• Map Reading

Free Map Reading Guides

By OS Team

Published on 1 min read

OS Maps App - best for UK Hikers

Map Reading Guides

Learn to map read for free with these guides from National Map Reading Week, which aims to inspire people of all ages and interests to get outside, find adventure and make memories. Reading a map can take you off the main paths and discover new places – we’re here to help you learn how!


Map reading quiz

Map reading certificate

Map reading guides

Download our free map reading leaflets: Map reading made easy for children and Map reading – beginners to advanced for adults or teenagers. You can even print or save them to your phone!

Map reading for beginners

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Beginner’s map reading skills

Do you know what contour lines are? Can you use a basic compass? Would you like to know how you can measure distance on a map? Our collection of beginner’s map reading guides will help get you started in no time.

Advanced map reading skills

Men in the outdoors reading a map
Advanced map reading skills

Already got the basics but want to improve your navigation in difficult situations? Learn how to pinpoint your location when lost and read contours to identify the terrain. Check out our advanced map reading guides.

Remember

It’s recommended you carry a paper map as a back up to any digital mapping on your device. Buy any OS Explorer or Landranger paper map and save 15% on a waterproof map case or an OS Compass including the all new OS Mirror Compass.

Map reading for kids

Instil a love of the outdoors that will last a lifetime. From toddlers to teenagers, teaching children about maps at any age will set them up for future adventures and keep them safe. Our extensive range of map reading guides especially for kids will help.

father and son map reading 

Map reading skills for children

More on map reading

Map symbols

A collection of topographic maps
Understand map symbols

Do you know what every symbol, line and colour means on an OS Map? This guide to map symbols will help you better understand a map, do you know where you can go and what you can do there. 

Teaching resources

Family reading a map
Map reading educational resources

Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, take a look at our Education Resources for project ideas and teaching aids, plus find games to play in our fun MapZone area.

Shaun the Sheep’s Countryside Code

Shaun the sheep

With the help of Shaun the Sheep, find out more about how you can enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

OS Maps how to guides

Check out our 10-part how-to video guides for everything you need to know about using OS Maps.

OS Maps digital

Get on and offline access to all 607 leisure maps in the palm of your hand and choose from hundreds of thousands of routes or create your own. 

Map reading fun

Help kids learn more about the outdoors and become a map reading expert the OS Kids Adventure Book.

Packed full of fun puzzles and challenges to keep them entertained for hours. This book is perfect for kids aged eight and older and helps take map reading offline.

Adcenture book
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By OS Team

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Digital Maps

Use OS Maps to see more detail including footpaths, bridleways, cycle tracks and rights of way.

Use world-renowned Ordnance Survey mapping with unlimited use of every OS Explorer and OS Landranger map for the whole of Great Britain. That’s instant access to 607 maps to view, print, or download to your phone – all included in your subscription.

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EXPLORE THE

OS Shop

Use OS Maps to see more detail including footpaths, bridleways, cycle tracks and rights of way.

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