Map grids: letters, numbers and a destination

Give a place an address

A grid gives a place a short address. In this example, columns have letters and rows have numbers. Read the column first, then the row. The marker is in column B and row two, so its address is B two. No envelope or stamp is needed.

Read the directions on this map

For this practice map, columns A, B, and C run from west to east. Rows one, two, and three run from south to north. We have stated the directions because not every drawing uses the same arrangement. Check the map's labels before you move.

Move north without moving east

Start at B two and move one square north. Stay in column B and change the row from two to three. Your new address is B three. You have not moved into column C, because that would be a move east. Change only the part that matches your move.

Trace an eastward route

Start at A two and move east along row two. One move brings you to B two. A second move brings you to C two. Count the moves between squares, not the number of squares you name. There are three named places along this route, but only two moves.

Pause at the center marker

Find the center marker at B two. Pause and predict its address after one move south. Remember that row numbers increase toward north on this map. Which row would be one step south of row two, and would the column change?

Keep the letter, change the row

One square south from B two is B one. The column remains B and the row decreases from two to one. Check by reversing the trip: one move north from B one takes you back to B two. A return trip is a useful way to check your route.

Different routes, same endpoint

Fun fact: on this open grid, moving east then north can reach the same place as moving north then east. From A one, both routes finish at B two. Their middle squares differ. Real maps may have barriers, so always check whether both routes are allowed.

Find the neighborhood places

Continue to the neighborhood worksheet. Its key tells you where the library, school, park, pond, and garden belong. Use that key, then trace each move on a small grid. Keep the column and row order clear, and count moves from square to square.