Ordnance Survey maps are always printed so that north is at the top of the map. Most maps have a scale. These help us to work out distances on maps. This is given by the scale statement (eg 1: ...

divide both parts of the scale by 5 The scale will now give the real distance represented by 1 unit on the map. The scale states that 5 cm represents 2 km. Both parts of the scale (5 cm and 2 km ...

but it can also help you determine the distance between points on any map. But don't worry - this doesn't require you to estimate using that scale reference that shows up at the bottom of the ...