The idea, step by step
Compare one feature at a time
Two places in the same row are level across the map. Two places in the same column are above or below each other. On this map, Home and Park are both in row 1. Pool and Home are both in column A.
Give enough information
“Near the top” is useful but not an exact grid reference. A complete description can combine a cell with a relative position, such as “the school is in D4, to the right of the pool”. Count column or row steps when the question asks how far apart places are on the grid.
A common trap
Assuming the place with the largest row number is lowest.
Instead: Check the row labels. On this map row 4 is at the top.
See the thinking
Same column
Which named place shares Home’s column?
- Home is in A1.
- Look in column A for another named place.
- Pool is in A4.
Comparing rows
How many row steps separate the shop in C2 and the top row?
- The shop starts in row 2.
- Move to row 3, then row 4.
Check your understanding
Which named places share row 4?
Show answer
Pool and School.
They lie in A4 and D4.
Your turn
6 questions · 7 marks · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Which named places share row 1?1 mark
- Which named places share column D?1 mark
- Is the library above or below the shop on the map?1 mark
- How many column steps separate Pool in A4 from School in D4?1 mark
- A marker is one row above C2 and stays in column C. Give its new reference.1 mark
- Give two different clues that identify Home on the map.2 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- Which named places share row 1?1 mark
Their references are A1 and D1.
Home and Park. - Which named places share column D?1 mark
Their references are D1 and D4.
Park and School. - Is the library above or below the shop on the map?1 mark
Library is in row 3; Shop is in row 2.
Above. - How many column steps separate Pool in A4 from School in D4?1 mark
A to B, B to C, then C to D.
Three. - A marker is one row above C2 and stays in column C. Give its new reference.1 mark
Increase the row number by one but keep the column.
C3. - Give two different clues that identify Home on the map.2 marks
Other correct combinations of unambiguous clues are valid.
For example: it is in A1; it shares a column with Pool and a row with Park.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 / SA Curriculum Mathematics 2026
Letter–number references; positions; directions; pathways.
Official curriculum source ↗