Direction
Using Compass Points to Describe Locations and Navigate Between Points on Maps and Floor Plans
In Grade 10 Mathematical Literacy, Direction is a key sub-topic under "Maps, plans and other representations of the physical world." It focuses on using compass points to describe locations and navigating between points on various types of maps and floor plans.
Compass Directions Overview
You are expected to identify and use the 16 cardinal and intermediate points of a compass. This is essential for giving or following directions accurately in both natural and built environments.
Direction Classification
Compass Direction System
16-Point Compass Rose
N ? NNE ? NE ? ENE ? E ? ESE ? SE ? SSE ? S ? SSW ? SW ? WSW ? W ? WNW ? NW ? NNW ? N
The compass is divided into 16 points that provide increasingly precise direction references. Starting with the four cardinal points, each subdivision creates more specific directional indicators for accurate navigation.
Compass Point Categories
True North vs. Magnetic North
True North (TN)
The direction toward the geographic North Pole. Maps are almost always oriented toward True North. This is a fixed reference point based on Earth's axis of rotation.
Magnetic North (MN)
The direction a physical compass needle points, which aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. This location shifts over time as the Earth's magnetic field changes.
Magnetic Declination
The angular difference between True North and Magnetic North. In South Africa, this difference is significant and must be accounted for when using maps with compasses.
Example (South Africa): Typically between 8� and 28� West
Practical Application
When using a map (oriented to True North) with a compass (points to Magnetic North), you must adjust for magnetic declination to navigate accurately.
Interactive Direction Challenge
Compass Rose Visualizer
Select a direction to see its position on the compass and learn its properties.
Scale and Direction Calculator
Practice combining direction finding with scale calculations.
Giving and Following Directions
Relative Direction
Describing a position from a starting point using compass directions. This fundamental skill helps establish spatial relationships between objects or locations.
Classroom: "Your friend is sitting North of you" means if you face North, your friend is directly in front of you.
Map Context: "The school is East of the library" means from the library facing East, the school is in that direction.
Route Descriptions
Using landmarks and street names alongside compass directions to create clear, navigable instructions from one point to another.
Start at corner of Main Street and First Avenue
Travel North on Main Street for 2 blocks to Oak Avenue
Turn East into Oak Avenue and continue for 1 block
Post office is on the North-East corner of Oak Avenue and Second Street
Floor Plans
Navigating internal layouts like shopping malls, stadiums, or buildings where you combine directional terms with compass points for clear instructions.
Identify compass rose on floor plan
Combine "left/right" with compass directions based on your facing direction
Example: "Enter through South entrance, walk North past information desk"
Application with Scale
Example 1: Park Map
On a park map, picnic area at A, lake at B. Scale 1:10,000 (1 cm = 100 m).
Solution
Lake is 4 cm North-East of picnic area ? 4 � 100 = 400 m NE
Example 2: Town Map
Library at X, school at Y. Bar scale shows 2 cm = 500 m.
Solution
School is 3.5 cm South-West of library ? 3.5 � 250 = 875 m SW
Example 3: Hiking Trail
Scale 1:25,000 (1 cm = 0.25 km). Trail: 6 cm N, then 4 cm E.
Solution
North leg: 1.5 km, East leg: 1.0 km ? Total = 2.5 km
Direction Finding Framework
Orient the Map or Plan
Identify the compass rose or North direction indicator on the map.
Locate Starting Point and Destination
Identify both points on the map. Mark them clearly.
Determine Direction
Draw an imaginary line from start to destination. Using compass rose, determine the direction.
Measure Distance
Measure straight-line distance between points using a ruler.
Calculate Actual Distance
Apply map scale to convert measured distance to real-world distance.
Assessment Focus Areas
Compass Directions
Identify and use all 16 cardinal and intermediate points correctly.
Key Skills
- Name all 16 compass points
- Determine direction between points
- Use correct notation (N, NNE, NE, etc.)
True vs Magnetic North
Understand difference and apply magnetic declination.
Key Skills
- Define True North and Magnetic North
- Interpret magnetic declination
- Convert between map and compass bearings
Route Descriptions
Describe routes using compass directions, landmarks, and street names.
Key Skills
- Write clear route descriptions
- Interpret given directions
- Navigate floor plans and maps
Scale Integration
Combine direction finding with scale calculations.
Key Skills
- Measure map distances accurately
- Apply bar and numeric scales
- Calculate real distances with direction
CAPS Curriculum Requirements
Knowledge and Understanding
- Understand the 16-point compass system
- Distinguish between True and Magnetic North
- Explain magnetic declination concepts
- Recognize direction symbols on maps
Skills and Applications
- Determine directions between locations
- Give and follow route descriptions
- Navigate using maps and floor plans
- Integrate direction with scale calculations
Real-World Contexts
- Street maps and directional signage
- Shopping mall and building floor plans
- Hiking and tourist maps
- Site plans for events and venues
