V     │     │
  ├────────────┼───────────┼─────┤
  │  Classroom │   Office  │Play │
  │     II     │           │ground│
  ├────────────┼───────────┼─────┤
  │  Classroom │   Main   │Foot-│
  │     I      │   Gate   │ball │
  └─────────────────────────────┘

Now answer these questions:

1. What is located to the North of the playground?

   • The classrooms (Classroom I and Classroom II) are located to the North of the playground.

2. In which direction is the football ground from the office?

   • The football ground is to the South of the office.

3. In which direction is Classroom IV from Classroom I?

   • Classroom IV is to the North of Classroom I.

Understanding Map Scale

A scale is a line on the map that shows the relationship between distance on the map and actual distance on the ground. For example, if a map scale says "1 cm = 1 km", it means that 1 centimeter on the map equals 1 kilometer in real life.

Measuring Straight Distance

To measure straight distance on a map:

1. Draw a straight line between your two points
2. Place a ruler or piece of paper along the line
3. Measure the distance in centimeters
4. Use the scale to convert to real distance

Worked Example

Suppose you have a map with a scale of 1:50,000 (that means 1 cm on the map = 50,000 cm in real life).

You measure the distance from your home to the market and find it is 4 cm on the map.

Calculation:

• Distance on ground (in cm) = Map distance × Scale denominator
• Distance on ground = 4 cm × 50,000 = 200,000 cm

To convert to kilometers:

• 100,000 cm = 1 km
• 200,000 cm ÷ 100,000 = 2 km

So the market is 2 kilometers from your home.

Measuring Curved Distance (Roads and Rivers)

Roads and rivers are not straight. To measure curved distance:

1. Use a piece of string or thread
2. Lay the string along the road or river, following all curves
3. Mark the start and end points on the string
4. Place the string along the map scale to find the actual distance

When you know how to read a map, you can give directions to others or follow directions to reach a place.

How to Give Directions

When giving directions using a map:

1. Start from a known landmark (like a school, market, or church)
2. Tell the person which direction to go (North, South, East, or West)
3. Tell them how far to go (in kilometers or by using landmarks they can recognize)
4. Mention any turns they need to make
5. Describe what they will see at the destination

Worked Example

Using the school map above, give directions from the Main Gate to the Store:

From the Main Gate:

• Go North past the office
• Continue North past Classroom II
• The Store is on your right (East side)

How to Follow Instructions

When someone gives you directions:

1. Identify your starting point on the map
2. Follow each step carefully
3. Look for landmarks mentioned
4. Check your direction using the North arrow

• Always look for the North arrow first to orient yourself
• Cardinal directions are North, South, East, and West
• Use the scale to calculate real distances from map measurements
• When giving directions, start from a known landmark
• Straight distance can be measured with a ruler
• Curved distance (roads, rivers) requires string or thread

In everyday life in Tanzania, you can use these map skills when traveling to visit relatives in another village or town. For example, if you are traveling from Dodoma to Morogoro by bus, a map helps you understand the route, estimate how long the journey will take, and know which direction you are heading. You can also use map directions to help direct a visitor to your school or home, or to find the nearest health center or market in your area.