OS map skills Compass points

Revise how to read and understand Ordnance Survey maps with this BBC Bitesize Scotland geography revision guide for Fourth Level in Scotland's CfE.

Part ofGeographyGeography skills

Compass points

The points of a compass

Compass points are vital for finding your way around a map. There are many ways to remember where each direction goes.

You probably learnt a rhyme or a phrase to help you remember - if not, here's one now. Starting at the top and moving clockwise the directions on a compass or map are: -

  • North - Naughty
  • East - Elephants
  • South - Squirt
  • West - Water

Remember: the word WE is spelt if you have west and east the correct way around!