Practical NGR reference example
If you find yourself without a large-scale map of the area, and/or without a ruler or grid on tracing paper, here is a quick tip for taking a grid reference as accurately as possible from a 1:25,000 map.
Mark the findspot on your map.
Figure 9: Reference point marked using maroon square, in the proximity of Springwell Farm.
Then take a scrap of paper with a straight edge, and line up the findspot on this edge parallel to one of the horizontal lines of the grid. Mark the findspot on the paper, and mark the grid line to the west.
Figure 10: Paper scrap aligned with the reference point.
At the top or bottom of the map you will find a scale of the lines 0-9 within the grid square. Bring your scrap of paper up or down to this scale, and read off the more precise grid reference; this will give you the easting.
Figure 11: Demonstration of the Easting plotted on the paper scrap.
Repeat holding the scrap of paper with the straight edge vertically, marking the distance between the grid line to the south and your findspot.
Figure 12: Preparation to take the Northing from the right-hand scale.
Read off the numbers on the scale at the edge of the map to get the northing.
Figure 13: Easting and Northing readings shown on paper.
You can get a very accurate six-figure NGR this way, or a fairly accurate eight-figure NGR.
