The idea, step by step
Use the north arrow
The arrow marked N shows north. Here north points towards the top. East is right, south is down and west is left. A map can be turned, so use its north arrow rather than assuming the top always means north.
Direction is not distance
From Home to Pool you travel north along column A. The direction tells which way, while the number of row steps tells how far on the grid. North-east combines movement north and east. It does not mean a specific distance unless the map supplies one.
A common trap
Calling a place “left” without considering how the map is oriented.
Instead: Use the north arrow and cardinal directions when giving a map direction.
See the thinking
Going north
What direction is Pool from Home?
- Both are in column A.
- Pool is above Home on a north-up map.
A diagonal description
What general direction is Shop from Home?
- Shop is to the right of Home.
- Shop is also above Home.
- Combine east with north.
Check your understanding
What direction is Park from Home?
Show answer
East.
They share row 1 and Park lies to the right.
Your turn
6 questions · 7 marks · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- What direction is Home from Park?1 mark
- What direction is School from Park?1 mark
- What direction is Park from School?1 mark
- What general direction is School from Home?1 mark
- Which direction is opposite north-west?1 mark
- Why should you check a north arrow before using the top of a map as north?2 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- What direction is Home from Park?1 mark
Home lies left of Park on the north-up map.
West. - What direction is School from Park?1 mark
School is above Park in column D.
North. - What direction is Park from School?1 mark
Park lies below School.
South. - What general direction is School from Home?1 mark
School lies both north and east of Home.
North-east. - Which direction is opposite north-west?1 mark
Reverse both north and west.
South-east. - Why should you check a north arrow before using the top of a map as north?2 marks
The arrow specifies the direction accurately.
A map may be rotated, so its top is not always north.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics 2026
Letter–number references; positions; directions; pathways.
Official curriculum source ↗