The idea, step by step
Landmarks help us find places
A landmark is an easy-to-recognise feature, such as a gate, pond or playground. Its label helps you locate it on a map.
Choose fixed features that someone can find again. A moving dog is not a reliable landmark.
Make the route clear
Name the starting place, the landmarks to pass and the finishing place. “Go over there” is not clear enough without pointing.
On this park map, north is up. Always check the arrow if you use directions such as north or south.
A common trap
Forgetting the starting place or using a moving object as the main landmark.
Instead: Use fixed, labelled places and say where to begin.
See the thinking
Find the middle landmark
Which landmark is between the playground and garden in the top row?
- Read that row from left to right.
- The middle feature is labelled Pond.
Describe a route
Describe a route along the bottom row from gate to kiosk.
- Start at the gate on the left.
- Go right, past the bench, to the kiosk.
Check your understanding
Why is a gate a useful landmark?
Show answer
It is a recognisable fixed feature.
People can find it again on another visit.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Which landmark is in the top-right part of the park?
- What landmark is directly above the bench?
- Name a landmark passed along the bottom row from gate to kiosk.
- Which is more reliable as a landmark: a permanent bridge or a passing cyclist? Explain.
- Describe a route along the top row from playground to garden.
- On this map, do you go north or south from the gate towards the playground?
Read the worked solutions
- Which landmark is in the top-right part of the park?
Find the right-hand feature of the top row.
The garden. - What landmark is directly above the bench?
They are in the middle column.
The pond. - Name a landmark passed along the bottom row from gate to kiosk.
It lies between the gate and kiosk.
The bench. - Which is more reliable as a landmark: a permanent bridge or a passing cyclist? Explain.
The bridge stays in one place; the cyclist moves.
A permanent bridge. - Describe a route along the top row from playground to garden.
Name the start, the landmark passed and the finish.
Go right from the playground, past the pond, to the garden. - On this map, do you go north or south from the gate towards the playground?
The north arrow points up, towards the playground.
North.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum
Bird's-eye representations; landmarks; relative position; making plans.
Official curriculum source ↗