wow, I think we should, or the idea was just about reading and using topi maps. Using Lat/Long is rare in Australia, and especially at the recreational end.
You just have to remember that a grid reference is either 4, 6, 8 or a 10 figure ref. Divide the reference into two groups at the centre. This gives you the two easting and northing references. So a grid ref of 45671234, is divided 4567 and 1234.
Remember that applying the reference to a map, is like dating a woman, you have to come across before you go up, so the first group of digits are easting which are across the bottom of the map, the first two digits of the group represent the easting line ie. 45 then you locate the northing by locating the first two digits of the second group ie. 12. You now have a grid square.
The next you take the third digit of each group and divide the grid square into 10, this digit represents the distance of division with in the grid square, You do this to both 3rd digits.
The fourth digit is repeating step two(as with the third digit) but the subdivision is of the square represented by 6 & 3
It would be rare for most people to use 8 or 10 figure grid references, these take skill to be able to tabulate, I would work on 6 figure only. Attached is a Map protractor available from most map shops for a couple of bucks, essential if your using paper maps. Well worth the investment and you will note that on the inside they provide you with a scale tool for different scale maps to be able to plot the 3rd reference.
simple, would be even simpler if I scanned it the right way up, use your imagination
