A Simple Guide: How to Read a Map in the UK

If you’ve just moved to the UK, it’s normal to feel a little lost — literally! Whether you're heading to a job interview, trying to get to your new school, or just finding your way around town, understanding how to read a map is a big help.

Here’s a quick and friendly guide on how to read maps like a local.

📱 1. Most People Use Google Maps – So Should You

These days, almost everyone in the UK uses Google Maps on their phone. It shows you how to get from place to place, whether you're walking, driving, or using public transport. It even tells you what buses or trains to take and when they'll arrive.

How to use it:

Open the Google Maps app

Type the place you want to go (name, postcode, or address)

Tap “Directions”

Choose if you’re walking, driving, or using the bus

Follow the blue line and listen to the voice guide

Bonus Tip: Save places like your home or work for quick access later.

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🗺️ 2. Paper Maps Are Still Around (Especially in Jobs)

Sometimes your employer (especially in care work, delivery, or hospitals) may give you an A–Z map — a paper map that lists all the streets.

Here’s how to use it:

Find the name of the street in the index

Next to it, you’ll see a grid code (like “C4”)

Use the grid on the map to locate the street

It takes a little practice, but it’s a good skill to have — especially if your phone battery runs out!

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🚇 3. Reading Transport Maps (Tube, Train, Bus)

In big cities like London, Birmingham, or Manchester, you'll see bus and train maps all over stations and bus stops. These are usually colour-coded and look a bit like puzzles at first, but they’re easy once you know what to look for.

Each line is a different colour

Each dot or circle is a stop or station

Arrows show which direction the bus or train is going

Some stations have transfer points (where you change lines)

Need help? Apps like TfL Go in London or National Rail are helpful and free.

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🔍 4. Map Symbols You Should Know

Symbol Meaning

🔵 Blue dot Your current location

📍 Red pin Your destination

🚌 Bus icon Bus stop

🚇 Train icon Train/Tube station

🏠 House Your saved home location

Also, always pay attention to postcode areas (like WV6 9NB). They’re very useful in the UK — they can take you directly to a building or front door!

🚶 5. Practice Makes Perfect

The more you use maps, the easier it becomes. Try using Google Maps on short walks. Or challenge yourself to find a location using a paper map just once a week. Over time, you’ll build confidence — and you’ll be the one helping others with

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📚 References

1. Google Maps Help. (n.d.). Get directions and navigation. Retrieved from: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/144339

2. Transport for London (TfL). (n.d.). How to travel around London. Retrieved from: https://tfl.gov.uk

3. Ordnance Survey. (n.d.). Map reading skills. Retrieved from: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

4. Collins Maps. (n.d.). A-Z Street Atlases. Retrieved from: https://www.collins.co.uk

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Disclaimer: This blog post includes assistance from an AI language model (ChatGPT by OpenAI) for drafting and editing. Final content was reviewed and customized by the author.